Meet Nzinga Watts-Harper of Watts-Harper Creative x NRG Creative, Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nzinga Watts-Harper.

Nzinga, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Los Angeles in the spring of 2018, fresh out of undergrad and determined to build my career as a Stylist, Creative Consultant, and multi-faceted creative.

Upon arrival, I began interning with a number of notable celebrity stylists, where I was permitted the opportunity to hone in on my skill sets and learn about the business of fashion styling. For lack of better words, it was not easy. Most styling internships are unpaid. There was a (brief) time period where I was working two jobs and two internships, just to sustain myself enough to pay for rent, food, and Uber’s to/from set if need be for at the time, I also did not have a car.

I was HUSTLING. While still accepting freelance consulting clients on a small scale, in 2019 I decided to re-group and take a job (bleh, lol) as a Personal Stylist/Shopper for Bloomingdale’s. It was adjacent to my goals, and I needed some stability, however that did not last long. I quit after three months and I have not worked a day job since. Since then, I have booked jobs in television, film, and a few stylist assistant gigs. My credits include: Grownish, S3, The Voice, S17, 2 Netflix shows that will air in the fall/winter of 2020, The 2020 Oscars, and more. Alongside my freelance endeavors, I recently co-founded a boutique creative agency, NRG Creative, Co., with my significant other.

All in all, my time in LA thus far has taught me that the journey is just as significant as the destination. I look forward to continued success in abundance!

Has it been a smooth road?
Oh, it definitely has not been smooth! There were times where I didn’t have money for bills, rent, or food. Along with dealing with the infamous “imposter syndrome”. In a city as large as LA, it’s easy to make yourself feel small, especially when you have large goals.

I am a confident, young woman, 90% of the time, but everyone goes through feelings of inadequacy. I struggled with depression for six consecutive months in 2018-2019, all while working two jobs and interning with a high-profile celebrity styling duo. By the grace of God, I was able to pull myself out of it. My primary struggles also included dealing with the transition from the east coast AND transitioning out of the undergraduate collegiate experience, finances, the work/life balance, and missing friends.

As cheesy as it sounds, the dream is free, but the hustle is 100% sold separately and you have to work with, and sometimes against, yourself to achieve your goal.

One thing I think is important for people to remember is that nothing worth having comes easy. This world will test you, don’t fold and you will ALWAYS prevail.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Watts-Harper Creative x NRG Creative, Co. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a stylist and costumer. Specializing in celebrity styling, television/film, commercial, and personal shopping. My fervor for fashion and entertainment simultaneously is what drives me in each creative endeavor. Alongside my freelance work, I am a creative consultant. I primarily work with small, black-owned businesses to expand and articulate their ethos visually. Brand development, web design, strategy, and social media management are my primary services.

I take great pride in contributing to entities greater than myself. Given that we live in an entrepreneurial society, it is important to me that I use my innate skills to push my community toward financial freedom.

I believe my optimistic perspective to any and every situation is what sets me apart. I maintain a “silver lining” approach, especially within my work relationships. Things may go wrong, it is inevitable, however when you anticipate it, you are quick about re-routing to obtain the best results possible. When working on a project, I apply those same standards. Styling is HARD WORK and its hardly glamorous. There are millions of tiny details that go into creating the big picture and with so many moving variables, it is easy for things to get lost in translation OR to just go wrong. However, when you are optimistic, you are calm, when you are calm, you are focused, and when you are focused, you get the job done exceedingly well!

My pride in my work comes to the many instances where I had to learn these truths the hard way. I have grown SO much and am looking forward to continuing to do so. Due to those experiences, I always put my best foot forward and that is something to be proud of.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I believe that Los Angeles is one of the greatest cities in the world, especially for entertainment or fashion. Anyone who contemplates moving here… just be prepared to HUSTLE, by any means necessary and you will figure it out.

The only thing I would ask for is cheaper rent, lol.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nzingawatts-harper.com
• Email: nzinga.wattsharper@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzingawattsharper/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Watts.Harper/

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.