We had the good fortune of connecting with Lila Nikole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lila, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am of Puerto Rican decent raised in Queens, NY. I come from a very outgoing, music loving, cultural, hardworking family. I learned at a very young age that hard work gets you anything you want. One time I wanted a new bedroom furniture set, the cost was quite high. My father took me to the lumber store, as well as a Formica location and we picked out the materials needed. I learned how to create furniture, from scratch at a very young age. This helped build my want and need for knowledge in creating and trying new things. I have so many random skills and I would apply this training and ideas my family installed me and apply it to all types of ventures. I love to create, learn and have a very hands on approach while creating.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of opening my own business with no capitol, partners or experience over 12 years ago. I have managed to continue to grow and blossom while expanding into other avenues. My brand is constantly evolving an expanding. Some of my other exciting career moves include designing the costumes for The Super Bowl, having my costumes entered into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, and dressing performances for some of my favorite artist for award shows like Soul Train Awards, Grammy’s and other award shows. I get to work with legends AND watch their concerts close up and personal.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my best friend on a beach day to start it off, maybe catch a yacht. Then I would take her to some of the cool museum we have here and cultural locations. We would finish of our night at Prime 112 for some fried Oreos and champagne.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to the teachers I had in college at the Art Institute. I worked with some of the most amazing and creative leaders. They helped mold me into the designer that I am now. They are also there for me to this day for anything that I may need. Thank you to Mrs. Colussy, Mrs. Tatakis, Mrs. Adrien and Mr. West.

Website: www.lilanikole.com
Instagram: lilanikole
Twitter: mslilanikole
Facebook: lilanikole
Youtube: lilanikole

Image Credits
Casa Di Amani and Jean Claude Pauris
Jean Claude Photography and Getty Images