Fly Female Entrepreneur

Najwa Moses: Styleaholics

I had the pleasure of meeting this bundle of energy known to the world as Najwa Moses back in 2002 and I’ve been an admiring observer ever since. She was hosting a series of “must attend” shopping events so of course, being the style connoisseurs that we are, my friends and I made it a point to support! Over the years, I’ve watched Miss Najwa on her grustle (grind + hustle) and have to say that I’m beyond inspired!

A true lady about town, this fashion trendsetter has managed to forge alliances with the likes of Blue Fly, Toyota, MTV, NPR, AOL Black Voices, BET and now Centric without losing an ounce of authenticy or street cred. She’s got her eye on the prize and won’t stop ’till she’s sitting pretty at the top. She’s putting in work. She’s creating her own lane. She’s Najwa Moses, the original Styleaholic. Get to know her today on In Her Shoes…

In Her Shoes: For In Her Shoes readers not familiar, tell us who Najwa Moses is Twitter style (140 characters or less):

Najwa Moses: The First Web TV Fashion Personality. A Social Media Socialite. A Style Expert. A woman who loves global food, fly fashion and a deep belly laugh.

Fly Female Entrepreneur: Najwa Moses from Renae Bluitt on Vimeo.

In Her Shoes: You’ve done an amazing job at branding “Najwa Moses” and positioning yourself as a highly sought after style expert. With partnerships with some of the biggest names in the business, you make being a styleaholic look easy. What words of wisdom would you share with style mavens interested in joining forces with Corporate America?

Najwa Moses: Wow, it’s funny because I’m extremely allergic to Corporate America. The cubicles and office politics make me itch in not-so-cool places. That said, bigger brands are always savvy about aligning themselves with thought leaders and culture cultivators and this is pretty much what happens with me time and time again. However, I’ll be the first one to admit, that these ‘partnerships’ don’t always turn into a building of revenue for my brand, so I’m currently in the process of shifting that circumstance.

I’ve come to realize that because I’ve served as part of the vanguard for those in social media, I must establish a foundation where we can all create engaging content that not only continues to evolve and diversify one’s audience, but that also becomes a properly functioning business.  I am both the business and the role model;  and like everyone else I’m working hard to figure out what that is.  Wish me luck!

In Her Shoes: Complete this sentence: “By the year 2015 Najwa Moses will be…”

Najwa Moses: Married with kids. The owner of several homes. A media mogul. A philanthropist. At her ideal weight goal. Having regular brunches with the likes of Oprah, Steve Jobs, Sarah Jones, and a few other folks. LOL. (But I’m dead serious!)

In Her Shoes: What’s a day like in Najwa Moses’ shoes?

Najwa Moses: Though I work from home I keep general business hours. Up by 7 a.m., blogging for Bluefly.com, checking my email, responding and setting up interviews with my blog editor Ellisa Oweyo for my own site STYLEAHOLICS.COM, pumping some iron at the gym and then I’m either out at night at a variety of  fashion, music events or home cooking a wonderfully delicious meal.

In Her Shoes: You’ve interviewed some of the industry’s hottest influencers over the years from Diane Von Furstenberg to Diddy. Which interview would you say was the most memorable and why?

Iman

Najwa Moses: I’ve had several. DVF’s was great because she’s a living legend who was very chill about imparting some business knowledge. I loved Diddy because he came right over to me, answered my questions so sweetly and then plugged my show with mad love. But I think my favorite is a toss up between Malcolm Jamal Warner and Iman. Iman literally choked me–we were laughing about the secret of how to keep a marriage going–I want to be her BFF.  Malcolm Jamal Warner, simply because here is a brother who’s been in this industry for over 20 years, but he can still carry in his own boxes for his poetry showcase. So down to earth, always relevant, and just a quietly shining star. What’s better than that?

In Her Shoes: Which trend from the past decade are you happy to see rest in peace?

Najwa Moses: The ’80s..though it’s still going. I also DO NOT WANT TO SEE ANY MOHAWKS this year. I’m walking with scissors and will cut your sh*t off!

Najwa Moses with Angela and Vanessa Simmons

In Her Shoes: What type of trends do you forecast for Spring?

Najwa Moses: Lots of leather–minis, shorts, cropped jackets. Sky-high heels, ethnic printed dresses which will extend to ‘wild’ natural curls and big hair. Flats with serious toe game–think sequins, metal, oversized bows, studs. Jumpers are gonna be HUGE this summer more than we’ve seen before.

In Her Shoes: Where can we see more of Najwa Moses in 2010?

Najwa Moses: Well, I’ve recently become an Art & Culture Correspondent for BET’s Centric TV.com.  You can also catch me this Spring yakking Metro PCS as I was selected to be followed for a day in the life, which will air nationally. And finally, after several years I’ll be launching a new WEB TV SHOW. A six-part series that gives you good fashion from the perspective of the street, the designer, the showroom and the influencer.

For additional information on Najwa Moses visit www.styleaholics.com.