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

Hi Nicole, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Lake Worth Florida. I am a first generation Haitian-American and with that came the typical “first-born” struggles. All parents wanted their kids to be doctors and/or lawyers and the first thing I told my parents I wanted to be is a baker. Although I was academically inclined growing up I always had a creative in me. I was grateful enough that my parents (specifically my mom) supported all those avenues of expression I wanted to try. Whether it was tap for two weeks or colorguard for years I was always supported. I think my background helps me embrace all facets of myself. I was never raised just Haitian or just American or only academically or only creatively. I was able to constantly flow through my expressions and cultures. That has made the biggest impact because I have have to only check off one box when it comes to who I am.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I was young I was always adamant about dressing myself. Growing up in my mothers shop it was always great to see the ladies come in and try on clothes and I even gave my opinions from time to time haha. My mom would take me thrifting (when it wasn’t cool) and I think that’s where I fell in love with style past the clothes. It was alway so fun to go into this sea of clothing pieces and make something happen lol. Finally I could find thing that fit my body! Fast forward to college and my first job is in retail. Although it was crazy again I was taken back to being a kid helping the ladies pick their outfits, From this I was able to move into a management position for the clothing boutique ELOQUII. This changed everything. This was my first impression of curvy women having cute clothes! It was amazing to style the ladies and see the joy in their faces from finally showing their arms or even having their first crop top! This is what lead me to starting my page last year. Although there is more representation than when I grew up, there is still a gap missing. Currently I am in the beginning stages of starting my fashion blog. There are a lot of challenged such as self doubt and comparison but the acknowledgement (such as this) has energized me to keep moving forward. Although this journey is in “Chapter 2” I have learned that my body deserves to be dressed nice and my body is beautiful. I want everyone to know that my blog is a safe place to be inspired, see yourself, and turn a look!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend was coming to town for the week here is the itinerary: Monday- Beach day at South Pointe Park
Tuesday- PAAM and Frost Museum
Wednesday-Chill day and Ladies night at Bougies (Bougainvillea)
Thursday- Lunch Fritanga (Take your pick) catch a game if possible
Friday – American Cuban museum (Coral Way) and night out to the Wharf
Saturday- Wynwood! From starting the day with Panther Coffee or bar hopping at night
Sunday- Brunch or church

The most exciting parts of the city are the area and things the locals know about like South Beach is cool but going to Los Perry’s at midnight and late nights at Night Owl are the real parts of the city. To have the best time you have to get with the locals not Google.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In honor of Pride month I want to give my Shoutout to the Black and POC members of the LGBTQIA+ community specifically my colorguard crew. Being embraced by this group allowed me the confidence to express myself in my true vision. Without the support and love from this group I am not sure where I would be. It something very special about being with people who understand what it is like to be overlooked or looked down on and be truly seen. The family that I was able to make with this group healed parts of me that I didn’t even know needed to be fixed. It was seeing me in such a positive way in their eyes that gave me the courage to live in my authenticity.

Instagram: Kneecolestylez

Twitter: Kneecolesprouse

Other: Email: Kneecolesprouse@gmail.com TikTok: Kneecolesprouse

Image Credits
All photos were self taken except for store photo (credit ELOQUII) and main photo (credit CADY)

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