It’s a new month which means our First Friday Interview is officially here! In honor of February being Black History Month, Philly PR Girl has had the amazing opportunity of interviewing Nina Grier, business owner, artist, and Philadelphia community inspiration. Grier is the founder and owner of Historical Dream where she creates ‘fine artisan jewelry inspired by historic and iconic trailblazers’. Read below to learn Grier’s inspiration, motivation, and dreams for her passion of melding jewelry and history.
PPRG: What inspired you to start Historical Dreams? Can you share more about your motivation behind wanting to show appreciation for the diverse cultural leaders throughout history?
NINA: I’ve always loved art and history. Wanting to represent my passion for both in the form of jewelry and other fun items, I set about researching historic icons to heighten the awareness of our nation’s sung & unsung heroes. I wanted to make a difference some how and thought creating meaningful jewelry would address this burning desire of mine.
PPRG: You’ve stated that Historical Dream is “like an emblematic olive branch that reaches across the past to bridge a present and future America.” Tell us more about this.
NINA: While my love is sharing history and creating meaningful art elevating iconic heroes, it is also my intention to represent a pluralistic view of our nation’s leaders across a cultural spectrum. Elevating Asian, Indigenous , Latin, Jewish, and all other cultural & ethnic Americans show the love and appreciation I and others [wearing these icons] have for the various people who make up what is so great about our country.
PPRG: Historical Dream has highlighted both well-known figures like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, as well as lesser-known figures like Wong Chin Foo and Chief Sitting Bull. How do you think your brand has contributed to educating the public about these often-overlooked historical figures?
NINA: Unfortunately, many of our iconic and historic leaders are forgotten if their accomplishments were only covered during the early years of a child’s life [if at all]. It is my intention to display these great and fearless role models in such a way that they are always elevated; always remembered; and always revered. My pieces can be worn with a casual outfit or adorn a dressy or more formal attire.
PPRG: Historical Dream has created hundreds of different jewelry, apparel, home accessories, and more. What is one of your favorite pieces that you have made?
NINA: I love all my pieces because each tells a story and relays the importance of a particular time in our country’s history and/or need for change. I love the VoTe jewelry as it speaks to what we all should cherish as a right considering the many lives that have been lost to ensure a rightful and fair ability to have ones political choice counted.
PPRG: How do you balance artistic expression with the responsibility of representing a figure or culture in a respectful and authentic way?
NINA: That is key… I hold a great deal of respect for all that each iconic trailblazer in my portfolio represent. My creative expression is driven by this regard.
PPRG: How do you decide which materials to use for each piece and how does this decision affect the storytelling behind each piece?
NINA: This is also where the creative juices flowing through my brain take hold. It really is a matter of what my mind has taken in through visual awareness of art and fashion and literature. These are my motivational triggers that I count on.
PPRG: Tell us about the variety of your products and how the range allows for many different types of customers.
NINA: One of my thoughts associated with launching Historical Dream, was to create iconic wearable art that hits the eyes of any passerby. Once someone sees that piece jewelry or T shirt or pillow or upholstered chair there’s a great potential that iconic image will be in the mind of the beholder consciously or unconsciously. So, creating many types of items helps to increase the odds / lasting awareness.
PPRG: What do you see for the future of Historical Dream?
NINA: It is my intention to scale Historical Dream so that distribution of these items can be available through a number of distribution and retail outlet. I see this as a true way to a heightened and more universal regard for the many diverse leaders throughout centuries and decades.
PPRG: Who is one of your favorite Philadelphia historical figures, or what is one of your favorite Philadelphia-based historical stories?
NINA: Octavius Catto was an educator, philanthropist and activist in the late 18th century. He is one of my favorite leaders. He represents progression, education, bravery, and inclusiveness.
PPRG: After moving back to Philadelphia, you created Historical Dream in order to make a difference both locally and nationally. How do you feel Historical Dream has impacted the Philadelphia community?
NINA: I absolutely feel so proud when I see someone wearing my creation. It reinforces my intentions and raises my hope that we can all learn to appreciate the brilliance that the diversity of all people represents. There are so so many people who’ve done so much to make this country the great country that it is and can continue to be. It’s the little steps that help make the world a better place.
Inspired by a love of art and history, Grier honors the diverse cultural leaders that shaped our history and pursues to educate the public and celebrate often-overlooked figures. To learn more about Historical Dreams or Nina, follow Historical Dream Instagram! If you are interested in a purchasing a piece of Historical Dreams jewelry, inquiring about wholesale, or discussing a custom piece with Nina, check out the Historical Dreams website!
