Born in the Greater Atlanta Area of Georgia, I’ve always been an unabashed creative with not only a passion for, but a mission to create. Before I could talk, I had thoughts that felt pertinent to express. And even as I grew to develop skills in writing and public speaking, I never grew tired of the habit of expression through symbolism. In my early teenage years, I fell in love with the concept of wearable art and began teaching myself to sew and sketch. I gave up my other interests in sports and music to pursue a career in fashion and costume design and set it in my head that I would attend a top school in New York City in order to gain early exposure to the industry. Diligence in my craft, as well as internships at Symbology Clothing and Nardos Design, led me to the Fashion Institute of Technology where I am currently a student, expecting my BFA in Fashion Design in May of 2022. Since moving to the city, I’ve had the immense honor of gaining industry experience through costume design for a Christopher Rudd Dance Company production, and styling for Elaine Welteroth, during a semester-long internship. Aside from school work, I exercise my fashion design muscle by selling custom orders of my designs through my Instagram page @essencenyrie and this website.

After college, I intend to further pursue a career in costume design, more specifically for music artists (for on-stage performances and visuals), films, and TV shows, especially those of which spread messages that contribute to the movement towards Black liberation.