I was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago.  After graduating college, I began my dream job in television, working on some very popular music shows in Washington, D.C.  This highly creative environment allowed me to develop the creativity I felt in my childhood.  It was an amazing experience, but after several years of working in television, I became extremely focused on what I wanted in my future and began working in a different industry of corporate America.  

Looking for a hobby, in 2014 I took a photography class and fell in love. Eventually, I established a business taking pictures related to my passion for travel and food.  I was fortunate to work with a few of my entrepreneurial friends, most notably my first cookbook - “Shut Up and Cook” by Erica Reid (you can find it on Amazon 😊).  My dream then, was to become one of the few Black food photographers and work with a major magazine; however, after moving to California I soon realized it was not feasible along with my corporate job, which I love.  I continue to take photographs, for friend’s websites, headshots, and life events, in addition to showcasing my creative work on Instagram.  There is nothing more enjoyable than capturing a moment or being able to see something that others don’t see – taking a snapshot in time, to share with others.

During the Black Lives Matter protests, I took photographs of the marches in downtown LA, to share on social media and with friends.  Inspired by this social climate, I came up with the idea to create hoodies/sweatshirts with inspirational messages, and to pay homage to my hometown - Chicago.  We Chicago folk are proud of where we’re from and rep our city hard, no matter where we live in this country.

This was the birth of thehoodiehood.

Everything is Energy. thehoodiehood is energy personified.

I created thehoodiehood with the intention of inspiring others, showing gratefulness to God and sharing the things that I love – including my hometown of Chicago.  My hope is that when you see/wear thehoodiehood brand, that you spread and feel the energy of inspiration, faith and love.

Your Sagittarian Sister/Auntie,

Nicole