Meet Tiana “Nana” Spencer of NNINETY8 in North Houston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiana “Nana” Spencer.

Tiana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started because of how I was raised. I’ve told on socials once or twice before due to it being quite obvious but I was raised in strict and religious household. Long story short, I wasn’t allowed to wear pants, short skirts, cropped tops, fitted clothing, colored finger polish, you get the picture. It really restricted me in a lot of ways, but it also allowed me to push myself in being fashionable in a different way than everybody else. So although I hated such rules I am grateful that it gave me the styling eye that I have now.

I’m fairly new to this stylist title but word to Coco Chanel, ” I don’t do fashion, I am fashion.” I switched my major to Retailing & Consumer Science with a specialization in Fashion Merchandising in August 2018 & I started as stylist for a company in Highland Village that same month. Since then, I’ve spread myself into everything fashion. I’ve moved to a different company as lead stylist, started freelance styling, walked in a few shows, denied a modeling contract & signed onto an agency as a stylist. I’m only at the beginning of this journey. The things that I’ve accomplished thus far are mere baby steps

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing in life that’s worth it comes easy right? My path has been filled with several ups and downs, trials & tribulations, near-death experiences and everything relative to that. The biggest challenge, however, has been trying to balance in all. I’m a person who constantly has her hands full. I have a knack for pulling off the “impossible.” Nevertheless, it’s hard trying to build yourself as a brand while navigating adulthood on top of being a college student (both community college & university.) I’ve also had the common challenge of figuring out myself/ my brand/ my business. Although I’m still working out the kinks, I thank God for this journey.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the NNINETY8 story. Tell us more about the business.
NNINETY8 is me as a brand, as a business. Hence the name, N for Nana & NINETY8 for 1998 the year I was born. I consider myself as a freelance/agency stylist, novice designer, aspiring model & creative director on the rise. Why choose one thing when you can do it all? My main focus has been on styling with a niche for modern looks with a touch of 90s. Later this year, I will be officially launching a website inclusive of my professional portfolio, clothing brand & fashion blogs. I am most proud of the opportunities, such as this feature despite being fairly new to the industry on the professional level. What sets me apart in my opinion, is my ability to do it all. Design, style, model & direct a shoot/show.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has nothing to with my life and business, instead, I am simply blessed because of God’s grace & continuous blessings. In terms of having minor setbacks… what did Yak Gotti say on Young Thug’s song? “Minor setback, for a major *bleep* comeback.”