Nubia Merriman of Hamilton on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Nubia Merriman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Nubia, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely — I would hire me. I bring a unique combination of retail expertise, business ownership experience, strong customer service skills, and a genuine passion for fashion. I’ve managed inventory, vendor relations, purchasing, trend forecasting, and day-to-day operations through my own boutique, which has taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to deliver results even under pressure.

I’m also someone who builds strong relationships with customers and colleagues, leads with integrity, and brings creativity and long-term thinking to every role.

Now… if I’m being honest — yes, I can run a few minutes late sometimes (fashionably late, of course). But the joke is that once I’m in the building, I work twice as hard to make up for the two minutes I wasn’t! My work ethic, reliability, and commitment to excellence always outweigh the occasional tardiness, and I’ve grown significantly in managing my time more effectively.

In short, I would hire me because I’m skilled, driven, passionate, continuously improving, and I bring value everywhere I go — with a little humour and personality on top.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nubia, and I’m the founder of BDRCK, a Black-owned boutique based in Hamilton. I specialize in curating high-quality streetwear, footwear, and accessories, partnering with brands like New Balance, Champion, and Fila to bring my community timeless pieces that blend style, comfort, and individuality.

What makes BDRCK special is the intention behind every decision — from the products I choose to the way I interact with customers. I believe fashion should feel personal, elevated, and accessible, and I’ve built my boutique around quality over quantity, craftsmanship, and long-lasting style. As a business owner, I handle everything from buying and inventory control to trend forecasting and customer experience, which keeps me deeply connected to every part of the process.

My story is rooted in resilience, creativity, and community. I’m passionate about representation, entrepreneurship, and building a brand that not only sells clothes but inspires confidence and connection. Right now, I’m focused on expanding BDRCK’s presence — improving our digital experience, producing more curated drops, and continuing to grow the brand both locally and beyond.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my mom. She has always been the person who believed in me long before I believed in myself. Even when I’m hard on myself or hold impossibly high expectations, she sees me with a kind of clarity and compassion that reminds me of my worth.

She’s the one who instilled in me the importance of integrity — that your word and your actions matter more than anything. She also passed down her perfectionism, her strength, her determination, and her incredible work ethic. And yes, I’ll admit it… I definitely inherited my tardiness from her too — but even that comes from a place of doing *everything* with care.

My mom shaped not just how I see myself, but how I move through the world: with intention, resilience, and a heart that leads first. She’s been my example, my motivation, and the steady reminder that I’m capable of so much more than I give myself credit for.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely — more than once. Running a business comes with an unspeakable amount of pressure, and there were moments when it felt like everything was on my shoulders with no escape. When I first moved to Hamilton, I was in a completely new environment, and opening a store felt like stepping into uncharted territory. The first and second year were especially tough. I genuinely questioned whether I could keep going.

There was a point where I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. The challenges felt constant, and without many positive outlets or a clear work-life balance, the business quickly became my entire identity. It consumed me. But what kept me grounded was my dad. His work ethic, his energy, and his unwavering support reminded me that I wasn’t alone, and that I *was* capable, even when I doubted myself.

Those small glimpses of hope — the people who cheer you on, the moments of progress, the reminder that you’re building something meaningful — are what pulled me through. It taught me the importance of finding balance, surrounding myself with people who root for my success, and trusting that the hardest seasons often lead to the strongest versions of yourself.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies the retail and fashion industry tells itself is that it’s somehow insulated from the economy.

We love to pretend that people will always buy, always spend, and always keep up with trends — but the truth is, fashion is deeply tied to financial reality. When the economy slows down, consumers immediately adjust: they buy less, they look for cheaper alternatives, and their priorities shift. Retail doesn’t like to admit that.

Another lie is that brick-and-mortar stores don’t matter anymore.
Post-COVID, everyone rushed to say e-commerce is the future — and yes, online is powerful. But physical retail still holds value. Connection, experience, community, and discovery can’t be fully replicated online. The industry sometimes exaggerates the “death of retail” narrative without acknowledging that many stores are still expanding, evolving, and finding new ways to stay relevant.

**And with all this growth, the industry rarely discusses the nuances behind it.**
A new store opening doesn’t automatically mean success. Location, timing, culture, local needs, and financial strategy all matter. Sometimes growth is so rapid that you can’t help but question if it’s strategic or just reactive — expansion without substance can collapse just as quickly as it rises.

At the core, fashion is always in constant cultural change.

If you don’t understand what people want — and why they want it — you’ll misread the market entirely. Trends don’t just shift because they look good; they shift because people’s lives, priorities, and financial realities shift.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, the first thing I’d stop doing is worrying about the uncontrollable.

So much of life gets wasted stressing over things that are out of our hands — timing, other people’s decisions, the “what ifs,” and the unknowns. I’d release all of that. Instead, I’d focus on being present, intentional, and grounded in what I *can* influence: my growth, my relationships, my creativity, my purpose, and the joy I bring to others.

Letting go of the uncontrollable would make space for more living, more loving, more creating — and more peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bdrck-inc.ca
• Instagram: Bdrck.inc
• Facebook: Bdrck.inc