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Some moments in life remind us why we do the work we do. My conversation with Nia Allen, MFIS, on the iNNOVATION Insights podcast was one of those moments. It was a touching, thought-provoking, and profoundly personal experience that left me reflecting long after the recording ended.
I first met Nia through LinkedIn when she reached out to me. From that initial connection, I have enjoyed watching her career flourish, following her journey through academia and entrepreneurship. Seeing her growth, her contributions to fashion scholarship, and her passionate speaking about her work has been truly inspiring. However, the way she closed the episode caught me off guard and nearly brought me to tears—tears I tried but failed to hold back.
Nia’s Journey: A Testament to Passion and Purpose
Nia’s journey into fashion began early. She recalled finding an old third-grade essay in which she had written about her dream of becoming a fashion designer. That childhood aspiration never faded, but she initially tried to follow a more traditional career path like many of us. She entered college with plans to study economics and become a lawyer. However, a failed accounting class led to an important realization—she needed to pursue something she truly loved.
That realization set her on a path toward fashion, including working with major brands like Nordstrom, Gucci, and Macy’s, earning a degree in fashion, and later pursuing a Ph.D. at Kent State University. She immersed herself in studying the relationship between Black women and luxury fashion, a topic that remains at the heart of her work today.
Innovation in Action: Nia’s Impact on Fashion and Academia
One of the things I most admire about Nia is her holistic approach to fashion. She does not just study it; she works to create spaces for Black voices in the industry.
One of her standout projects was Fashion Weekend, an event she launched in Cleveland while attending Kent State University to celebrate Black fashion entrepreneurs and provide education and networking opportunities for those who often feel overlooked in traditional fashion spaces.
She also hosts The Overdressed Black Girl Podcast, a platform that amplifies the experiences and stories of Black women in the fashion industry. The name itself is a statement that acknowledges both the pride and the pressures Black women face in navigating professional and social spaces.
Her podcast was born out of necessity. After repeatedly being told “no” when applying for writing fellowships at significant fashion publications, Nia decided to take control of her narrative. She created a space where she could tell the stories she wanted to tell, featuring guests who offered unique perspectives on fashion, culture, and identity.
The success of her podcast and her ability to secure high-profile guests are testaments to her determination. One of her first guests, Elliot Carlyle of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), had not been on a podcast in years but agreed to be on hers. That moment solidified something for Nia—her voice and perspective mattered, and she belonged in the space she was creating.
The Weight of Storytelling and Representation
Beyond her podcast, Nia has written for major publications such as Business of Fashion, Business Insider, and PopSugar. Her articles have tackled essential topics, including navigating academia as a Black woman, the challenges of growing up adopted, and even personal reflections on her son’s journey to embracing his natural hair.
In discussing her research and academic career, Nia shared the challenges of being a Black scholar focusing on race and fashion in a predominantly white academic space. She spoke about how difficult it can be to push forward with work that centers on Black experiences, particularly when DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts are under attack.
Listening to her experiences reminded me of my journey. I recalled how, years ago, when I presented my dissertation research on Black female slaves and their experiences, some attendees walked out. Even later, I overheard colleagues making dismissive comments and others suggesting that my work only received recognition because of its subject matter. Nia’s words reaffirmed something I have long known—we cannot let resistance deter us. Our voices and stories are necessary.
The Emotional Closing That Caught Me Off Guard
As we neared the end of the episode, Nia shared something that genuinely moved me. She spoke about how reading a dissertation I had chaired was the first time she saw academic research that resonated with her own experiences. She credited my work, along with that of Dr. Tameka Ellington (guest on episode seven of our podcast), as foundational in helping her believe she could succeed in academia.
Hearing those words was overwhelming. I do what I do because I believe in supporting the next generation of scholars, but to hear someone say outright that my work and mentorship had made a difference was powerful. It was one of those rare moments where the impact of my efforts felt tangible, and the emotions caught up with me.
I fought back tears—ugly cry-level tears—so much so that I completely fumbled my sign-off for the episode.
Pride in Nia and the Future She is Creating
I am incredibly proud of Nia. She embodies what it means to be an innovator—in fashion and life. She pushes boundaries, tells essential stories, and creates spaces for others who have been overlooked.
Her work is far from over. She envisions turning her dissertation on Black women’s relationship with luxury fashion into a documentary, bridging historical and contemporary experiences. She continues to expand The Overdressed Black Girl Podcast, positioning it as a leading voice in fashion discourse. She is also exploring ways to consult with brands on how they can create more inclusive and welcoming shopping experiences for Black consumers.
Reflecting on this episode, I am reminded of the importance of mentorship, representation, and community. Our work today lays the foundation for future generations, just as those before us paved the way. I am honored to have played even a tiny role in Nia’s journey, and I cannot wait to see where she goes next.
If you have not already, follow Nia’s work, listen to her podcast, and support the incredible projects she is leading. She is a true force in the industry, and I know she is just getting started.
And to Nia, thank you for your kind words and passion and for reminding me why I do what I do. You are an inspiration, and I am cheering for you every step of the way.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
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