Life & Work with Naa Kwaley of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naa Kwaley

Hi Naa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Naa Kwaley, but many people know me as Coco. I moved to Los Angeles five years ago. I’m an Artist, and my work spans across Music, Fashion, and Brand Styling. My journey in Music has been amazing so far. I have been singing and playing piano since I was a kid in middle school. My Mother put me in piano lessons, and also encouraged me to join the chorus. I sang in every high school musical and school play. I loved it! Every rehearsal I was one of the last kids to leave, because I never wanted to go home. When I started college I remember saying to myself, “wait..I think I can actually sing. Not just for fun, but for real.” My electives included piano lessons, music theory, and vocal training. Little did I know, I was planting the seed for bigger and better opportunities down the road. I’ve been the lead vocal in two bands, and had the opportunity to perform in front of large groups of people in two different countries. Fast forward to today, my music is found on all streaming platforms, which has been a huge accomplishment for me. I am truly proud of myself!

Fashion is also a big part of my lifestyle. One of the first things I did when I moved here was look for like-minded people in the Fashion industry by attending networking events, and connecting with designers on social media. I’ve always loved styling, putting different pieces together, and helping others find their personal style. I started my blog, NKM Styling, as a way to share my love for fashion, and inspire others to be who they are, unapologetically. I also focused on women empowerment, health & wellness, and everyday lifestyle. After about a year of consistently posting my blogs, I got my first big opportunity – LA Fashion Week. I started as a volunteer, to the Lead Designer for Laura Theiss, to then receiving an invitation to attend LAFW as an invited guest. These were all big milestones for me, and I’m so thankful for being in a space where I could passionately learn, see, and experience the fashion industry and runway culture. This also encouraged me to start my own vintage African-inspired fashion line. I am of Ghanaian decent, and living in Ghana quickly inspired me to create clothing using African print. I previously designed a couple summer collections over the years, but my future goal is to have an online fashion boutique inspired by 90’s fashion within the next couple years. I can’t wait to share new designs and new styles.

My small business, NOVA Soul Branding, happened by accident. My DM’s on Instagram were full of bloggers who were reaching out to me asking general questions about blogging, websites, and portfolios, etc. I happily answered their questions, and even felt lucky that there were creators out there who trusted me enough to give advice! That was when I knew that I could turn this into a real business. My approach to branding starts with a holistic perspective. I truly feel that a flourishing brand begins from within. My job as a Brand Stylist is to help creators align their vision with their core values – integrating mindfulness and self-care into every part of their business. So a lot of the work that I do also focuses on authenticity and clarity. I hope that I am able to continue pursuing my passions in the many years to come. I’m just here to share my gifts with others, and hopefully inspire someone along the way.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has definitely been some setbacks along the way, and many times where I wish I did things differently. It’s all about trial and error. I take everything that I do as part of the learning process, and with learning comes growth and self-awareness. I’d say the hardest part for me at first, was trying to do everything on my own. Realistically, I had to because I didn’t know anyone here. But once I began to put myself out there and meet new people, I had friends who helped me whenever I needed it. Creating content became much easier. My greatest personal struggle within the last few years has been the loss of my Mother. She was my biggest cheerleader and supporter, and was always sharing my success with anyone she knew. I loved that about her. Our Mom’s are truly a blessing! At the time, I didn’t have any motivation to do much of anything, and I was struggling to find my voice and purpose again. But I knew I had to keep moving, and continue to live out my dreams even when nothing made sense. So yea, I think everything that I do is really for her, and that’s what keeps me going. That is what pushes me to be successful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Right now I am in the studio working on my latest project. This is one that I’m truly excited for. Me and my team are creating an EP that is a blend of Neo-soul, RnB, and Afrobeats. I think there’s going to be something for everybody on this one.

My work in Fashion never stops. I specialize in personal styling for individual clients, and styling for group photoshoots. Most of my clients need help building their wardrobe and finding their personal style. For bigger projects, I focus on editorial shoots while assisting the models and / or designers on set. When I’m not working for other models, I model myself! I love taking pictures and working with talented photographers. I will never pass up on a photoshoot!

When it comes to brand styling, I run my own business – NOVA Soul Branding. For content creators who are looking for a different approach to branding, I offer services and products, such as media kits, portfolios, website design and brand style guides. I empower creators to build their brands while balancing self-care.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Trust the process! I truly believe that everything happens in the right time. I spent so much time planning and trying to be perfect. But what is “perfect?” Your definition of success is always different than the person next to you, so always focus on your own path. I truly learned that sometimes things happen simply from having patience. Move with intention, and move with purpose!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nkmstyling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocoolala/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coconkm/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NKMStyling
• Other: https://linktr.ee/cocofficial

Image Credits
Charles JP Studios, RTS Media Co.