Niyala Harrison Has the Absolute Best Advice for Her 15-Year-Old Self. Are You Curious to Find Out?
Niyala Harrison is a special soul. Her focus and drive are enviable, and her dynamism is one that is rare. Niyala has a joie de vivre that she has obviously honed with much intention, paired with a calmness that is soothing. She has pursued her career in law with dedication and excellence, coupled with an effort to get involved with her community. At the same time, she makes sure to set aside time for self care, her ride-or-die squad and just living life to the fullest -- something not many people are able to accomplish. Niyala has travelled the world to the most exotic destinations, and her winter trips are usually epic. This year, however, the young attorney is saving her miles, and instead has something else in mind. We think you'll love the idea. Without further delay, let's dive into our little chat with Niyala Harrison. Please, enjoy.
1. Describe yourself in 3 words.
Unflappable. Determined. Discerning. 2. Tell us a bit about the work you do and why you chose that field.
I’m a Public Infrastructure and Finance attorney in the Miami office of a global law firm. Practicing in this niche area of law allows me to do well by doing good. I have assisted counties, cities and other public bodies in the financing of some of the most vital infrastructure that we rely on day to day, but which we might sometimes take for granted. Projects built by municipal bond financing include roads, highways, airports, seaports, parks, bridges, libraries, hospitals, schools, water and sewer treatment facilities. I travel quite frequently so I am most appreciative of well-designed airports. Before I began my law career, I was a city planner where I had an impact on the regulation and aesthetic of the built environment. By doing the kind of work I do now, I continue to have impact on and influence important infrastructure projects for the benefit of all.
"THIS YEAR I WILL BE PUTTING TOGETHER A SCISSORS AND PAPER VERSION OF A VISION BOARD ... I WANT TO BE INTENTIONAL AND MANIFEST ALL THAT THE COMING YEAR HAS FOR ME."
3. Any big plans or projects for the rest of 2020?
I plan to use the final days of 2019 as a launchpad into 2020. Instead of traveling as I usually do, this year I will be putting together a scissors and paper version of a vision board and also an electronic version on my tablet. I want to be intentional and manifest all that the coming year has for me by visualizing it before it happens.
4. What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?
Get a keepsake box and save all of the things that mean something to you — birthday cards, thank you notes, boarding passes, a report card or two, concert ticket stubbs, printed photographs. Once you become the 30+ year old version of yourself you’ll wish you had them to laugh and reminisce.
5. Best advice you ever received?You can never be overprepared or overdressed. The converse could be disastrous.
"HAPPINESS IS A FEELING OF PURE UNOBSTRUCTION."
6. Happiness is?
Happiness is a feeling of pure unobstruction. A freeness to think, laugh, love.
7. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Indecision.
8. Describe your go-to style.Sometime ago I decide that my closet would be filled with quality pieces rather than a large quantity of pieces. I am still learning to embrace minimalism, but my preference is quality, well-fitted pieces that can be worn over and over.
9. You feel most beautiful when?
I feel most beautiful when my curls have just been washed and conditioned and my face has just been washed and then layered with a soothing oil like rose hip.
"FASHION DOESN'T MEAN TRENDY TO ME. IT MEANS WELL-FITTED PIECES THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME."
10. What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion doesn’t mean trendy to me. It means well-fitted pieces that stand the test of time. I think it's fashionable to mix new and old and high and low. When I have time, I scour the thrift stores. I’ve found really classic sequined blazers, blazers with pearl buttons that I can style with jeans and mules for a really fashion-forward look.
~ THE END ~
A little message from the Style Sonata team:Niyala -- your little nuggets of wisdom will not soon be forgotten. Not only will we be doing our own vision board, but we are going to start that little treasure chest of mementos asap. It was such a joy getting to know you, and we wish you everything that's great for 2020 and beyond.
xoxo