To Nathan Delva, Fashion is simply a way to express your personality and values, and designers are fully aware of its influence. Nathan Delva is a New York Fashion Week model, designer, and CEO of Envision Apparel which was established in 2015. When growing up he believes that fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression. Hence, his clothing line aims to empower millennials and strengthen the culture of the younger generation across the globe.

We had the chance to interview Nathan Delva about what brought him to his specific career path and his great achievement so far in the industry. With him starting to branch out into new realms in this new year, we wanted to catch up with him to learn a little more.

1. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Nathan Delva – While in High School and College, I would tend to always get compliments on my outfits. Even at times wearing an outfit once and selling it right after because of the amount of attention it got. This sequence of events inspired me to come up with a clothing brand of my own called “Envision Apparel”.

2. Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

Nathan Delva – My first season of New York Fashion week was so nerve-racking. I had been following my dreams not thinking I would land a casting in a runway fashion show. In the first year not only one, but 4 designers in total asked me to walk for their brands. After the shows, I was offered an opportunity to do a Photoshoot in Madison Square Garden. I also was gifted new sneakers and a sweatsuit set.

3. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Nathan Delva – The funniest mistake I’ve made was listening to others’ advice that was not in the same lane as mine. I would continuously be told not to sell items at a certain price because people in my city would not purchase them. Once I figured out that I wanted my brand to be global and that it only took one person to purchase that item at that price. This gave me the confidence to price items at their correct worth and my business has been doing amazing.

4. What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

Nathan Delva – Some of the most exciting projects I’m working on right now are modeling and acting. I’m currently about to leave for fashion week for two weeks in New York.  I am also working on attending acting classes in California to further my knowledge of the acting industry.

5. Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Nathan Delva – Some of the most interesting people I’ve interacted with have been famous influencers and YouTubers. Interacting with famous people was an experience of observation in order for me to learn. I’ve also got to connect with  Youtuber Kingcid that inspired me and my brand. My recent interaction with Desibanks a famous comedian was amazing. I was able to give him a piece of my new release and network to form a friendship.

6. Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Nathan Delva – Oh first and foremost I would say consistency is everything when having a brand. Also to write things down the old fashion way because it stimulates the mine to work on that project. Always work on bettering yourself and becoming the better version of the person you were yesterday. Also to fail early and fill often because the next step is a success.

7. You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

Nathan Delva – For anyone out there trying to model I would say make sure that it’s something you love before taking on the challenge. Anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it and anyone can accomplish a goal that they continuously work towards.

8. Can you share with our readers any self-care routines, practices, or treatments that you do to help your body, mind, or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.

Nathan Delva – On a daily, I try my best to pray at least 2 to 3 times a day. Also throughout the week, I make sure that I go to the gym and get my body going at least 3 to 4 days a week. As long as you keep God in your corner and take baby steps towards your goals there’s nothing that can stop you.

9. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.

Nathan Delva:

1. Pray – With God nothing is impossible. And also with God, anything can be possible.
2. Fail – Because with failure comes success.
3. Consistency – The more you put out content the more recognition it brings towards your brand and goals.
4. Mental health – Always keep a clear mind because with cloudy thoughts you can’t concentrate.
5. Positivity – Positivity is key and it feeds the mind toward success.

10. Can you please give us your favorite  “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life? 

Nathan Delva – “Any Product You Buy, You Buy The Vision”

This is relevant with my clothing brand because anyone can release a brand but without a vision and a concept behind it no one will know what they’re purchasing.

11. None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Nathan Delva – I am certainly grateful to my mother and my immediate family because without them I would not be where I am today. My aunt Marilyn is the only reason I was able to become a New York fashion week model.

12. You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

Nathan Delva – My movement would be starting a TV show that shows you the process that it takes to become successful in any business or vision. The movement would focus on behind the scenes the trial and error and failure that you have to go through before receiving success with anything.

13. We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

Nathan Delva – I would love to have lunch with Drake, Steve Harvey, rick Ross, Will Smith, and a few other successful influencers in the world. The reason why I chose these individuals is because they are documentaries has been my God threw out some trial and error I’ve been through with my career choice.

14 How can our readers follow you online?

Nathan Delva – On Instagram and Twitter, you can find me under @NateTheDonn – Nathan Delva.