Stephanie Nunn, 57, Cleveland
Founder and designer of the couture knitwear Nadira Collection, on executive board of Prevent Blindness-Ohio, advocate for the visually impaired community, member of committee of Women of the NAACP and a gospel singer.
Background:
I was born with a degenerative eye disease and I'm legally blind. I've just had an implant in one eye after I lost sight. It just gives me light again, instead of being completely dark. The other eye is also legally blind, but corrected to a point but I still have vision issues. I can only drive during certain times and only in my neighborhood. I was working in operations management at the Cleveland Clinic. I kept it to myself and tried to keep working until it got too bad. I left there while I was still in school. I kept up with school and now have my master's in public administration.
Crochet:
It's something I have always done. It's something I did to pass my time as a child. I went to sight saving school and learned to crochet and work with my hands. Today I crochet and I sew basic pieces like the black dress I wore today.
Fashion connection:
It started as less about fashion and more about the people in my life wanting me to make things. After I left the Clinic, I withdrew for a while and I needed a boost. I was almost steering away from it but they pushed me to design things. I entered a competition in 2006 and won first place, the prize was some great quality machines. I entered another competition and won a trip to Paris. Then, I won another and on it went. I was inspired and confident. I'm trying to be an example and an advocate for the visually impaired.
Nadira Collection:
My one-of-a-kind pieces are wearable art, like body jewelry. I use gold wire, crystal, pearls and glass beads. When you walk in a room, they show your personality. I've even sold pieces right off my back at a church event. I make something for anyone who dares to be rare and I design every day.
Starting a company:
I had my first fashion show while I was still working at the Cleveland Clinic. It was at the Cleveland Sight Center. I didn't talk about my sight degenerating. If it was snowing, I took three buses to work and I crocheted. That made it OK. I participated in other shows and did my next solo show after I left the Clinic in 2014. That's when I say it really began for me. The Clinic has continued to support my efforts. They even gifted me the use of the InterContinental ballroom for a fashion show. I auditioned for Project Runway in 2008. I met Tim Gunn, I was so nervous. I didn't make it; I wasn't over-the-top-enough. They sent me out a side door where I met another producer and auditioned for another competition and eventually won a trip to Paris. It was fate. I was a featured designer in a show in New York City in April. Today, I sell through my website, www.nadira.org, by word of mouth and by appointment.
Style:
As for my own style, I'm out-of-the-box always. I haven't always been that way. Once I started to learn who I was and what my purpose was, I became more comfortable being rare. I'm inspired by sci-fi. I'll always put my spin on something. I love the era of the Greek goddess. I also pull inspiration from an African and Caribbean standpoint. I look at style from a queendom perspective.
Shopping:
I don't go to malls but I will go to boutiques. I make much of the things I wear. I got to Fashions by Fowler at Shaker Square. I shop for fabric in Amish country, a place called Zinck's Fabric Outlet in Millersburg and I've been to Mood in New York City.
Influencers:
My influencers aren't designers but the real people who aspire to be excellent. I'm influenced by people in my life like my husband Michael, I'm thankful for his strength and support. I'm also influenced by designer Ralph Lauren and by Oprah. I listen and look for the queen in all of my females.
Interests:
History, especially African history. I also like theology and art, women's rights and horticulture. Friends, family, my husband of 19 years and our two sons and four grandchildren. I'm a busy nana.
Inspiration:
My love and passion for fashion inspire me as does the challenge to succeed, to do this despite my eyes. I am inspired to be a good example to others with visual impairments. Sometimes, even completing the simplest piece gives me a sense of pride. As for my work, it's also inspired by Mad Max, science fiction and old Roman movies.
Rules:
Finish! I have to finish it, whatever I'm working on. I almost dropped out of school when I left the Clinic. I didn't realize how down I was until I didn't want to talk to anyone. Now, I finish every project.
Advice:
Despite your circumstances, live your life based on the terms provided to you. The approach might be different but the goal should be the same. Don't stop. I mentor people who are visually impaired, I help them and when I need help, I get some back. I have a strong team of people.
Fitness:
I run after my grandkids and go up and down the stairs all day. I rarely sit down. I'm very busy.
Dream fashion item:
I would probably get some jewelry or crystal encrusted gloves from the Swarovski store in New York City. The gloves were amazing.
Fashion tips:
Start simple and if you're an over-the-top-girl, be all you can be.
Pet peeves:
We can support each other better. Collaborate if the opportunity presents itself and refer others when you can. That doesn't happen enough.
Cleveland is:
Cleveland is my home.
Shopping spree companion:
Oprah, because she would understand my need for all of the Swarovski crystals in the store.
What's next:
I do one large fashion show a year to benefit Prevent Blindness and I showcase not only my work but other designers. We have celebrities, judges, police officers and others walk in the show. I will also continue to be an advocate for the visually impaired and the NAACP and I'll continue to create and spread the word of the gospel and be a wife and a neighbor.
FLASH FAVORITES:
Place on Earth: Swarovski Crystal store in New York City.
Color: Black.
Restaurant: Take Five, the jazz club at 740 West Superior Avenue.
Salty or Sweet: Sweet.
Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate.
Clothing store: Fashions by Fowler.
Makeup: I mix my own skincare, makeup, candles, soaps and even chocolates. I also like MAC.
Handbag brand: Coach.
Shoe brand: Ebony Monique of Monique Shoe Studio, she's local.
Dogs or cats: Never.
Coffee or tea: Coffee.
Can't live without: God.
Your most precious thing: My four grandbabies.
Spirit Animal: Tiger, I'm fierce, driven and protective.
Morning person or night owl: Night owl.
Movie, TV or book: I like the how-to shows about home and garden and cooking, like "Chopped."
Guilty pleasure: Wine.
Junk food: Wings and the crab bombs from Take Five.
Date Night: We like to drive around, be spontaneous, eat out and come home, play music and dance.
Hidden talents: I used to African dance.
Playlist: Lalah Hathaway, Neo Soul and gospel.
Read more Fashion Flash features here.
Fashion Flash is always looking for Clevelanders with a fresh take on style. If you or someone you know has a great fashion sense click here for the submission form or email me at acarey@plaind.com.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @AlliArtStyle and at Allison Carey Fashion Reporter/Photographer on Facebook.
No comments:
Post a Comment