Today we’d like to introduce you to Aniya Coffey

Hi Aniya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

My name is Aniya Coffey. I’m a recent high school graduate from Phelps ACE High School. I’ve done a lot of work within my community as a resident of Ward 8 in DC. Starting with public advocacy for Educational Policy Reform. Ensuring that youth across all wards of DC have access to resources for post secondary education and future trade and career development opportunities. As a local advocate, I created my organization based in the Washington DC area “Blisx DC” targeted to help provide a safe space for youth in DC through the art of fashion design. Growing up I participated in programs at a local rec center where my passion for fashion design started. As I got older I continued through additional programs through middle school until the pandemic hit. That didn’t stop my direct passion for the art of fashion as I kept entertained making face masks with my mom throughout the pandemic. As a result, becoming self-taught in more advanced skills on the sewing machine and crafts. As a student advocate creating safe spaces was always something I strived for, so to develop an organization based around my passion and showing others how they can two use fashion design to positively impact their futures was life-changing for me. In high school, I hosted 2 fashion shows to highlight youth talent and performers. I also launched the brands of 2 students I’ve worked with. I plan to continue my work for my community through my college journey in the DMV area as a student at George Mason University in the Fall pursuing economics to further expand my organization to other communities across the US.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The biggest challenge has been adapting to new environments for me
. The fashion industry is rough, especially being so young in the industry,, I feel as if I’m an underdog compared to those who can afford post-secondary education in fashion by attending fashion school. That has not stopped me from pursuing my goals. My work in the community allows me to further expand and learn as a fashion designer by teaching and working with youth in the city about how we can make an impact on the fashion industry as the next entrepreneurs.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I’m the founder of Blisx DC whose mission is to provide youth in the DMV area with resources to learn how to Sew, Stitch, and Design their clothing and apparel, Learn Modeling, Photography, and Fashion Show Production. In hopes of opening doors for students to future career paths in the fashion industry. Through my work with Blisx DC, I’ve developed my own brand “Ferocity” where I create custom gowns, event attire, and streetwear that are 1-1 pieces for a person. As in fashion, my motto is to always be fierce. Which created my slogan, “Be Fashionable, Be Fierce, Be Ferocity”.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?

The biggest crucial piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace the mindset of being a continuous learner and adaption to new environments. As an entrepreneur, you will always fear the unknown but never allow fear to deter you from your dreams and passions. Fear is only a stepping stone to success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/_pythonvsx_?igsh=cW5zdHpiaWRjNXlh&utm_source=qr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blisx_dc?igsh=MXUzMmNqeDJta2s3aw==
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/ferocity_brand_?igsh=eWR4ZjNsMXljMDJr

Image Credits

Rebecca Kilci- VisualDMV