Time to Walk With A Purpose

One of Cincinnati’s best kept secrets is its growing urban fashion community and it’s amazing Indie fashion designers.

Blue Candies had a chance recently to chat with one of Cincinnati’s newest and upcoming designers Nadine Simmons to discuss her Brand. Which she developed not only to create a clothing line but to also have an impact on her community.

There were 11 homicides, 42 rapes, 178 robberies and 139 assaults in Cincinnati in the last two weeks. The child poverty level is the 3rd highest in the nation. Walk with a purpose aims to have an impact on these statistics. To show the the youth how to “Walk With A Purpose” and that they to can overcome any situation and be who and whatever they want to be. Even a model and a fashion designer.

Nadine Simmons also known as the “Black Barbie” is 22 years old and has been modeling for only a year now and that is her passion. She always had a passion for fashion. One day she told a friend she was bored with just work, work at work, work at school and it seems like she was always working. So her friend told her that she needed a hobby. He is also a designer as well. He told her she should start her own t-shirt line. So she brained stormed and it didn’t take her that long. Since her teacher always said she walked like a nurse because she always strutted down the hallway like she was on the runway, she got an idea. Nurses have their own purpose that’s what she is in school for and that’s how WALK WITH A Purpose came about. But that just wasn’t enough so she started a little girls and boys program called walk with a purpose. Her boyfriend will teach the boys and she will teach the girls. Her line is be based off that program. She wants to teach them that they all have a purpose, self-love, self-confidence, dance, health, wealth, modeling, about God if their parents allow it, feed them, take them on nice trips, and etc. Why? The reason is because she loves children as well but it gets deeper. Growing up she was one of those less fortune kids. Her mom was a single parent and did the best for all of her nine children. Her family lived at poverty level. They had food, clothes and a home to live but the family suffered through many hardships. Growing up she was also bullied because of her dark skin. And despite being bullied she kept her self-esteem high. She learned to love her self at an early age. So she knew the best way to reach children is while they are still young. Her programs is geared to give children a stress free environment, somewhere and somewhere to play. She would also like to take them on different adventures, educational and teaching programs and also expose them to opportunities that they may have felt were out of reach or missed out on because of they are not afforded the same opportunities as a child growing up in the Suburbs. She wants to build homes for them. Be a counselor to them. Even provide them access to bill and utility assistance. She says that God showed her who she was and gave her the strength to carry out the person that she is.

“That’s why my line is important because everyone has purpose and I am here to help in any shape and form. It’s more than just a brand its apart of who I am. I walk with a purpose and others should too.”

We asked Nadine a few questions about her Brand and her take on the fashion industry in Cincinnati. Here is what she had to say.

Blue Candies: What does fashion mean to you as a developing fashion designer?

Nadine Simmons: Fashion to me means the creative art that comes from the heart.

Blue Candies: What interest you about fadhion?

Nadine Simmons: Everything interest me about fashion, it’s so unique. I love all the different styles and ideas.

Blue Candies: What is your take on the Urban Indie Fashion Industry in Cincinnati?

Nadine Simmons: When it comes to fashion I don’t like how people think that they have to compete with others and it’s no competition if it’s really your dream. So if it’s a dream no one can never compete with you because you’re going to do whatever it takes to be successful and fulfill that dream.

Blue Candies: Being a designer in the Urban Indie Fashion Industry in Cincinnati, What is your take on how you see it? Is there room for growth?

Nadine Simmons: Being a new designer its only one way that I see fashion and that is to focus on growing as an brand not just to pay bills but to enjoy my brand as well. It’s a lot of brands out here so that means I have to market myself harder. I feel as though it is always room for growth.

Blue Candies: Where did you get your inspiration for your Brand?

Nadine Simmons: I got my inspiration from my friend Aaron Harrison, my teacher at school, and from kids nowadays with no direction, also from childhood experiences.

Blue Candies: How far would you like to see your Brand go?

Nadine Simmons: I want to see my brand go across the world.

Blue Candies: What is the special thing about a design that catches your eye?

Nadine Simmons: The special thing that catches my eye about a design is the message that the design is displaying and also colorful designs because I love color.

Blue Candies: What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own brand or fashion line?

Nadine Simmons: The advice I would give a person who is looking to start is make sure that this is something that you want to do no matter if the sales are going up or down. Don’t just rush in start a brand think hard and like about it. Also take your time. Your brand is you and you don’t want to just put anything out there that won’t represent who you are.

Blue Candies: Is there anyone you wouldlike to mention or thank in regards to you who you are or your brand?
Nadine Simmons: I would like to thank my Mom for teaching me all I know and my pastor. My main cousins that believe in me, Sharon and Falisha. Terrion for drawing my picture art he is a very talented young men, Aaron Harrison for helping me get established Demetrius which is my best friend he always pushes me and all my supporters I really appreciate them

I really enjoyed my chat with Nadine. She was honest, out going and very passionate about her Brand and it’s purpose. Nadine is definitely a Brand to follow. I see great things coming. Support her Brand buy a t-shirt! And help a child in need. “WALK WITH A PURPOSE”

Follow Nadine on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/Nadine.Simmons
Instagram: @BlackBarbiee3
Model Page: Nadine Nessiah Model Page