"Nobody can understand your vision as much as you can, and nobody can relate to your story as much as you can." Says Florida native Naldo, who is a model and a fashion designer. We featured his label, Yampa Studios, in our Spring Cloth Talk. We decided to reach out to the model to discuss fashion, staying focused, and so much more.

You are knee-deep in the fashion world; not only do you create clothes, but you also are a model. How did you get your start in fashion? I got into fashion back when I was in school. [I] was always a sneakerhead growing up, and when I was 16, I skipped school and took an hour drive to Daytona Beach with some homies and did my first shoot. At the time, it was just all fun and games. We didn't know we'd turn it into something cause our parents always pushed that 'go to school, get a good job' mindset.

 As a model, would you say that you that it gives you an advantage when it comes to creating fashion? In terms of creating fashion, not really; as a model, I put on what is given to me and look pretty in it. When it comes to designs, I don't see things in the physical realm. I try to let things flow naturally and as chaotic as possible. Then I capture it onto the fabric. If you find it weird or question the thoughts behind it, then it's served its purpose.

What are some things you wish you knew before you entered this business? The importance of a foundation and building a team. Its so easy to do things alone, but everybody needs somebody to aid them in some way. I'm an advocate for solidarity, but it gets to a point where you feel boxed in for real. Only so much you can do in 24 hours with only two hands and two eyes.

When you create your next season, do you stick to the current trends or start your trend? Create my trends. Seasons are dead, and directions are temporary. Going against the grain takes some time, but in the end, it builds longevity and, in turn, creates your legacy effortlessly.

Would you say that it's hard going left instead of right? I see beauty in both ways. If you go far enough left or far enough right, you'll always end up back in the same place. Think about it, as long as you go to the extremes and have fun with it, it's better than playing it safe.

Often designers, steal concepts from other designers. We saw Guess take the Telfar bag concept. What's your take on this issue? Regarding the embossed logo bag, that's blatant disrespect; I don't rock with that at all. Mainly cause of the impact Telfar has had lately, they could have just hired him. It's hard to pinpoint who originates things, though. For example, most people don't know the Telfar logo is similar to Tevin Campbell's, and R&B artists back in the '90s. Not to discredit the brand at all cause the culture built is insane and almost addicting to some, but almost everything you think of somebody has thought of too. I just try to block out the outside noise when creating to avoid similarities like that.

We all get burnt out at times; I'm sure you do as well. How do you get back on track in those rough times? All the time, balance is a lifelong journey for real. For me, I just always try to remain aware and at the moment when I feel unbalanced. Keep a good circle around me. Try to remember my roots and get back to having fun with it fr. Even though life is severe, you can't take it too seriously if you know what I mean. Easy to go crazy if you don't get the right people around you with strong mindsets to talk to or mob within times of wavering. Pray up daily and focus on being who I want to be. God is always listening.

Things are starting to reopen, but last year we were shut down due to COVID. How did you stay active in those trying times? I was home in Florida recovering from knee surgery during the peak of covid. To remain active, I would just put myself through "school." Study ideas and concepts daily to expand my mind, meditate on the things I wanted to see happen for myself. I ended up moving to New York during the pandemic, so it helped me lock in on something in a whole new environment. It wouldn't change a thing.

What advice would you give to those who want to work in this industry? The only advice I would give is not to follow any advice. Follow your instinct and experiment as much as possible. Nobody can understand your vision as much as you can, and nobody can relate to your story as much as you can. All the greats were seen as crazy or unorthodox at some point, so that's how I approach things. Carefree and headfirst into what you want to do.

What can we expect from you in the months to come? In the months to come, you can expect me to have more fun with it. As a model, I'm aiming to land my first global campaign, claiming that now. Design-wise I want to put out two full-fledged collections (resort and fall/winter pieces) and host some parties. I want to throw more events to get the people going, showing what I stand for as an individual (alot of parties, actually).