This Black History Month, we’re championing the extraordinary Black entrepreneurs at the heart of our creative community: from workshops featuring Black trailblazers during Creatively Classes to content programming that spotlights intrepid Black creators, including Aziza-Abdullah Nicole. 

Founder of Brooklyn-based jewelry company Aziza Handcrafted, contemporary fine jewelry designer Aziza-Abdulla Nicole is revolutionizing what it means to accessorize. Palm cuffs that sit at the crux of the thumb and forefinger, cuticle rings designed to bedazzle a manicure, gemstone teeth caps—even her more traditional styles, like earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, are anything but. Nicole’s one-of-a-kind adornments have been featured in Vogue, L’Officiel, and Refinery29, and landed her an appearance on Project Runway.  

Growing up in PG County, Maryland (Washington D.C. / DMV metropolitan area), Nicole was encouraged to express herself artistically and explore numerous art forms such as sculpting, painting, and crafting. Eventually, she gravitated towards jewelry-making, molding silver, gold, and brass in ways that are reminiscent of ancient Egyptian ornamentation that adorned the living dead. Her unisex collection of heirloom “layerings” draws inspiration from history and her personal, multi-layered heritage. Nicole’s transcendent creations are crafted to make the wearer feel like a god or goddess—particularly one with a million dollar smile.

You can check out more of their work here. 

What is the first creative project you remember? 

The first creative project I remember was at art camp when I was 11 years old. We made a mold of a body part, hands or feet, and I did my foot. I painted it and gave it to my mom, and she still proudly has it today.

Describe your aesthetic in three words. 

Fluid, simplistic, regal, and moody. I’m all four. 

What was the most fulfilling collaboration you’ve worked on?

The most fulfilling collaboration I’ve worked on so far was Project Runway. I was featured last year [on Season 19 Episode 6] where the designers’ challenge was to collaborate and create looks that incorporated pieces from some of New York’s best accessory designers, ranging from hats and shoes to handcrafted jewelry. 

What’s one creative project that taught you something fundamental about yourself?

Project Runway taught me how to work and collaborate with another artist who is as passionate as I am about my craft.

Do you think creativity is something you’re born with, or something you’re taught?

Everyone is creative, but it comes easier for some than most. I think some people haven’t found their creative field and try to pursue lanes that may not be for them, so their creative output suffers in return.

What’s the last dream you had?

My last dream was about someone that I wish I grew more with [as a person]. 

One hundred years from now, what do you hope people write about your work?

That it was magic and you could feel the energy and live in each creation. As long as that is felt, my job is done.

Follow @azizaabdullahnicole on Creatively.

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