We had the good fortune of connecting with Nekia Whitfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nekia, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
This too shall pass is my favorite saying because it means to enjoy the time you have now and celebrate while it’s here. It also means no matter how bad things are there will be better days. It works for so many moods when being an entrepreneur.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my business when I was in my senior year in college. The main reason I started was because how difficult it was to find clothing that fit my shape and looked great. I found myself making pieces and styling them with items already in my closet. I got some orders from wearing and styling which lead to the beginning of Nik Star Designs. I have since grown, from my earlier days of offering ready to wear to now creating high end gowns for women. My brand has gone through many changes throughout the 10 years of operation and I finally feel like it is in it’s final change. I pride myself on creating custom event gowns for women who prioritize fit, functionality, and glam into their style. I want to meet women where they are at.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Des Moines is full of fun places to go for entertainment, food, and hang out. Local restaurants are always a hit whether its a brick and mortar or food truck. Some of my favorites are Laughing Crab- it’s not in DSM per say but it’s soooo good. I also love getting coffee at Northern Vessel & Smokey Row which are both right around the corner from my suite at Mainframe Studios. Speaking of entertainment, Mainframe Studios has an event on the first Friday of each month that is free to attend and houses amazing artists, bar, and food. The farmers market, concerts, downtown, East Village, festivals, and plenty more make Des Moines full of things to show friends visiting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out my husband Catum who has been along this ride of building my business from the ground up and supporting me so much.

Website: www.nikstardesigns.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikstardesigns

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikstardesigns

Other: Tik Tok-https://www.tiktok.com/@nikstardesigns

Image Credits
Ward Creative Studios Jams Creative Photography Alfelino Santiago Feliciano Photography Anj Portrait Studio

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.