- 18
- Episodes
- 3
- Ratings
- 2023
- First episode
About SUNDAY REFOCUS
In 2024, we brought together 13 creative pioneers based in Edmonton. One year later, we are sharing their stories. Welcome to Sunday Refocus, a Styled by Nif production. We are a conversational podcast that aims to empower emerging creatives in the fashion industry. We are on a journey to refocus our path toward greater heights. Our podcast serves as a community forum and invaluable resource dedicated to fostering self-development and facilitating the growth of emerging fashion creatives.
- Publisher
- Styled by Nif Production
- Category
- arts
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 18 Sept 2023
- Latest episode
- 2 Feb 2026
Latest episodes
18 episodes in the feed.
2 Feb 2026
The Mastermind Behind 2ND Coming & NICE2CYOU with Josue Ngimbi | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus! In this episode, we sit down with Josue Ngimbi, a 27-year-old fashion designer, stylist, and creative director based in Edmonton. Josue is the founder of 2ND Coming, a fashion brand he started while still in high school, and the creator of NICE2CYOU, a curated event series that blends fashion, music, and culture while prioritizing inclusivity and community. Josue shares how he began building his brand at a young age, the creative process behind his first collection, and the challenges he faced launching 2ND Coming. He opens up about what keeps the brand distinct, how NICE2CYOU came to life, and the lessons he’s learned from curating community-driven events. We also explore his recent work in styling with musicians, how he approaches different creative projects, and the advice he has for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs. Josue reflects on the Edmonton fashion scene, the changes he hopes to see, and what’s next for both 2ND Coming and NICE2CYOU. If you’re passionate about fashion, youth entrepreneurship, creative direction, or building culture-driven communities, this episode will inspire you to think bigger. 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations every Sunday on Sunday Refocus.
18 Jan 2026
How Aliya Logun Creates Bold Photo Editorial Worlds | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus! In this episode, we sit down with Aliya Logun, an Edmonton-based fashion and portrait photographer known for transforming subjects into bold, artistic beauty statements. Her work blends conceptual storytelling, vibrant colour, and editorial vision to capture the essence of every subject she photographs. Aliya shares what inspired her to step behind the camera, where her creative vision comes from, and how she prepares concepts for shoot day. She opens up about navigating the photography industry in Edmonton, the role faith plays in her creative process, and the projects that have shaped her artistic identity. We also explore her dream collaborations, advice for aspiring photographers, essential skills for building a creative photography career, and her hopes for the future of fashion and visual arts in Edmonton. If you’re passionate about fashion photography, visual storytelling, creative direction, or building a photography brand with purpose — this episode will inspire your next level. 🔔 Subscribe for more creative conversations every Sunday on Sunday Refocus.
11 Jan 2026
How Vivian Han-Tat Bridges 2D, 3D & Reality Through Art | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus! In this episode, we step into the immersive creative world of Vivian Han-Tat, an interdisciplinary artist blending 2D, 3D, photography, graphic design, and design-build installations to tell stories that live between physical reality and digital imagination. Vivian shares how her artistic journey began, the influences that shaped her early work, and the pivotal projects that defined her direction. She breaks down her process of bridging 2D and 3D mediums, the tools and software behind her surreal environments, and how she preserves emotional storytelling across digital and physical forms. We also explore her deeply personal project Bowl Cuts and 爆炸裝 (baau3 zaa3 zong1), her collaborations with fashion retailers and independent brands, and how commercial fashion intersects with her personal artistic vision. Vivian shares advice for emerging interdisciplinary artists and her hopes for the evolving fashion and art scene in Edmonton. If you’re passionate about digital art, storytelling, 3D design, or the future of creative expression, this episode will expand your imagination. 🔔 Subscribe for more creative conversations every Sunday on Sunday Refocus.
4 Jan 2026
The Business of Motherhood, Faith & Fashion ft. Iris Toon | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus! In this episode, we sit down with Iris Toon, founder of The Fourth, a maternity and local retail store in Southgate Centre supporting over 80 Edmonton women-owned businesses. Iris is a wife, mother of three, dental hygienist, and passionate advocate for maternal mental health.Iris shares her deeply personal journey through postpartum anxiety and how faith, family, and community gave her the courage to step out of her comfort zone and build a brand rooted in love and support. Inspired by the fourth trimester, The Fourth was created to offer stylish, comfortable maternity fashion while fostering community through workshops, collaborations, and honest conversations about motherhood.In this episode, Iris opens up about launching her business, transitioning from online to a physical storefront, leading with faith, and building a safe space where mothers feel seen, supported, and empowered.If you’re a mom, entrepreneur, creative, or someone passionate about community-driven business, this conversation will encourage and refocus you.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations every Sunday on Sunday Refocus.Season 2 Team Credits:Nifemi Ashani - Host & Creative DirectorShania Villamou - VideographerKen Kosowick - Video & Audio EditorDhakshanyina Boopalan - Set PhotographerSofia Villanueva - Social Media CoordinatorJo Hannah Deena - Set Assistant & Content CoordinatorAngelli Garcia - BTS CoordinatorSeason 2 Sponsors:Strong Coffee Marketing - Studio SponsorFind Edmonton - Furniture SponsorStyled by Nif - Executive Producer Thank You!
28 Dec 2025
Inside La Connexional: Community, Culture & Leadership ft. Ivan Touko | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus! In this episode, we sit down with Ivan Touko, CEO and Strategic Partnership Manager at La Connexional, filmmaker, community leader, and one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 honorees. At just 27, Ivan has become a powerful voice for African youth locally and internationally. As co-founder of La Connexional, the UBUNTU Festival, and the Black-Owned Market Edmonton, he has created platforms that empower underrepresented communities, amplify culture, and drive real social impact. In this conversation, Ivan shares his journey into leadership, how his background in sustainability and environmental science shapes his work, and the strategies behind building impactful community events and long-term partnerships. We also explore the role of fashion, film, and storytelling in community engagement, his approach to diversity and inclusion, and the lessons he’s learned managing large-scale projects with purpose. If you’re passionate about leadership, community building, social impact, or creating meaningful change through culture and collaboration, this episode will inspire and challenge you. 🔔 Subscribe for more powerful conversations every Sunday on Sunday Refocus.
21 Dec 2025
From Fashion Blogger to Entrepreneur: Alyssa Lau’s Journey | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus! In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa Lau, a Chinese-Canadian photographer, content creator, and entrepreneur who has been shaping the Canadian fashion industry for over a decade. Alyssa began her journey with a fashion blog in 2011 and went on to launch New Classics in 2014, one of Canada’s first sustainably-driven e-commerce platforms.Alyssa shares how blogging became her entry point into fashion, the lessons that shaped her approach to the industry, and what it was like collaborating with global brands such as CHANEL, Dior, Gucci, Canada Goose, and Sandro. She also opens up about building a sustainable business, defining sustainability on her own terms, and balancing creativity, entrepreneurship, and motherhood.We also explore the evolution of New Classics, key milestones in her journey, and her hopes for the future of the fashion scene in Edmonton and across Canada.If you’re interested in sustainable fashion, content creation, entrepreneurship, or building a long-lasting brand with purpose, this episode is a must-watch.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations every Sunday on Sunday Refocus.
14 Dec 2025
How Alliyah Lecky's Fashion Designs Are Redefining Elegance | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus! In this episode, we sit down with Alliyah Lecky, an Edmonton-based aspiring fashion designer known for her elegant, high-class designs and meticulous handmade craftsmanship. Alliyah’s work is rooted in transforming simplicity into sophistication, creating pieces that are timeless, intentional, and runway-ready.Alliyah shares her journey into fashion design, what inspires her creative process, and how she brings each design from concept to completion. She opens up about the challenges of breaking into the fashion industry, the importance of sustainability in her work, and the advice she has for aspiring designers ready to make their mark.We also discuss her role in Edmonton’s growing fashion scene, the changes she hopes to see within the industry, and what’s next for her brand as she continues to build with purpose and vision.If you’re passionate about fashion design, craftsmanship, sustainability, or building a creative brand from the ground up, this episode is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations every Sunday on Sunday Refocus.Season 2 Team Credits:Nifemi Ashani - Host & Creative DirectorShania Villamou - VideographerKen Kosowick - Video & Audio EditorDhakshanyina Boopalan - Set PhotographerSofia Villanueva - Social Media CoordinatorJo Hannah Deena - Set Assistant & Content CoordinatorAngelli Garcia - BTS CoordinatorSeason 2 Sponsors:Strong Coffee Marketing - Studio SponsorFind Edmonton - Furniture SponsorStyled by Nif - Executive Producer Thank You!
7 Dec 2025
Inside the Mind of Liam O’Gilvie: Fashion, Identity & Creative Freedom | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus Season 2! In today’s episode, we sit down with Liam O’Gilvie, also known as “liamochicken”, an Edmonton-based fashion stylist and designer whose work blends futuristic, ethereal, and culturally rich influences. With Jamaican roots and a bold creative vision, Liam has carved out a unique space in the fashion world as a freelance stylist pushing boundaries and redefining expression. In this 45-minute conversation, Liam opens up about what inspired him to pursue styling, the challenges he’s faced working within Edmonton’s fashion industry, and the moments that shaped his creative identity. He shares where he draws inspiration, the projects closest to his heart, and his dream collaborations. Liam also offers powerful advice for aspiring stylists and discusses the changes he hopes to see in the local fashion scene. If you’re passionate about fashion, creativity, or the behind-the-scenes world of styling, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and an honest look at what it takes to stand out in 2025. 🔔 Subscribe for more creative conversations every Sunday!
30 Nov 2025
The Suvi Sharma Blueprint: Creativity, Confidence & Career Growth | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus Season 2, Episode 2! Today we sit down with Suvi Sharma, a business strategist, marketing consultant, model, photographer, and one of Edify’s Top 40 Under 40. Suvi has been featured in Vogue, earned multiple awards including the 500px Intersectional Diversity Award, and made history as the youngest presenter at AMICCUS-C. In this episode, Suvi shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey from photographer to model, and now a powerful voice in marketing, social media, and jewelry business. She opens up about building a business in Edmonton, growing a strong online presence, navigating the fashion industry, and the lessons she wishes she had known earlier in life. If you’re an influencer, creative entrepreneur, or aspiring strategist, this conversation will give you actionable insights on branding, personal growth, and thriving in today’s digital landscape. 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations every Sunday. Let’s refocus, reset, and grow together.
23 Nov 2025
What Every New Content Creator Needs to Hear in 2025 with Whitney O. | Sunday Refocus Season 2
Welcome to Sunday Refocus Season 2! In this episode, Whitney Onwubuya, a Nigerian-born, Edmonton-based fashion, beauty, and lifestyle creator, shares the real truths every new content creator needs to hear in 2025. Whitney talks about her creative beginnings, the challenges she faced starting out, how her culture shaped her content, and the key milestones that helped her grow. She also shares practical advice for staying inspired, building community, and creating content that truly connects. If you’re a new or aspiring content creator, this episode will motivate, guide, and refocus you on what matters most. 🔔 Subscribe for more weekly conversations that inspire creativity, growth, and purpose. Season 2 Team Credits: Nifemi Ashani - Host & Creative Director Shania Villamou - Videographer Ken Kosowick - Video & Audio Editor Dhakshanyina Boopalan - Set Photographer Sofia Villanueva - Social Media Coordinator Jo Hannah Deena - Set Assistant & Content Coordinator Angelli Garcia - BTS Coordinator Season 2 Sponsors: Strong Coffee Marketing - Studio Sponsor Find Edmonton - Furniture Sponsor Styled by Nif - Executive Producer Thank You!
21 Jan 2024
The Art and Science of Advanced Image Retouching w/ Akin Kevin
We all know how technology has transformed image retouching, right? But, get this – it's not just a tech thing; retouching plays a crucial role in the fashion world. How do you think these luxury brands or beauty brands get their stunning images to look top-notch? In the season one finale, delve into the distinctive world of professional image retouching as we engage with Akin Kevin, the visionary founder of Retouching Noir based in Nigeria. About Akin Kevin: (https://www.instagram.com/retouchingnoir/?img_index=1) Akin Kevin is a highly skilled image retoucher with over 3 years of expertise in beauty, fashion, editorial, commercial and lifestyle retouching He collaborates with leading photographers and has earned recognition in publications like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle Magazine. Akin’s portfolio includes work for esteemed brands such as Schiaparelli, Glamnetics, and Guinness. Explore Sunday Refocus's carefully curated resource list designed to propel you towards your industry goals. (https://bio.site/sundayrefocus)
21 Nov 2023
The Art of Entrepreneurship: The Journey of Building MIZIZI International w/ Paakow Essandoh
In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting Paakow Essandoh, the visionary founder of MIZIZI International (https://www.mizizishop.com), as he shared the remarkable journey of transforming the brand into the global phenomenon it is today. Paakow enlightened us on navigating mental health, advocating for culture, and establishing meaningful connections with communities and brand partners—an incredibly inspiring discussion. About Paakow Essandoh (https://www.instagram.com/paakowessandoh/): Paakow Essandoh is a Ghanaian-American, health science graduate from the University of South Florida, and the visionary founder of MIZIZI International. At just 20 years old, he launched MIZIZI in 2015 while pursuing his studies. Under his leadership, MIZIZI has experienced remarkable growth and triumph, curating exclusive collections that embody his values of connection, celebration, and representation. MIZIZI, meaning "roots" in Swahili, is a luxury streetwear brand for the African Diaspora. The brand sells sports jerseys representing countries and cultures worldwide, including Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Notably, MIZIZI has forged significant partnerships with industry giants such as Marvel, Disney, and Viacom, solidifying its connection with the African Diaspora in North America. The brand's influence has been prominently acknowledged by prestigious publications like Vogue, Forbes, and many others. This week's handpicked resources are presented in collaboration with Paakow. Incorporate his recommended must-read books into your holiday reading list or kickstart your 2024 with insightful knowledge. Check out the Sunday Refoucs Digital Fashion Resource Library! (https://bio.site/sundayrefocus)
6 Nov 2023
Unlocking a Successful Career in Styling w/ Beagy Zielinski
What does it take to be a top fashion stylist? In this episode @beagystyle (https://www.instagram.com/beagystyle/) shares invaluable insights on what a person needs to do to stand out in the saturated world of fashion styling. Beagy talks about styling celebrities, the importance of creating looks that transcend the latest trends, being insured, managing budgets, handling rejections and setbacks, relationship building and much more. About Beagy Zielinski (https://www.instagram.com/beagystyle/): Beagy founded the celebrated L’Armoire Du Stylist. A clothing atelier in NYC that brought the work of trailblazing designers to the attention of the world's leading stylists and image makers, such as the styling teams of Madonna, Rhianna, Lady Gaga and Beyonce. She continued styling her own clients, with her work being published by magazines including Vogue, ELLE, L’Official, Harper’s Bazaar, Schön and Cosmopolitan. Her editorial work led to several appointments to style incredible talent, including Missy Elliot, Gigi Hadid, Zoe Kravitz, Pharrell Williams, Laura Carmichael, Toni Braxton and Tyra Banks, to name a few. She has held positions including Creative Director at several multi-label E-commerce platforms & Style Director at Zalando, and Fashion Director at several magazines. Check out Beagy's book (available on Amazon): "Let's Talk About Becoming a Fashion Stylist - Your Guide to a Stylish Career." (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDH4VQ7P/ref=nodl_?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&dplnkId=cb78b5c3-4308-48bd-8e64-30ea5cfc971f) Book a mentorship session with Beagy here. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDH4VQ7P/ref=nodl_?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&dplnkId=cb78b5c3-4308-48bd-8e64-30ea5cfc971f)
22 Oct 2023
Threads of Tenacity: Ike's Journey as a Nigerian Fashion Designer
In a nation like Nigeria, where becoming a fashion designer demands a different level of courage and determination, one must navigate countless challenges to establish their brand. In this episode, Ikeoluwa reveals her inspiring journey as a fashion designer in Nigeria, embracing both its beauty and flaws. About Ikeoluwa Adebisi (https://www.instagram.com/ike0luwa/): Ikeoluwa is a sustainable fashion advocate, fashion entrepreneur, fashion researcher, and digital creator. She is the founder of UpTote by IKÉ (https://www.instagram.com/uptote/), a circular fashion brand that transforms pre-consumer textile waste into functional and fashionable pieces. Through her work as a fashion content creator and social media manager, she simplifies complex sustainability ideas to reach diverse audiences. Her ultimate goal is to assist Small and Medium Enterprises in Africa in creating fashion brands that prioritize sustainability across the entire apparel supply chain. Check out the Sunday Refocus Digital Fashion Resource Library! (https://bio.site/sundayrefocus)
19 Oct 2023
Photography as a Cultural Force w/ Sarah Stalon
Diving into the realm of film photography and creative direction as instruments of social change. ✨📸 About Sarah Stalon (https://www.instagram.com/throughmyeyesforyou/?img_index=1): Sarah is a talented film photographer and creative director with a base spanning Dakar and France. Her artistic identity, “Through My Eyes,” beautifully encapsulates the concept that we all possess unique perspectives that shape our vision of the world. Celebrating this diversity is what enriches both life and photography. Sarah firmly believes in the validity and significance of every reality and perspective. Her desire is to share her personal vision with the world, a vision through her eyes for you! Sarah shares her journey as a film photographer and creative director, delves into the art of storytelling, and talks about the power of representation through creative photography. Check out the Sunday Refocus Digital Fashion Resource Library! (https://bio.site/sundayrefocus)
3 Oct 2023
What is Fashion Law & Advocacy? w/ Sinmi Adesanya
From dissecting the Hollywood fashion workers' strike to unraveling the art of contract negotiation for fashion creatives and much more, Sinmi delved into the world of legal affairs in the fashion industry. About Sinmi Adesanya: Sinmi is an accomplished Legal and Operations Coordinator based in Nigeria. She holds a pivotal role at the Council for International African Fashion Education (CIAFE) @ciafeorg (https://www.instagram.com/ciafeorg/), where her unwavering dedication fuels her passion for fashion law and policy advocacy. Sinmi's visionary approach focuses on the strategic formulation and implementation of laws and policies that serve as catalysts for the industry's robust growth. Having the privilege of Sinmi's guidance as my supervisor at @ciafeorg (https://www.instagram.com/ciafeorg/) has been truly inspiring. Observing her adept leadership of a team of fashion research fellows, I've been motivated to learn from her and gain insights into her remarkable career journey. Check out the Sunday Refoucs Digital Fashion Resource Library! (https://bio.site/sundayrefocus)
1 Oct 2023
Fashion Curation and Research from a Decolonial Lens w/ Dr. Erica de Greef
Diving into the vibrant world of African fashion with our special guest, Dr. Erica de Greef, co-founder of @afri_digital (https://www.instagram.com/afri_digital/). Erica enlightened us with her rich experiences and deep insights into fashion curation, research, and decolonization within the African fashion narrative. ✨🌍 About Dr. Erica de Greef: Hailing from the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Erica de Greef is an accomplished fashion curator, researcher, and co-founder of the fashion-driven decolonial platform African Fashion Research Institute. Erica’s work explores the profound politics, power, and poetics within contemporary African fashion. Alongside her esteemed co-founder, Lesiba Mabitsela, she has pioneered the transformative digital platform @afri_digital (https://www.instagram.com/afri_digital/), fostering collaborations, nurturing creative growth and promoting inclusive engagements with diverse African fashion. With a remarkable career that extends to her role as the first Fashion Curator at the prestigious Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) from 2018 to 2019, Erica's accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape. During her tenure, she spearheaded dynamic research initiatives. Curated breathtaking fashion exhibitions and public programs that have captivated audiences and brought attention to the beauty and cultural significance of African fashion. Check out the Sunday Refocus Digital Fashion Resource Library! (https://bio.site/sundayrefocus)
18 Sept 2023
Welcome to the Sunday Refocus Podcast
Hello, and welcome to Sunday Refocus: a conversational podcast that aims to empower emerging creatives in the fashion industry. We are on a journey to help you refocus your path toward greater heights. I am your host Nifemi Ashani, the founder and CEO of Styled by Nif and This is a Styled By Nif Production. Throughout my journey as a recent graduate and aspiring professional in the fashion industry, I have encountered numerous challenges in accessing essential resources and opportunities. Determined to overcome these obstacles, I have taken it upon myself to uncover hidden knowledge and resources by learning from industry leaders, fellow creatives, designers, investors, and NGOs. We are here to share these invaluable informal insights with other emerging creatives who are eager to succeed in this industry. Our podcast serves as a community forum and digital resource dedicated to fostering self-development and facilitate the growth of emerging fashion creatives. We hope every episode will inspire you to take action towards walking in your God-given purpose.
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