Subscribe
The Daily Grind Video
CLOSE

Whether internationally known or on the level of the emerging, GlobalGrind is all about promoting the grind behind the business.

The fashion industry is full of designers on the rise who have begun to make their presence known. Hustle & Sew peeks at the struggle, the hustle and the bustle that some of the hottest up-and-comers in fashion design face.

Ekineyo founder and designer Nike Oyelami may be a newbie in the fashion game, but she is definitely making her name and brand known. A half-Nigerian, Chicago native based in Brooklyn, Nike draws inspiration from the visual arts, jazz and hip-hop. She fuses her style with that of her alter ego to find the perfect balance of a truly eclectic, fun-loving woman’s style.

Bright, playful, edgy, minimalistic and girly, Ekineyo’s designs are being seen on celebrities ― such as the beautiful Tika Sumpter ― left and right. The line is surely the biggest new name to look out for. While Nike’s vibrant fall line can already be seen on Ekineyo.com, fashion lovers can’t wait to see what Ekineyo has up its sleeve in the spring look book, available September 20th.

Luckily, Nike was able to carve out some time and step away from designing and filling orders to answer questions for GlobalGrind. She is a great inspiration for designers on the come up.

Find out how she got to where she is, what she’s been up to and what she has planned for the future, right here!

GlobalGrind: How does it feel to be receiving so much recognition for your work? How are you dealing with it? 

Nike Oyelami: It feels surreal. I am very honored that I have so many people interested in my work, even with it just being in the beginning stages.

We’ve been spotting a lot of celebs donning Ekineyo threads. Which celeb would you say has worn one of your pieces the best? 

I’ve worked with quite a few celeb stylists, but I would have to say the person who wore one of my dresses best was Tika Sumpter, she is my ideal client. 

When and how did you get your start in fashion? What has been your biggest risk in doing so? 

I started designing in high school. My first projects were my friends’ prom dresses. The biggest risk I took is deciding not to work for a company anymore, to chance supporting myself as an entrepreneur.

What is your design esthetic? What type of woman do your designs cater to? 

My style is very eclectic and caters to many different women: those who like to keep it simple, or those who like to be a little daring.

We remember you describing your own style as very simple. Do you find it hard to distinguish the style of your designs from your personal style? 

I would say my designs are a mixture of what I would wear and what I would never wear. My style is flamboyant by nature, but I am also very modest and think my designs embody that concept. 

Who or what influences you? 

I love modern art. I could look at shapes and colors all day. Music and literature are also something that influences my creativity. 

What type of music are you typically listening to when creating? 

My first love is jazz. I can listen to any type of jazz, somber or upbeat. I also love hip-hop. My favorite group is A Tribe Called Quest and my favorite musician is Stevie Wonder. I also love Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd … My taste in music is very eclectic. 

What are three things that are necessary in making a day at Ekineyo run smoothly, things you could not work without?

Blackberry. Sewing machine. Macbook.

Do you have any interest in doing menswear, or anything other than women’s clothes? 

Men’s t-shirts and bow ties are in the very near future. 

What else can we hope to see from you in the future?

Very girly and frilly things with pop colors. 

Can you give us some words of advice for other upcoming designers on the “Hustle & Sew” path? 

Be persistent, live and breathe whatever it is you want to do. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Spring 2012 is going to be my best work!