Introducing Nicole Cross new fashion editor for The Black Urban Times..look for her work very soon!

I consider myself an eclectic individual. I'm a unique person whose approach to life is all things creative.
Born and raised in Atlanta I was constantly surrounded by well rounded talented women which inspired me to not be ashamed to go against the grain in following my dreams.
Growing up in Atlanta was an amazing experience. It uplifted my soul with unity , motivation, & unconditional love and support.
By 16 I knew I wanted to have a huge impact on the fashion world. The oldest of 5 siblings I knew I had to exceed expectations and be an excellent role model to them and those around me.
English was my favorite subject throughout school. I enjoyed playing with vocabulary, writing short stories, essays and poems.
Upon graduating I attended Florida A&M. I aced my entrance essay which allowed me entrance into such a historical university.I spent a year there and throughout this time I made clothes for my peers and many on campus clubs which gave me funding for books, groceries, and extracurricular activities. It was then when I realized how extreme mypassion for fashion was and decided to use the rest of my life wisely with time. I moved back to Atlanta to attend A.I.U for Fashion Design and there I was in pure bliss. I enjoyed being extremely creative sewing, sketching, and draping.I became bored after a year and set off for a new challenge and was accepted to Fashion Institute of Technology here in New York.
I chose to display my entrance essay for F.I.T as a magazine where I was on the cover and throughout the issue I interviewed myself and showcased my sketches.
My childhood dreams of living in New York came true once I was accepted. I was in Fashion heaven here and attending F.I.T I was surrounded by amazing students who shared the same passion.
I left F.I.T after completing 3 semesters to Intern at WWD Accessories and W magazine. Again time is of essence and I gathered all the necessary experience needed. After 2 months interning I l left to Freelance and become a Visual Stylist dressing mannequins at Forever 21 opening their Union Square Franchise location executing the window and interior displays. My last employment was with Saks Fifth Avenue, personal shopping and also creating visual displays for the interior mannequins and events.
After gaining three years of luxury high end fashion and product knowledge from such great designers I decided to use all of my acquired knowledge, education, and experience in applying it all in becoming independently successful. With that said I am now creating an independent shopping lifestyle that embodies image consulting, styling, and creating looks for my Egotistic Collection.
I am thrilled to be working on the ground breaking of my project which allows me to not be labeled or put into a box. I believe in fantasy and I believe DREAMS do come true therefor I am NEVER giving up!
Writing also allows me to creatively express myself in releasing my inner thoughts on many subjects. I currently live in Manhattan and at 26 I am proud of my accomplishments thus far but have yet to
scratch the surface so stayyyyy tunnneedd!!!

Nicole Cross