We’re looking forward to introducing you to NiSi. Check out our conversation below.
NiSi, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Honestly, I find something to laugh about almost every day — sometimes laughter keeps me from stressing over things I can’t control. But recently, one project in particular has filled me with both laughter and pride.
At the beginning of 2025, I submitted one of my existing pieces, Blu, in honor of my Bennett Belles — my cherished alma mater — for a project. Initially, I was told my painting wasn’t selected. A little while later, I got an unexpected email asking to schedule a call. During that conversation, I learned they loved Blu but had something even bigger in mind: they wanted me to create seven original paintings honoring the seven higher education institutions in Greensboro. What I thought was a ‘No,” was a not right now and something greater is on the way.
My home has always been my own personal art gallery, but now these collegiate students are on display — each painting representing one of the seven schools. I hang them on the wall and as I finish; stand back, and smile with pride. I love capturing photos and videos throughout the process, watching them come to life. And of course, there’s been plenty of laughter too — like when one of my early drafts accidentally ended up looking like Marge Simpson’s melanated best friend. (She won’t be part of the final collection!)
This journey has been such a beautiful mix of humor, faith, and fulfillment. I can’t wait for everyone to see the collection unveiled soon — stay tuned!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m NiSi — a multi-creative originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who found her heart and home in the Gate City, Greensboro, NC. I actually started out thinking I’d be a hairstylist — I was that girl collecting Hype Hair and Sophisticate’s Black Hair magazines, completely fascinated by beauty and self-expression.
But my path had other plans. Over the years, I’ve journeyed from actress to drama teacher, to makeup artist, to visual artist, and poet. Somewhere along the way, I got beautifully “stuck” in the paintstrokes and words that touch the soul — and I’ve been loving it ever since.
My brand, NiSi’s Eyes, stands for “not yet final.” It’s my reminder that life, art, and purpose are all still unfolding. So keep watching — because my canvas, much like me, is still coming to life.
Right now, I’m creating more art, writing more poetry, and stepping into a new chapter — building a bridal beauty admin business that allows bridal makeup and hair artists to focus on creating beautiful canvases, while I handle the behind-the-scenes scheduling, planning, and client relations. It’s another way for me to blend organization, artistry, and empowerment — and I’m excited to see where it leads.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I share with my sister. She’s like my twin — just ten years older. Everything I’ve gone through, she’s experienced in some way, before me. Growing up, I went everywhere with her. Some of her high school friends even thought I was her daughter! I was at her swing choir rehearsals, modeling practices, games — and yes, riding the city bus with our matching teddy bear shirts (which she didn’t always love, but I sure did).
So much of what I’ve learned about myself comes from how I saw her. She was acting, modeling, singing — and always kept it real with me about life, but in a way I could understand at whatever age I was. She helped me see that what I wear never gives anyone permission to act inappropriately, and she constantly reminded me that I was beautiful — no matter my size or who didn’t see it.
My sister has always been a reflection of strength, independence, and grace. As an independent contractor, she showed me that you can live anywhere you want and be whatever you want — but it takes hustle and heart. Looking back, even when I was a kid helping her file papers or organize her office, I was learning about my own love for structure, event planning, and the magic in the details.
She’s taught me to be unapologetically myself — to create, to pause, to reflect, and to know that she’ll always be there cheering me on. I saw what I could be through her example, and because of her, I believed I could be whoever I wanted to be.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in my life is the fear of the unknown. I can talk myself out of things so quickly — especially when it comes to being social. I wasn’t always this way, but it really began around 2014.
At the time, I was rehearsing for a show at a local studio with some talented friends. My son was about 4 years old, and like most moms, I was juggling bags, diapers, and a sleeping child. I decided to make things easier by putting my bags — my purse and laptop — in the car first, which was parked just across the street. I locked the door, went back inside to get my son, and within five minutes, everything was gone. My car had been broken into.
That moment shook me. I realized how easily something worse could have happened, and since then, I’ve carried what I call a self-diagnosed form of PTSD. It’s a struggle to go out alone, especially at night. I often talk myself out of attending events unless I’m featured. I feel safer knowing that someone is expecting me to arrive or waiting for me to walk in — and having someone there to walk me to my car makes all the difference.
Some days I feel grounded and safe right where I am, and other days, finding the courage to step outside is its own quiet act of bravery. I know I’m not alone in this, and I’m learning to give myself grace. Every time I do step out, even in baby steps, it’s a quiet victory.
I’ve also learned that when people told me things I “should” be doing — things I didn’t feel quite ready for — they often unfolded in their own time. A lot of times, people see things in me that I may not yet see in myself. I may not always come around right away, but I’ve come to trust that what’s meant for me will find me, and when it does, it will work out exactly as it’s destined to.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is definitely a real part of me — but not the whole picture. What people see is the woman who shows up with warmth, confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for uplifting others. That’s real. But it’s also curated; it’s the part of me that leads, encourages, and pours into others — even on days when I might be running on empty.
The private me is quieter, softer, and often in deep reflection — usually surrounded by paint, poetry, or peace. She’s the one who still gets nervous before stepping into a room, who sometimes needs to retreat to refill her spirit before she can pour again.
I’ve learned that both versions are true. The public me is the expression of the inner me that’s done the work — the one who’s been broken, rebuilt, and still dares to create beauty. So yes, the public version of me is real… she’s just the polished reflection of a woman still evolving behind the scenes.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace around water. There’s something about it — the stillness, the sound, the reflection — that helps me quiet everything else. I wish I had more time to just sit and be.
Where I live now, there are two places within 30 minutes that have become my little sanctuaries: a lake in Winston-Salem, NC and another in High Point, NC. In those spaces, I sit, write, paint, and reflect. Most times when I make my way there, it’s because life feels heavy or work has worn me thin. When I used to work in Winston-Salem, those lake visits became my lunch break escapes and after-work decompressions.
Funny thing is — I can’t swim. But that doesn’t stop me from sitting by the water or standing in the 3–4 ft area of a pool somewhere, feeling grounded in the moment. Learning to swim is still on my list; it just keeps getting delayed by life “lifing.” Until then, I’ll keep soaking in the peace and beauty that flow through those waters I frequent… and I’m believing that a beautiful, all-expense-paid vacation near the water is coming soon. Now that’s peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nisiseyes.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nisiseyes_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NiSisEyes/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nisiseyes7721
