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Nyah Nile
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Nyah Nile: Tell me more about the young woman, Mrs. LaCarrious Thomas, that we all know in the fashion scene here in Memphis.
LaCarrious Thomas: I’m first the wife to the most wonderful husband, father and teacher in the whole world, Mr. Willie Thomas. I have one beautiful daughter, Kaiya-Nicole. I named the boutique after my daughter. I’m an entrepreneur and philanthropist that cares about making a difference in the lives of working families and small business owners.
Nyah: Tell me more about the new boutique.
LT: Nikki T. Fashions started as a mobile and online boutique…about a year and a half ago. We opened on Nov. 13, 2009 at 1337 Madison and we look forward to being there for many years to come.
Nyah: It is a beautiful store and it seems like you really know your stuff. How long have you been into the fashion scene?
LT: I have been into fashion for at least 13 years now. My interest started in high school after I joined my school’s modeling group lead by J’Lydale, and it has grown from there. I dabbled in fashion design and even design school for a while.
Nyah: Ultimately what was the inspiration to open a fashion boutique?
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Nikki T. Fashions’ owner LaCarrious Thomas started as a model. (Courtesy photo)
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LT: It really started out with me helping my brother organize fashion shows. It was difficult for us to get vendors because there seemed to be a lack of new talent here in the city…So when the time came for him to present his second show I told him I would order a few pieces for the show. To my surprise everyone loved them and it took off from there. After that show, I showed pieces at just about every show in Memphis and my mobile and online clientele started to grow and that lead me to getting my boutique.
Nyah: What makes Nikki T. Fashions stand apart from the rest?
LT: Nikki T. stands apart by offering local clothing and jewelry designers (the) floor space to display and sell their items in the boutique free of charge. I feel this opportunity is key in the development of new designers and artist. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and it encourages them to continue to strive toward goals they have set for themselves. And it encourages them to stay here and keep that much needed talent here in the city.
We also offer glam packages to make every woman feel like a model for a day. The package includes apparel, hair, make-up and a photo shoot. We offer home and office consultations to get you ready for special events or to help you find your very own signature style.
Nyah: Your talent and style is very well known here in the city. How do you feel about your experiences here in the fashion industry in Memphis?
LT: I started out as a model here in Memphis and I have done everything from church fashion shows to Bonner Brother Shows…I have had the opportunity to meet different people and to watch the trends here in the city as they have changed. The one thing that I have found to be a constant in Memphis is that we have our own style and we don’t need to copy the styles of New York or LA. Memphis is trendy and stylish, you just have to know where to look and shop.
It frustrates me when people say Memphis is so far behind in fashion, when I feel we are not. A lot of the fashion trends are started by local designers that move to different cities because they are not getting the exposure they need to make it. Memphis has a great and diverse fashion scene. We all just need to support each other and network to make it grow.
At a glanceBusiness: Nikki T. Fashions
Owner: LaCarrious Thomas
Address: 1337 Madison Avenue
Hours: Monday, appointment only; Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Telephone: 901-725-6985
E-mail: nikkitfashions@yahoo.comWeb site: www.nikkitfashions.com(If you have questions, or would like Nyah Nile at your next big event, e-mail nyah@tri-statedefender.com)
