The 5 Questions We Ask Everyone: Accessories Designer, New York Nat

Natalie Ann Griffith is the epitome of cool. She’s a recent college grad (University of Michigan), she’s a dancer (professionally trained and all), and she just started her very own super chic line of accessories (seriously gorgeous). We kinda, sorta wanna be her. Or at least be her BFF/tester of all headbands.

We stumbled across her website while searching for the perfect headband for our birthday party and after spending an hour drooling over her work, we knew we just had to talk to her (and beg her to send us some!). Turns out, Nat is more than just a pretty face with amazing talent. She’s also incredibly inspiring and a great role model for young women everywhere. Get to know Nat and you’ll fall in love, too!

The Five Questions We Ask Everyone:

1.    What is your most hysterical/ridiculous college memory?
I suffered for fashion in college.  It was pretty silly, actually, -but I would wear mini skirts in mid January in Michigan to go out to the bar.  The weather in January is always below freezing and usually consists of at least three feet of snow.  I refused to wear flats and would shuffle along on the icy sidewalk with many slips and falls along the way.  I think I almost got frost bite one night waiting in line for Rick’s  – the most popular bar on campus!

2.    What are the five things you can’t live without?
Loreal Voluminous Mascara, nonfat Lattes, my Sewing Machine, Pink MAC lipstick in Lovelorn, Dance Class

3.    What’s your motto/advice you live by?
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!  Live the life you’ve imagined.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

4.    What’s your favorite song to belt out at the bar/in the car/for karaoke?
I’m a Motown girl!  One of my favorites to belt is “Uptight” by Stevie Wonder.  I also LOVE “Aint to Proud to Beg” by The Temptations.

5.    Ten years from now you will be….
In ten years I will have expanded my line, New York Nat, to include couture shoes.   I will be happily married and have a young daughter or son (or both!).  I will have a NewYork Nat boutique in Manhattan and also one in Michigan.  New York Nat accessories will become a staple in well-heeled women’s closets.  To be honest, I take each day as a new one and love the unexpected turns in life.  It will be interesting to look back at this interview in 10 years!

Five Questions Just for Nat:

1.    Why did you decide to start New York Nat? Why accessories?
I think accessories complete a look and can add excitement to any garment. I started making hair accessories for myself to wear.  People began to take notice and ask where they could buy my pieces, so I bought some more supplies and created my website.  I saw the listing for the Henri Bendel Open See and waited in line for five hours to meet with the hair accessory buyer.  She loved my collection and offered me a trunk show right on the spot!

2.    What is the biggest lesson you learned in college?
To be fearless.  I was a dance major in college and I learned to follow my heart – take risks and pursue your dreams.

3.    What do you think is the biggest fashion mistake someone can make?
Wearing ill-fitting garments!  If clothing does not fit properly it looks messy and can be distracting.  The extra money to get clothing tailored is essential.

4.    You’re quite young to be starting your own business – what is the hardest part of this whole venture?
The hardest part of starting a business at my age in financing – I have to watch my budget closely.  Ultimately, I think of my age as an advantage because I can relate to other young women and my ideas are fresh.

5.    What advice do you have for other young women who want to follow their dreams (even if it’s a very scary idea)?
As scared as you may be, give your dream a chance.  You can’t say you’ve failed until you’ve given it a try.  You will learn a lot about yourself throughout the journey and you will become a stronger person as a result.