The Creative Vol 4 - Interview with Niematulai Longstratt
There’s No Place Like Home: West African Fashion, Food and Flair. Niematulai Longstratt
Sometimes you connect with someone, and they pull right at the center of who you are. It’s like they see you, not for what you present to the world or everyone else hopes you are, but exactly who you want to be. They amplify the truest version of you by living authentically in their skin, cruising (and sometimes crashing) into the waves of life; yet, they’re always looking effortlessly elegant while doing so. It leaves you wondering how someone can embody so much life — it’s like magic, and you’re slowly becoming a believer.
In this issue of The Creative, we had the honor of featuring the one and only Niematulai Longstratt, aka Niema, the proprietor of RNL Authentics, LLC — a multi-hyphenate brand that focuses on food, fashion and the majesty of Niema’s West African roots.
Bringing a culture of warmth, family and hospitality is a strong focus of hers. She exudes unlimited love with a joie de vivre that you can see in every stitch and taste in each spoonful. If you have not been fortunate enough to feel the pull of her alluringly magnetic presence, let us fill you in on what you’ve been missing.
Before you read any further, get comfy, dim those lights and hit play on your favorite rainy day jazz playlist as you are enchanted, sentence by sentence, with this issue’s featured creative, Niematulai Longstratt.
Steven: Niema, so good to be with you. Others can’t see you right now but you look incredibly gorgeous in your fashions today, I’m sure they’re gonna love your cover shoot. Would you introduce yourself?
Niema: My name is Niematulai Longstratt, and I was born and raised in Sierra Leone, West Africa. I moved here eight years ago and love the ShreveportBossier area. It feels like I was born to be here.
Steven: And we are so lucky that you are. So tell us, who is Niematulai?
Niema: Well, Niematulai first of all means a “gift from God.” She is ambitious and a go-getter who doesn’t think small and rolls with the punches. I’m an entrepreneur by trade, focusing on fashion design and working otherwise as a chef. I didn’t go to school to be a chef or designer, but I was blessed with the affinity and talent for both. I’m someone who is very proud of what I do and always try to learn things that challenge me.
Steven: Obviously you wear many, many hats and are very self-assured and defined. What would you say are the three words that perfectly sum you up?
Niema: Ambitious, consistent and bold.
Steven: Ambitious, consistent and bold. I love those words. Because you’re just those. You’ve found yourself as a cover model for The Creative. How does it feel?
Niema: First, know this: I’m a woman who loves the camera, my followers know that. I post tons of photos all the time, and as I am creating my brand, I want my face and name on everything I do. I’m not afraid of having that ambition and being consistent in everything I do. It’s allowed me to be featured on a front cover like this. Working hard and delivering a great product has brought me notice, and when opportunities like this come my way, I want to do my very best, because I know young kids are looking up to me. I have to carry myself with confidence and in the best light. And, of course, when you’re approached by James Michael Leblanc, how could you not do it? I knew I had to, the connection was automatic, and I was ready to drop everything to make this happen.
Steven: Let’s talk about the struggles of being creative... Surely and especially, within the past year you must have had days where you didn’t feel inspired to design or create, otherwise. What brings you back to a place of focus and peace? What makes you get up and do what you love?
Niema: It comes down to consistency and a desire to deliver — keeping my talent in a box would be a travesty. For instance, I love to shop, it brings me happiness. I am aware how color and beauty can elicit happiness in people, and I want to be a part of creating those moments for people. I must do the work because it’s about helping those who want to succeed like me. I have so much experience, and I want to impart all of it to younger people looking to carve their own path out.
Steven: You tapped into something just now: the idea that fashion, when it puts people wearing the clothing first, can help create a mindset of positivity. It is able to be transformative and healing. I have noticed when people wear RNL they exude confidence and even the way they carry themselves changes. It’s absolutely electric. Why do you think your clothing makes people feel that way?
Niema: It’s the experience I create behind what I do. It’s not just shopping in my boutique for clothes. I’m not from this area, I was born and raised in Freetown. I want people to experience the hospitality of my home country and build a connection and friendship with me when they give me business. It’s a mutual exchange of energy — I invest in them, and, in return, they do the same for me. When you visit me, we don’t go straight to shopping, there’s conversation and food I’ve prepared. There’s a whole connection I want to establish that ultimately needs to happen before I take them to try on clothing. My customers should be full, happy and feel safe to unload their worries with me, the clothing is just the icing on the cake. Whether it impacts the way they feel about themselves or simply makes their day, people are looking for more out of their shopping experience. They should feel as beautiful as the clothing they’re putting on.
Steven: That’s beautiful that you want to create a safe space for your customers. The desire to make them feel whole and seen but you mentioned your food. Let’s talk about the food branch of RNL and the developments that have happened with that lately.
Niema: I love to speak positivity into the universe and RNL is on its way to be an enterprise. RNL is a brand determined to heal and help people. I want people to feel nourished to the soul. It’s why we take pride in things like growing our own veggies — we want to create tasty, fresh and healthy meals. What we offer is a unique niche, in the sense that we currently exist as the only African cuisine operating at our level in the area. We cook like you are our own family and notice that people are looking to move away from fast food, so we’re capitalizing on creating food that is made with them in mind.
Steven: Many people became comfortable in more casual wear during the pandemic. Has this impacted how you design? Are you making clothing that is more about comfort and function than statement pieces for big events at the moment?
Niema: Fashion never sleeps. I feel like even during the quarantine I continued to dress up, from the garden to the bathroom. I honestly feel that with all that is coming up, people are dying to wear those outfits they purchased over the past year. For myself, I’m very excited about the future of fashion. I see lots of bright yellows and oranges coming out, and I’m looking forward to debuting new pieces in September... 13 incredible looks people are going to want to get their hands on, so be on the lookout.
Steven: Let’s talk about your personal style. Are you someone who dresses comfortably because you’re always on the go? Or are you finding ways to elevate your style even when you’re in the kitchen?
Niema: You can never catch Niematulai slipping, because why? She’s Diva Chef ! I always look good and smell good. But recently, my day to day has changed to suit my lifestyle as it is currently. I’m not dressing up as much, and I really want to change that. Of course, in the kitchen I need to be functional and comfy. I put on heels today — because opportunities to do this are so far and few between — and was moving a little slower than usual, but now that the world is slowly opening back up, I’m ready to get back into my beautiful fashions.
Steven: What is the future of RNL? Where do you see it in five or 10 years?
Niema: My hope is that in the next five or 10 years I’ll see my clothing in a retail store, here in the SBC first and then somewhere out in the world. As far as food, I want to open a food truck incubator to help young chefs get their start. I’d lease out my spare equipment and food trucks to teach people how to get a business started, helping them learn from my mistakes and hopefully finding their own success. I’m hoping for two more food trucks soon.
Steven: Speaking of young and spunky upstarts, what is some advice you would give to your younger self ?
Niema: Spend money wisely. I was able to make lots of money when I was younger and worked so hard for it, I wish I could just tell myself to invest early. I ultimately invested $300 into RNL but imagine if, from then on, I’d invested $300 into myself for all that I earned... I’d be in an even better place.
Steven: What is the legacy you hope RNL leaves behind?
Niema: I want people to see the details that go into all I do, to cheer me on, read and rewrite my legacy by the footprint I leave behind. I hope people will be interested in following the footsteps of someone who came from nowhere and found her success. Leaving behind a positive footprint that folks could model themselves after would be great.
Steven: If you could give advice to anyone, especially young people, what would it be?
Niema: Be consistent, be bold and never be afraid to knock on a door. Your success might be at the table on the other side of it. And of course, dream big, but be ready to put in the work. Each day, my feet are stepping one in front of the other, and I can see the end goal; similarly, let that drive you, and be confident in your decisions.
Steven: Any last words?
Niema: Be confident, love yourself and get vaxxed so we can embrace the norm again soon!
And there you have it, Niematulai Longstratt! To follow Niema’s journey to building her empire make sure to follow her on all socials at @rnl.authentics and @cookerycornershv. For inquiries on any of her fashion or food offerings you can reach her at rnl.authentics@yahoo.com.
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