Daily Inspiration: Meet Nia Boyd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Boyd.

Hi Nia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have been drawn to fashion and style since I was four years old when my godmother gifted me my first pair of plastic kitten heels. At the age of three, I lost my hearing. I began navigating the world with a new perspective and found that fashion became a powerful source of self confidence. Through style, I discovered a way to communicate without saying a word and it gave me the self esteem to embrace my individuality from a young age. By eleven, I was taking sewing lesson and sketching designs which later carried into high school where I became an Assistant Producer for West High’s 2019 fashion show. I went on to study Fashion Merchandising at California State University, Northridge where I focused heavily on career development. During my time there, I volunteered backstage at LA Fashion week dressing models, served as Vice President of CSUN Trends, lead two career symposium and fashion shows before graduating in May 2023. In my final semester, I interned at Place Showroom gaining hands on experience in wholesale and preparing collections for major markets like MAGIC and COTERIE. After graduating, I worked as a Product Development Coordinator at Vince, followed by a Sales Associate role at Nordstrom. In April 2024, I joined Lulus as a Sample Coordinator and is now working as an Assistant Buyer.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been an easy journey breaking into this industry post pandemic. Getting my foot in the door meant competing with AI and thousands of applicants for a single position, which often felt discouraging. As a Black Deaf woman, I was always told by my grandmother that we have to work three times as hard to get where we want to be. There are people in the industry who take advantage of young ambitious professionals by seeking free labor or recognizing your qualifications but still underpay you. I’ve gained experience across multiple areas of the fashion industry from wholesale, production, and to business. I have been denied opportunities for lack of experience despite having a diverse and well rounded background. It can also feel isolating, both inside and outside of the industry. There is also a lack of representation for women who look like me and that absence is noticeable. When people outside of the Deaf community meet me, they are often surprised because many do not understand the realities of severe hearing loss. I am often mistaken as a hearing person until I disclose that I am deaf. Constantly educating others can be exhausting but I do it to raise awareness.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work at the intersection of fashion merchandising, styling, and content creation. At Lulus, I am an Assistant Buyer supporting the Day Event and Casual Dresses categories. In this role, I assist in driving product strategy and oversee the development process from concept to launch. I collaborate with merchandising, planning, and production teams to make sure each collection delivers both strong performances and selling point of view. I’ve also had multiple opportunities to model for KTLA5 live through my role which am grateful to strengthen my on camera experience. Outside of my corporate role, I am a content creator and stylist behind @gathersandpins where I specialize in helping women define their personal style while making fashion feel accessible. I am known for showing how to elevate everyday styles without overspending. My approach is rooted in both creativity and strategy. I don’t style just looks, I understand how and why they work from a merchandising perspective. I also have grown my TikTok to over one million in engagement, along with receiving brand shoutouts and collaborations opportunities. It has been a rewarding reflection of how my content resonates and connects with a wider audience.

What I am most proud of is building a multifaceted career early on gaining experience across wholesale, product development, merchandising, and content creation. My duality is what sets me apart because I understand fashion from both the business and consumer side. I know how to market a great product and wear it in a way that resonates. I also bring a unique perspective that informs how I show up, communicate, and create space for more inclusive representation.

Furthermore, my hearing loss has shaped the way I observe, communicate and create. It has strengthened my attention to details while also encouraging a reflective approach to my work. Navigating communication barriers has pushed me to be adaptable and innovative, Rather than limiting myself, it has given me a unique perspective that influences how I think and create.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I am passionate about my representation. It means a lot to me to lead by example by being both Black and Deaf. Growing up, I understood how inspiring it is to see someone reflecting your own experiences and aspirations. My hope is that one day a young girl can look up to me and see that it is possible for her dreams to come true. By building a successful career in this industry has led me to believe that neither race nor disability can limit what you can achieve. Through confidence and resilience, doors of opportunities can open beyond what you may have imagined.

In my free time, I create style boards and digital content across TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest where I shed light on brand awareness, personal style, and accessibility in fashion. I enjoy creating other topics like garment care, how to read care labels, and understanding the difference between natural and synthetic fabrics. Being able to share that knowledge and bring more awareness to the way people engage with fashion feels both purposeful and impactful to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gathersandpins
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gathersandpins