Nadia Aboulhosn
Designer/Model/Blogger Nadia Aboulhosn, when asked about her Instagram, boldy said, "I don't want to take a picture of a pretty pair of sunglasses next to a pair of flowers on a rug to make it looks aspirational. I want to twerk in front of a cheeseburger piñata." And that's exactly what she's done. The body-positive advocate, who is known for her perfectly put together outfits, has a mantra she lives by: try everything on, take pics in front of the mirror and if she likes it — walk out the door. Nothing is to be overthought as life is too precious to focus on things that don't matter. What matters to Nadia? Promoting a worldly view of body positive images.
What was your inspiration behind starting your own clothing brand, 'by Nadia Aboulhosn'? What do you hope to accomplish with your brand?
I've been wanting to launch my own collection before I began blogging six years ago but focused on other aspects of my career first before I could get here. I finished up my 2 year Associates Degree and had already began my blog and it was picking up. I had applied to fashion school in NY and they denied me because I'm the worst at drawing. I remember saying to myself back then that I'll find another way to launch my own line, it's just going to take some time. I prioritized, blogged, modeled, did endorsements, saved up, and launched my own. I would go to thrift stores back in the day and style/rework the looks and make it my own. I get that same feeling when I design pieces for my collection now. I wanted my line to be a place where I can push new looks where everyone can go to shop without worrying about if something was going to be in their size or not.
What has been your favorite photo shoot you’ve been a part of in your career?
My favorite photo shoots have been an editorial I did for Stylist Magazine and of course Good American's first shoot. There was so much excitement behind both and I was really looking forward to them to drop.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My clothing line in major stores with a runway line, a house in the country with lots of animals, maybe a kid or two.
How did growing up in Florida influence your style?
I wouldn't want to have grown up any other way because I was born and raised in Florida but spent most of my summers as a teenager in New York/New Jersey. I had Southern influence, East coast influence, and also Lebanese influence because of my father's side of the family.
What do you think brands and publishers can be doing more of in order to be more inclusive?
Showing more diversity with size and ethnicity range for sure. People want to see themselves represented and brands and publishers and TV have that platform to do so.
We first met at our first ever GOOD AMERICAN campaign – what has changed since in your life since our first shoot?
Ahhh so much. Main things would be launching my clothing line by Nadia Aboulhosn, moving to LA full time, and I settled down with my boyfriend and got a place together.
What is your favorite place you have ever travelled?
Belize. It was so gorgeous and I could sit and stare at the ocean all day. After that I'd say Iceland.
What outfit makes you feel the most like yourself?
A good pair of short shorts, a bodysuit, and a pair of sneakers.
What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to create voice for themselves in the fashion/beauty space?
Be authentic to yourself and don't beat yourself up. Turn that energy in to something positive. I'm a Virgo so I can spend a lot of time getting upset at what I did and didn't do. I've learned how to be able to be myself entirely without filters. You can push the industry, you don't need it to accept you, you can make your own path.
To you, what does it mean to be a ‘good American’ girl?
It means being a part of a diverse group of women who embody confidence.
