Today we’d like to introduce you to Nika Hollingsworth
Hi Nika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have a colorful approach to everything, including the way I dress. My style is bold, my personality is complex, my smile is bright and I’m passionately expressive. I’m a Fashion Designer, Author/Poet and the CEO of Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment which is 501c3 non-profit based in Boston, MA. The Nonprofit’s mission is to encourage, empower and inspire our community by generating awareness for women, children, and health-based charities. Fashion and entertainment are used to unite talent, small businesses, and volunteers in an effort to raise funds for selected causes and charities and to support local entrepreneurs through engagement events. I am also the Chief Operating Officer of Nilanjo! Boutique LLC, a lifestyle eCommerce brand launched three years ago. In addition to being a creative and business owner, On top of all of that, I work full time for the City Boston. Through community, collaboration, and partnership, I navigate successfully in my many areas of interest. I hold multiple certifications and degrees including a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.
I’ve published two poetry books. Last year, I published my debut collection, “A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime: Poetically”, June 2024, I released “Gemini: Poetry & Beats”. When I write, I try to blend vulnerability and power. In the past, I would write just to clear my mind. Eventually the writing became more than a bunch of words. I realize I can clearly articulate my thoughts and feelings in a way that paints a clear and relatable picture. Over time, creative writing and poetry became part of my purging process. Today, it is an intimate outlet. I share sparingly but I am learning to share more and more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is never a smooth road. We all experience ups and downs. I am not exempt from struggle or failure. It’s always a learning process. I do a lot -because I can. I don’t want to choose between any of my skills or talents. So I can seem like I am all over the place – and sometimes I am. I struggle with that is staying organized and structured. Otherwise I end up with 10 unfinished projects and no time to complete them.
Another challenge I have is implementing new innovation. I try not to become so comfortable or complacent that I stand still in my services or products. I work to find ways to keep what I do relevant and fresh. It doesn’t have to be grand. I just focus on improving an existing product or service or apply upgrades that improves quality, efficiency, productivity or even competitive differentiation. This may even involve more education to sharpen old or add a new skill set. I’m not afraid to do things differently. The vision may require revision. Being able to pivot in the market is a skill set that many of us sharpened during the pandemic.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What I am most known for are fashion events and empowerment events. My events operate consciously and intentionally, using fashion, music and entertainment to connect with creatives, performers and entrepreneurs. Additionally, we support a variety of charities and promote awareness for important causes such as breast cancer, hunger and food insecurity, homelessness, diabetes, anti-violence, initiatives, and children related causes. I’m big on supporting entrepreneurship and small business. I try to provide a space for vendor and marketplace at my events as much as possible.
I do many things and that is what sets me apart. I dabble, I focus and then I conquer many of my interests. If I’m curious enough in something, I start to research and experiment in it. My events can be very purpose driven or they an be task oriented. I’ve been conducting workshops that encourage the audience to learn something new in an effort to encourage self-care. I host events that are just for fun so people can unwind and engage. I write and started sharing more of that with people and I feel that has created a new network for me. I’ve hosted pop up events to sell my products but to also share a space with others. My goal is to create experiences versus events. I think that sets me apart from most. I just do my authentic thing (or things) and all I want from that is to bring enjoyment. I don’t do things to be applauded or seen – I just do what I love and it resonates with whomever.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
My pivot game is amazing because of COVID. What I mean by that is the pandemic forced many self-employed creatives, entrepreneurs and business owners to reinvent themselves to survive. If you didn’t have an online presence, you learned to create one and you learned how to better leverage it if you already had one. Beyond education and business sense, being creatively innovative was key to navigating through the pandemic. I created Nilanjo! Boutique, LLC during the pandemic, providing products via an eCommerce platform. As nervous as I was to do so, I learned that even in amidst a crisis – there was still room for good risks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nilanjo617.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nilanjofashion
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NFENextLevel
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nilanjofashion
- Other: https://www.nilanjoboutique.com
Image Credits
Rachel Chen Photography
Elbert John