Meet NYLA Couture | International Fashion Designer | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with NYLA Couture and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi NYLA, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
There are so many hurting people that smile to the world, but are hurting on the inside- I was one of them. I had to be strong for the people that were watching me to show them that no matter what comes or what goes, you got to keep strutting and stay focused. My goal is to deal with the interior before reconstructing the exterior with my fashion business because how can we feel good on the outside if we don’t feel good on the inside first…That is why I exist.

I live my life based on 4 words- INSPIRE. IMPACT. INFLUENCE. IMPART. Outside of my faith in God and seeking wisdom- I base my actions in life on how to implement those 4 words to make a positive difference in the world. My purpose in this industry is to be the light in a dark world; to bring clarity of identity; shift the trajectory of lives and build confidence in those who were counted out. I am a voice of victory for those who never thought they could win! My anointing of building inner strength in women and men is my silent weapon that kills any mental doubt you may have of yourself. My demeanor shifts rooms and makes room for opportunity to enter the lives of those who support my dreams. I am an attention grabber that will make this industry straighten its back and adjust its posture towards self- respect, self- love, and self-image. I am the trend setter not only for apparel which makes up the outward appearance, but most importantly for the value of what makes up the inward appearance…Christ, character, and confidence. I set the bar! This is my mission in the fashion industry. This is where I belong because this is where I was sent. I am a 3rd generation Fashion Designer! It’s in my bloodline. Fashion lives in my veins. Everything that my late grandmother, Joyce Lee Webb, taught me both spiritually and through the sewing machine lives on in me and I will continue to carry out the merged vision of Christ and clothing construction because the two subjects go hand in hand. Christ has constructed me from his image to be a light in the world. It is He who makes up the fabrication of who I am and my entirety.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A Multifaceted Artist…that’s Nyla Handy, who does not just define as a Fashion Designer because I operates in all things creative—Creative Director; Interpretive Dance; Motivational Speaking; Praise Team Singer & more. Not only am I a national award-winning international fashion designer, but I also find passion in fashioning the interior of women as a published author (STRUT: Unapologetically Living Life In Your Own Shoes) – which can be purchased on ecommerce sites of Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Walmart. My brand has grown to empower men and women of all ages; authentically impacting crowds through my love for fashion design; creative arts, performing arts and language arts. My YouTube Channel has grown to 500+ subscribers from motivational content of faith & fashion. I have been honored to be a Fashion Judge for college fashion departments and fashion charity events. A true Kansas City, MO native, the “Show Me State” because I continue to tour the world to show my gifts and talents in fashion shows in hopes that my creativity inspires every audience I reach. In the past 2 years NYLA Couture has been the Headliner Designer in over 50 fashion shows; featured in over 20 magazines (domestic and internationally) and was crowned Fashion Designer of the Year of Los Angeles, California in 2023. This came with many challenges, but when you know you are the prize for others (the gift that they need), God will see to it that you win in every situation that you encounter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to site see and when travelling, I love to eat and visit places that my hometown does not have. You have to be intentional about your exposure so that your mind can expand. Expanding your mind beyond your comfort zone forces you to grow in areas of your life that you deem minor or unimportant. If you do not stretch yourself, you cannot grow. So, go places that would typically put you in an uncomfortable position like: take a new class that you aren’t knowledgeably strong in; go to the museum to gain historical knowledge; of course go shopping at a boutique that you never heard of (typically a small business, because I know when I patronize a small business that someone will patronize mine).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my spiritual leaders – Bishop Steve Houpe and Dr. Donna Houpe for always pushing me to be the better version of myself that God has called me to be. For speaking life into my future even when I didn’t think that God could use someone like me.

Website: https://www.nylacouture.com

Instagram: @nyla.couture

Facebook: NYLA Couture

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqM_0HGOYwy3tc2GP9cSYiw

Image Credits
Group Photo (with Nyla in the center): Fist Clazz Photography (@firstclazzphotography) Other Beach Bridal Images: Swift Studios (@swiftstudioss)