Conversations with the Inspiring Naomi Whiteley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Whiteley.

Naomi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up surrounded by art. My mother is an oil painter and our house is ordained with her work, I danced, sang, took acting lessons, and as an adult continued my passion for creating through modeling and sewing. I knowing that my look (shorter than the average model) is not the conventional model type so I decided to take a page out of Lin Manuel’s book by write myself into the metaphorical play that is modeling. I’m not going to be hired by fashion companies, so I will create my own fashion. I decided I would fuse my passion for ethical beauty and modeling by finding unique thrifted clothing and modeling what I found after I’ve altered to suit me. The result has been amazing. There is little pressure to find modeling jobs, my art is for me to love and enjoy (and I get to keep the cloths afterward which is rad) and ultimately, I will love what I wear and unapologetically love how I look. I now want to spread that feeling to as many people that will let me by shopping for them and altering pieces to fit their liking.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road is tough, I’m just now at 23 taking up sewing. The learning curve is slow, there’s a lot of mistakes to be made, beautiful garments ruined by grandiose plans and internal conflicts. Know that creating is ageless, there is not just one path to being you- or the version of you you decided you’d be. We mold, we grow, and we evolve into what we are supposed to be. Just keep learning.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a creative that will shop for you based on your style and make you feel beautiful. I sew to fit you perfectly and make sure you feel comfortable rocking what you wear. I know that no matter my goal in life I have to include art, for me that is styling. I am most proud of the fact that the clothes I find are ethically sourced. Almost everything is thrifted and self altered and by doing that, I’m showing people that we can have a positive impact on the Earth and still be fabulous.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Do not fight your emotional evolution. You were created to grow and change, if you learn to go along with it, you can find happiness along the way.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Naomi.vw

Image Credit:
Photo: @jayflex James Scheuer, Makeup: @kelli.shawn Kelli Warnecke

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