Considered the most entrepreneurial generation in history, members of Generation Y are more than fearless of ever; taking hold of their dreams and reaching for goals that some before them would deem “unattainable”. This generation of entrepreneurs and dreamers are prepared to say, that’s simply not true.

.Jocelyn Negron is an unconventional southern belle. Hailing from Lawrenceville, Georgia, now calling New York City home, you won’t hear any Scarlet O’hara-esque remnants in the young designers voice, in fact judging by accent and style alone, you would think Jocelyn was a native of either the Big Apple or L.A. but her personality tells a different story. I met Jocelyn in Atlanta, GA as we both found ourselves interning for the same company with large dreams and even larger ambitions and a not-so-secret plan to move to New York City.

Jocelyn comes off as quiet but not shy, creative yet observant and friendly but not but focused. Her work speaks for itself as I consider her an artist not by what she has said but what she has done. Blogger? Check. Designer? Check. FIT Student? Check. New Yorker? Check. Check. You can tell by her blogposts and her inquisitive look that Jocelyn carries one great and very important characteristic of any artist…she’s curious. After noting such, I in fact became curious. Its not everyday you find people really doing what they love and doing it well. Its also not everyday you find them turning that passion and love into a business.

What is the concept behind Nico Necklaces?

Nico Necklaces is all about adding something special to your outfit. A pop of color or a funky print will make you feel finished.  Its so easy to throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt or tank top.  You’ll feel comfortable, but incomplete, and Nico Necklaces are the finishing touch.  Its the easiest accessory you’ll ever wear, no fuss, its deceptively simple and fresh.

What inspired you to create the line?

I’m a self-taught designer and I taught myself to sew by hacking up thrift store dresses and fixing them and cutting up t-shirts and making them stylish.  I have a deep understanding of fabrics and how they behave according to how they’re cut.  More than designing something in my head or sketching on paper, I love to feel materials and stretch their limits.  One day while cutting up spandex after attempting to make a bathing suit, I had left-over strips to use as bikini straps. I tied one in a knot and wore it around my neck… the idea grew and has many iterations, but the current design has stuck and it works!  Each new print or color I use becomes my new favorite!

What’s your take on personal style?

I have always strongly believed that in order to have great style, you have to have full confidence to wear what you LOVE no matter how much you spend or what’s “on trend”.  That being said, what you LOVE isn’t always stylish.  You also have to take into account fit, silhouettes, patterns and colors that compliment your figure.

Who and what are your greatest influences?

My greatest influences aren’t specific people, but anyone and everyone who can live their lives with passion and confidence.  Everyone should do what they love.  Another great influence of mine is positive thinking.  Be thankful for what you have and work hard for the things you don’t have.

What is your favorite part about living in New York?

My favorite part about living in new york [aside from the food!] is that each day you have an opportunity to reinvent yourself.  Almost no one sees you twice, so there’s nothing stopping you!  The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can gain inspiration from people watching.  See what people are wearing, get ideas, and make it work for you.

How do you think our generation is inspiring change?

I think that our generation is in a time affected by a recession and an extraordinary amount of people competing for limited job positions.  I think that has given a lot of us inspiration for change in starting our own businesses and taking charge of our own futures, and that in turn will inspire change in the next generation.

What does being a GlamourNerd mean to you?

Being a GlamourNerd is about staying on top of what’s in fashion, not just clothes, but also important people and current events.  Knowing what’s going on means that you care about style and culture, and you love talking about it.  By being a GlamourNerd, I keep in touch with fashion and style and that inspires what I create.