Behind the Scenes

Zoetic: of or pertaining/ relating to life : living, vital.

Couture: design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements and measurements.

But let’s rewind, Zoetic Couture didn’t appear out of thin air.

I’m Nicky. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and the second person in my family to graduate college. I attended Delaware State University where I obtained my BSN, RN. I was always torn between taking a creative career path verses nursing. I straddled the fence between becoming a hair stylist or a nurse. Ultimately, I chose nursing. I enjoy diversity in people, it paid more, and offered good benefits. But while attending, my senior year, I pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

April, 2005, after pledging Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., much like pledging forces you, I built a relationship with someone that I may have otherwise never formed. 

I’m that someone, Alonda. To know me is to know, I’m big on higher education, family, hard work/high reward, staying humble and being grateful. I owe all that I am and have to God. When I think back, my path could have been so different, but God. He’s kept me alive, healthy and successful of a reason.

So I remember Nicky and I met the first few weeks of my freshman year at Del State. I recall us not hitting it off in our first interaction, but by the time we became interest of AKA in our senior year, we were a lot more mature and it allowed us to enter this experience with a clean slate.

Yes, I agree. Alonda and I weren’t friends or even friendly prior to becoming line sisters. But what we gained together was the understanding of how this sisterhood broadens your network and matures you.

Being apart of this sorority has definitely been paramount in my life. I believe first attending an HBCU then being a part of my sorority has afforded me deeper perspective, larger access and greater opportunity I didn’t even know existed prior.

And I’ll add that being in a sorority has exposed me to so many successful black women who are so nurturing and sisterly. I have gained knowledge to be a better sister, even to my own blood, and being a sister to those who never had one. I’m a better daughter too. Being a legacy is an additional blessing and adds purpose to my role as a daughter and soror. Lastly, I’m a better business woman. Without my sorors and sister greeks support of Zoetic Couture, we would be nothing.

With a newly formed sisterhood/friendship, we attended our sorority Centennial celebration. In a room of 500 hundred-plus vendors, we saw no variety and quality. 

No, seriously. It was AKA centennial boule…my first boule. Nicky and I were walking the floors of the vendors and I just noticed what seemed to be mayhem. The long lines and sorors trying to grab any keepsake. As we were perusing through the vendors Nicky and I found ourselves intrigued in this world but also saw a need for the customer service, quality and fresh new paraphernalia.

It was like we had an “aha” moment and a spark ignited. 

Once we got home, Nicky and I were at the table brainstorming and writing down characteristics of what we envisioned for this new business venture. Then Zoe, my roommate's dog prances by. We googled her name and the variation “Zoetic” popped up and was defined as “of or pertaining to life.” “That’s it!” We want to bring life into the greek apparel world. And ever since, we have done just that!

We formed the business and ideas for what we wanted our brand to stand on and for. We created Zoetic Couture.

The motif is: Zoetic Couture is a clothing brand specializing in trendy Black Greek paraphernalia for everyday life with an urban couture twist.

Zoetic will continue to push the boundaries in Greek Apparel in the next five years. For instance, ZC will be the number one place to find that individual piece that’s a must have to wear on greek day. Or the next website you search for after booking your LS weekend getaway and you all need matching outfits. It’s only right that ZC is the only brand that you can get onesies for the entire greek family for that viral Christmas picture.

I see Zoetic Couture providing trendy and unique Black Greek Paraphernalia for all of the divine 9, becoming a vendor for bookstores and opening a store front. I’d even love to do some speaking engagements to encourage young women who feel discouraged and lack direction in life. 

I’d also love for us to expand on our philanthropy as a business and individually. Coming from an Human Resource professional background and being an African American Entrepreneur, I feel it is a must to invest back into our community and other women who want to be business owners as well. I think a mentoring program would allow us to reach this goal.

Some of the best advise I’ve received and want to pass on is, “Your network is your net worth” by C. Smith and “Have some grace for yourself. The greatest forgiveness begins with you,” and that’s from me!

And I’d say the best advise would be, “When making business decisions account for your time - time is money,” by Rosa Smith. “Keep up the momentum,” my dad, Alphonso Stevenson. And “Never let anyone call your business/idea “little” it will be as huge as you envision with hard work, determination and commitment,” by me.