Black Minimalists: Nikki Terry
Black Minimalists: Nikki Terry
When and why did you start your minimalist journey?
I was born a minimalist. I also copied my Dad. His style: dress pants, white cotton V-neck t- shirt and thong toe sandals. Aside from a suit for church, this was his every day swag. I remember thinking how simple and sexy it all was. No, actually I thought it was all beautiful.
Being a minimalist is how I see things. It's a need to have a clutter-free mind. I’m a minimalist so I can understand the important things in my life. I come from a complicated childhood and often, things felt confusing and problematic. Moving out on my own, I had a difficult time navigating what my thoughts were, how to value my own time, or how to enjoy things without wavering back and forth between ‘not sure’ or ‘maybe so’. I suppose the minimalist GODS were waiting for me because moving into my first apartment, minimalism found me in the most organic way. I immediately and instinctively felt a need to have one of everything. Aside from my bed, I had one dinner tray, a small stereo, one chair, one set of flatware, and a few plates. I did have lots of bath towels ranging in hues of gray. My friends found it weird, but I thought my choices made my place ready for Elle Decor. Being a minimalist brought a lot of calm to a world that felt overwhelming.
What lessons have you learned since going minimalist?
I have learned people think in order to be a minimalist, you have to have money or be of a certain class. NOT TRUE.
I am a minimalist to the core. I don’t have a lot of money and I definitely did not come from a middle class nor upper middle class family. I believe in monochromatic interior space. I have a particular eye for clothing. I keep the interior of my car clean and free of almost everything outside of the panel board. I have a certain aesthetic that I enjoy when I dress. None of this makes me someone with money. Minimalism for me is all about emotional and mental space. These things make me happy, and calm. It creates a space for me to understand the value of who I am. Being a minimalist has nothing to do with class but has everything to do with those moments in life where there are no blinders, no noise, nor clutter.
What are your goals in living simply?
I'm an artist. My job is to recreate how I see the world. There are aspects of life that are beautiful and quiet, pretty and empty, or dark and loud. Being a minimalist helps me to see and understand these human qualities. I approach the canvas slowly and paint what I see.
Has minimalism impacted other areas of your life?
I thought to mention how minimalism has impacted my life as an artist, but then I decided to talk about the strongest impact minimalism has made on my life. How I choose my friends. I’m not saying that my friends have to be minimalist but I try to have relationships that are deliberate and without competition.
What if any surprises or challenges have you encountered?
The biggest challenge encountered as a minimalist was finding a partner who also believed in minimalism or at least understood it. Some women I have dated referred to me as ‘cheap’. Even friends called me ‘cheap’. I never saw it that way. I think of myself as fiscally savvy (smile). But seriously, I never saw myself as cheap but just a strong pull to stay true to what I enjoy. Now, my Partner, she is a minimalist too. It’s wonderful! She is just as committed to a minimalist lifestyle as me. Decorating our place is easy and fun. We enjoy monochromatic palettes and gosh, it's great having a partner who is okay with not having a television.
What mindset changes have you experienced?
Accepting some people can’t understand minimalism. They don’t get it. I don’t fuss about it. I just do my thing.
What advice do you have for someone interested in simplifying her life?
My advice is simple, go for it. If it feels right, enjoy it. If you don’t want to buy a television, don’t. If you don’t want three sets of flatware, have only one. If you want all the hangers in your closet to be chrome, have them and let them face the same direction. Whatever or however you want to simplify your life, go for it and never second guess that desire.
Where can we learn more about you?
www.orangecustard.com and www.nikkiterry.com
Anything you would like to add?
Being a minimalist does not involve snobbery. It simply involves the joys of having as close to a clutter free life as possible.
Learn more about Black Minimalism.
Black Minimalists on the Web: Part Two
BLACK MINIMALISTS ON THE WEB: PART TWO
Just in time for #BHM, I'm back with another edition of Black Minimalists on the Web. It makes me happy and excited to find more and more black creatives who are minimalists and share them with you. The community is continuously growing.
Please check out and support the black minimalists below by visiting, subscribing, and encouraging them on their journeys as they inspire you.
Disclaimer: The creatives listed below, may or may not personally identify as minimalist; however, they were chosen because their content speaks to a minimalist lifestyle.
Neosha Gardner
http://createherstock.com; http://www.hasneounique.com/
“Because black girls are more than two thumbs up and a smile.” Self-described “creative minimalist”, Neosha Gardner is the founder of CreateHER Stock, a stock image company catering to black women creatives and owner and designer at HUN Creative, a brand design studio.
http://www.instagram.com/neoshaloves/
Yvonne Wallace
http://itsyvonne.com
“My simple, complicated life.” Meet Yvonne Wallace, life and career coach residing in Washington, DC. Yvonne’s mission is to “help make people wealthy, mentally and physically, from the inside out.” Her blog focuses on adding more simplicity into your life. She has “Minute Monday” features that offer simple life and biz tips along with other great resources.
When making a decision in your biz/life remember that "Everything comes from nothing." Take time to quiet your mind b4 moving forth!
— Yvonne Wallace (@itsyvonnenicole) December 10, 2015
Nikki Terry
http://OrangeCustard.com ; http://nikkiterry.com
Owner of design studio, Orange Custard and visual artist, Nikki Terry states she was born a minimalist and inspired by her father's style growing up. Native Marylander (woop woop) by way of Baltimore and currently a Brooklyn resident (where Brooklyn at?), Nikki also pursues photography. Nikki’s goal as an artist is to recreate the world how she see’s it and minimalism helps facilitate that process.
Cicely Renee
http://bougieblackblogger.com
"All class with a little sass." Carefree and magical, blogger Cicely is living the simple life and recently moved across the country to Dallas for a fresh start. Her lifestyle blog covers a variety of topics from blogging + business, relationships, food + wine, and of course, her minimalist journey.
Monday Motivation: The Art of Letting Go
Nneka Okono
http://afrosypaella.com
“To travel is to transform.” I found Nneka through an article she wrote on For Harriet about why black women should embrace minimalism. Nneka is a writer, coach, and avid traveler who lived in Spain for nine months (hence the paella). She currently resides in Atlanta and muses about life and traveling on her blog.
Honor what feels right to you. Take great care of yourself. Use your intuition to guide you through it all. I promise you'll be better off.
— Nneka M. Okona (@afrosypaella) February 6, 2016
Anekia Nicole
http://anekianicole.com
"Hippie-spirited. Open diary. Nerd." Anekia opens her diary and shares her life experiences to inspire and encourage you on your journey. I found Anekia via Twitter when she wrote about rethinking christmas and the focus on materialism.
Why Set Resolutions? Living a More Conscionable Lifehttp://twitter.com/anekianicole
What If Your Passion Doesn't Align With Your Career? https://t.co/T9SvOHvsC2 pic.twitter.com/CEf267x7Q1
— Anekia Nicole (@AnekiaNicole) February 2, 2016
Niambi Wilson
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAZ7in3LJ-hi7lumVVxJGRw
“Peace. Love. Beauty. Be Intentional.” Niambi’s YouTube channel is one of my more recent discoveries. She is a polyglot who shares her minimalist journey, travels, beauty and natural hair tips, and relationship experiences. Niambi has lived abroad in Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Check out her advice videos and vlogs.
Wilsar Johnson
http://www.fitnoir.com/
“Black girl gone healthy.” First off I want to say, I love the name Wilsar and she definitely lives up to her beautiful name. Wilsar's blog is all about helping you live a healthy, happy, and simple lifestyle. Check out her Instagram for more #blackgirlmagic.
https://twitter.com/callmewilsar
Go check these ladies out and don't worry, I'm already working on part three.
Also, if you know of other black minimalists not featured above or in Part One, please share their names in the comments or hit me on social media.
Learn more about Black Minimalists.
photo credit: CreateHer Stock