Business and Fashion Spotlight with Visionary Designer: LooksbyNaheemah!
What does fearlessness mean to you? How do you cultivate courage in your daily life? Is it a big action? A small one? Maybe something in between? Is there someone in your life who empowers you to hone in on your most fearless energy? Today’s blog post is all about someone who I find to be truly in touch with their courage, work ethic, and of course — fearlessness.
Naheemah Azor also known as LooksbyNaheemah, constantly experiments with what she creates and why she creates it. Every action resulting in an even larger understanding of the course of her destiny. The fearlessness to live her best life regardless of external factors is evident in everything that she does. Naheemah is not the person to leave things to chance, she is supremely solution-oriented. If there is ever a problem, she is the person to solve it. It is my hope that her experience will propel you to courageously embrace every aspect of your life. Naheemah and I first met at FIDM, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, at a sorority mixer of all things. My immediate and constant impression of her is that she is an industrious young woman who exudes an infinite amount of grace and professionalism. Naheemah thrives with challenging herself. Infact, she doesn’t set limits for herself or anyone that she involves herself with. She invigorates others to experiment with their creativity and leads by example. She has fully developed her recipe for success and is always perfecting it along the way. Collaborating with Naheemah has brought much joy to my life, and I am constantly enthused with how prolific and optimal she is with every idea or endeavour that strikes the moment. Naheemah recently graduated from the Fashion Design program at FIDM, and is currently embarking upon her advanced degree in International Manufacturing and Product Development (IMPD).
It is my great pleasure to formally introduce you to Miss. Naheemah Azor, LooksbyNaheemah! Take it away, beauty…
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Tell us about yourself and your latest endeavors!
“My name is Naheemah Azor and I am a fashion designer, beauty enthusiast, and fashion content creator.
My goal is to spread positivity in all facets of what I do in life, whether that is through volunteer work, the content I create, or the clothing I design.”
You truly are always working, what projects are you focused on now?
Naheemah Azor: “I am currently launching Naheemah Azor Designs which is where I share my handmade apparel and accessories. My motto is ‘where fashion meets function,’ which is truly what I believe clothing needs to be. I offer fashionable and functional face masks in a wide variety of colors, fabrications, and add on elements. We just launched a line of satin face masks and scrunches that I am really excited to share with you. A little birdie told me that we will also be launching a line of corsets very soon!”
Naheemah Azor: “Our face masks are 100% cotton which allows for comfort and breathability. I am also proud of the built in filter pocket and adjustable nose wire that allows for optimal function. I can’t wait to see you in our masks, apparel, and other accessories soon.”
Which of your projects is the most important to you, why?
Naheemah Azor: “Every project I work on is something that I am truly proud of. I believe in putting my all into what I do and that can come off as being a perfectionist a lot of the time. One of my most recent projects was one in which I highlight Black Owned Businesses from across the African Diaspora. It is so important to uplift and support black owned businesses. Unfortunately, many business owners that just so happen to be black face a plethora of obstacles in their path that others do not have to face. This is why it is imperative that we educate ourselves on not only which black owned businesses are in our local communities, but also how we can monetarily support. I wanted to create a resource for people to actually see what products are out there in the fashion and beauty space. It is my way of doing my part in promoting and supporting fellow black entrepreneurs on their journey. I encourage people to go watch the video to educate yourself to find new and exciting brands to shop from!”
What are your business and design philosophies? How do they intertwine?
Naheemah Azor: “I believe in positivity, transparency, and celebration. As I mentioned before, my goal is to spread positivity in all facets of my life including in my business. Each product is created with love in a positive work environment and I hope that energy transfers to my customers. I also believe in being transparent with my audience and in my creative process. I try to be as honest and unbiased as possible in my videos, in order to give the best advice possible. At the end of the day I am human and I hope that comes across through the screen. Finally, I also believe in celebrating my culture and ancestry with the world. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a proud black Haitian woman and I’ll never let anyone forget it!”
What are the top traits that every entrepreneur should have?
Naheemah Azor: ”I believe every entrepreneur needs to be flexible; not in body, but instead in mind. You need to be able to adapt and bend in certain circumstances or else you and your business will snap. On the other hand you need to be firm in your beliefs and vision for your brand. This is necessary because quite literally you will be your biggest fan for a while. At the end of the day there is no perfect sauce to being an entrepreneur, but I do believe it is something everyone should try at least once in their life. It is liberating.”
What drives you to keep going when things get tough?
Naheemah Azor: “Directly in relation to the previous question, what drives me is my passion for what I create. I believe in it so deeply that the hard times just add fuel to the fire that is my determination!”
What is your absolute dream job?
Naheemah Azor: “My ultimate goal is to run my own fashion empire. My brand will be a household name, I am speaking that into existence!”
What advice would you have for someone interested in being an entrepreneur?
Naheemah Azor: “Be well prepared before you launch. Have everything together whether it be your materials, merchandise, branding, any and everything. Make sure that you are ready because first impressions are crucial.”
How would you describe your style?
Naheemah Azor: “I would describe my personal style as alternative pop. It is very classic with an edge to it, and it is very influenced by my mood that day.”
How has the pandemic influenced your style? What are you wearing more of?
Naheemah Azor: “The pandemic has led me to really go for comfort above anything else. We are at home a lot more often and that has led me to grab my loungewear pieces (joggers, hoodies, oversized tees, slides, etc) more often.”
What’s one thing you must add to your wardrobe now?
Naheemah Azor: “Well a face mask of course. It is very important to stay safe during these times and you can get one exclusively at https://www.etsy.com/shop/NaheemahAzorDesigns !”
What does a socially just society look like in America?
Naheemah Azor: “An America that I want to see is one in which our cultures and differences are celebrated. A country that acknowledges its past without erasing it and works actively towards dismantling white supremacy. A country where equity is achieved so that we are all given the opportunity to live “the American dream” however that looks like in the future. There is a lot of work to do and that starts today. I encourage everyone to do your part.”
What advice do you have for allies?
Naheemah Azor: “What it means to be an ally is ever evolving so I encourage allies to evolve with it. Stay up to date on current information and never stop educating yourself. You must use your privilege (race, gender, sexuality, color, able bodies, etc) to advocate and uplift marginalized communities. Also remember that as an ally it is not your job to speak for us, but instead amplify our voices so that we can share our narrative. It all starts with you, and how you tackle any racism in your family in order to truly be anti-racist.”
Anything else you’d like to add?
Lets continue the conversation!
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP4ajMpBj7lRr52bXpi-Eig
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/looksbynaheemah/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/looksbynaheemah/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@looksbynaheemah
Shop Naheemah Azor Designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NaheemahAzorDesigns
Instagram Shop: https://www.instagram.com/nah
How are you going to embrace fearlessness right now? What did you think of Naheemah’s interview? Do you have any further questions that you would like to ask her?
Have you tried any of the Black owned brands that she mentioned?
Please feel free to comment here or reach out on any of our social platforms! We would love to hear from you, and of course support you!
Always remember that your mission in life is to love yourself. Love every part of you, and know that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to!
XOXO
Works Cited
Azor, Naheemah. Personal Interview. September 01, 2020.