An Inspired Chat with Janiya Sherman of Hollywood

We recently had the chance to connect with Janiya Sherman and have shared our conversation below.

Janiya , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me ? Well it starts off with me waking up when the Roosters do. Okay okay, maybe not that early but that’s what it feels like. I usually lay in bed for a while & i’ll think about what I want to wear that day. Once I think I know, I’ll get up, get ready , and head to class. After class, I try to make fashion content as much as possible. Then I wind down with some homework, or I’ll start getting ready for work !!!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey there, I’m Janiya Sherman aka Niyadabarbiee. I am a Fashion Model, Fashion Stylist, Actress, Content Creator& a Poet. What makes me unique is my authenticity. It may not sound all huge but I think what a lot of artist are missing is actually being themselves. I feel like we live in such a performative world, everyone wants to achieve a certain look but I think they forgot what makes them a creative is being themselves. I officially started fashion towards the end of my freshman year of college. It was something I kind of dabbled in during high-school, but I never had the confidence to do looks i’m doing now. Right now I’m working on building my brand up. I have yet to do anything major, so i’m working on trying to get myself out in the world more. I would love to meet more creatives like myself!!!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful would have to be pretty recently. I never thought of myself highly when I was younger and I didn’t really think I could make an impact in someone’s life unless it was my family. Moving out to LA made me feel powerful in itself, but once I started to really explore my fashion taste, I started to realize what an impact I was making on my peers around me. Next thing you know, people are asking me style photoshoots, headshots, productions, and fashion shows. I think that’s when I realize that I am some sort of powerful !

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Is that even a question ? I go through this feeling every once in a while. It’s normal. I feel like even at the peak of my career i’ll still have doubts. I think that’s just how the human brain works. We question ourselves constantly. We question our wort, our talent, and our ability to do tasks that we know we love to do.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Thinking they don’t have to work as hard as everyone else to get to the top. It’s like the tortoise and the hare story. Thinking you don’t have to put in the work will make you fall so behind. You can have the smarts but do you have the ambition, the passion, or the patience ?

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace when my headphones are on. Music has gotten me through so much. Music also helps me with my confidence . Whenever I put on an outfit, I pop my headphones on and I play some model walking music or something cute & pop and it fixes my whole mood/ confidence. I also feel at peace when I’m in my bed. To be able to sit in silence after a chaotic day is truly peaceful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Niyadabarbiee

Image Credits
@Swissphotography