Today we’d like to introduce you to Nana.
Hi Nana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My full name is Tiana “NANA” Spencer. I am a freelance creative currently based in Houston, Texas. I have been fully pursuing my passions of modeling, styling & all things fashion for about 18months. The journey technically started my senior year at the University of Houston while earning my B.S. Degree in Retailing & Consumer Science with a specialization in Fashion Merchandising. I took a leap of faith & dared myself to start modeling. Soon after doing so, I discovered that I could brand myself into my dream career. It took some personal discovery but then NNOIRE was born.
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?
Anything worthwhile doesn’t come easy. My path has been filled with several ups and downs, trials & tribulations, near-death experiences and everything relative to such. On April 11th, 2020, I lost my grandmother Faydest Malbrough. Almost six months to the day, I lost my stepfather Roy Bennett. During that same time frame, I was getting rejected by every modeling agency I submitted to on a whim. Of course, there was the COVID-19 pandemic at its peak, affecting all industries. Yet, I’m an African American female wanting to create a platform in fashion. If the struggles of that aren’t apparent… let me say the following: It’s so much easier for Caucasian creatives to get recognition/a seat at the fashion industry’s table than any other race.
Nevertheless, the biggest challenge has been simply trying to “trust the process.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Overall I choose to define myself as an image architect here in Houston. Hence my definition for NNOIRE – ( /NWAR/ ) a platform curated by an image architect for black fashion.
NNOIRE was created to celebrate those of noir skin, however this is an inclusive brand.**
With a motto of “More than just Fashion,” I chose to rename my brand from NNINETY8 to NNOIRE in July 2020. This change allowed for me to broaden my horizons & engage into all of my passions under one name. As of now, NNOIRE offers the services of modeling, styling & creative directing.
(The brand will launch in it’s entirety November 2021 with more services set to be provided.)
I will also be releasing my first fashion lookbook on July17th 2021.
So far, I’m most proud to have accomplished as much as I have within such a short timeframe. 22 publications at the age of 22 & we’re only halfway through 2021. I celebrate these moments, but note these are small wins in comparison to the future goals planned for the business.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My ambitious character is a blessing & a hindrance. However, Luke 1:37 reads “For with God nothing will be impossible.”
As a grow with NNOIRE, I’ve taken that scripture to heart. I try my best to no longer consider things as “impossible.” I tell myself that I will achieve everything that my heart desires. My doubts are not to interfere with my wants. So my ambition & “can do” attitude are the reason I’m making such strides with NNOIRE.
Contact Info:
- Email: nanaofnnoire@gmail.com
- Website: nanaofnnoire.squarespace.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/bynnoire
- Other: instagram.com/spencernana_
Image Credits
Photographers : Ikechuckuwu Dike Mani Olaniyan – Manic Company RIOT MUSE CAMSVISUALARTS ChinoAngles Tosin Alagun Makeup Artists : Brimvk – LucidBeauty Courtney Hansford – Studio X
