Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Averette.
Nicole, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I’ve always loved everything about fashion. I enjoyed putting looks together and creating new styles. I remember during high school we had a winter formal dance and I couldn’t find ANYTHING to wear. I kept seeing different designs in my head, but because I lacked sewing skills, I could only imagine these designs.
I decided after high school, I would enroll in college for fashion design. I waited for four years. Before, I finally decided to enroll into Houston community college fashion program. HCC gave me the foundation I needed to bring my designs to life and showcase my skills. I learned how to construct full garments & eventually began to build my own brand Nikki Vs Nicole. In 2013 I graduated from college with an associate’s degree in fashion design and I trademarked my brand Nikki Vs Nicole. My goal is to create clothes that reflect my two personalities. I was born Nicole, Nikki, however, is my playful side (my alter ego).
Nicole’s style: the maturing woman is finding herself and her sense of self through style. A structured young woman, with class. Nikki’s style: the maturing young woman who entertains thoughts of who she wants to be. The risk-taker, who wants to see herself (re) vamped. I don’t focus on any particular ” style”… Nikki vs Nicole is a brand based on how I’m feeling, where I’ve been and where I’m going in life. My designs are wearable works of art, imagined by my soul, influenced by my life.
Today my brand is still growing. I recently got a design studio in downtown Houston. My studio is where all the magic happens lol. I’m still trying to establish myself as a brand/designer and not a Seamstress! People often get the two confused. I want to share my wearable art with the world, the way I see it.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This journey has not been easy, lol! The hardest challenge I face is finding my market. Because my brand represents two different personalities, I often get to different markets. Also, living in a city that’s not real big on fashion has been extremely hard for me. I often get asked why don’t I moved to California or New York because it’s a bigger market, but I honestly believe that Houston has the potential to be one of the top fashion capitals and I don’t want to give up on my city. One of my biggest goals is for Nikki Vs Nicole to be a Houston based brand that service the entire world.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in women’s clothing (ready to wear). Soon I’ll be adding men’s fashion. I’m most proud of my companies diversity. I often mix things up, so everything I do is new.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from my childhood is when my mother used to dress my sister’s and I alike. There was three of us and we were always coordinating like Destiny’s Child lol.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2000 Crawford St.
Houston, TX 77002 Appointment only - Website: www.nikkivsnicole.com
- Phone: 281.857.2234
- Email: nikkinicoledesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: Iamnikkivsnicole
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