Lifestyle blogger Nina Williams, (@ninawilliamsblog) offers her followers the full realm of lifestyle content from fashion, to food to home decor and DIY projects. After going through multiple home builds in Iowa where she and her family are based, she has picked up a great nack for design organically along the way. Her palette is fresh and clean and her bubly personality is contagious. We loved sitting down with Nina to chat about how her blog came to be...
Sit Down with Nina Williams
Sharing fashion, food,
home decor tips, and a whole lot of fun....
UASHMAMA: We know you were born in the Philippines. When did you make the move to America and can you share a little bit about that?
NINA: We moved to America when I was 3 years old in 1986. My grandpa worked at the US Embassy as a security guard, got his citizenship, and eventually my mom, her siblings, and their families were able to move to the United States. It was between New Jersey and Iowa on where to live, and they ended up picking Iowa because my grandpa's brother lived in Pella, Iowa. I am so glad they did because I love living in Iowa!
UASHMAMA: What was it like being the youngest of 7 girls?
NINA: I loved it! I have an identical twin sister, so we were even more spoiled. Even in the Philippines, people wanted to babysit us and spoil us because twins were not common in our family. I don't think there was ever a time where I wished I had a brother. Ha! Now that we're older, we go on girls' trips with my mom and sisters and have the best time.
UASHMAMA: Did you always have an eye/passion for design and décor?
NINA: No. You should've seen my first house! My love of home and interiors started when we built our first home in Dubuque, IA. Then we moved to Des Moines, IA, and our first build in Des Moines was what I shared on my Instagram account in 2015. We sold that house in 2019 and decided to build again. We've been in our current house for over 2 years now. I feel like my passion for design and decor grew more and more every time we built.
UASHMAMA: When styling a room or embarking on a DIY project, do you find yourself drawing inspiration from your Filipino background?
NINA: I don't tend to pull from my background when it comes to home design and inspo but I do love pulling out family recipes and baking Filipino dishes for my family. My favorite is a pork steak recipe served with rice.
UASHMAMA: Your home that you’ve recently built is stunning. What is your favorite room in the home?
NINA: My favorite room is my kitchen! I put a lot of thought into designing that space like the layout and function of the kitchen, which appliances I wanted in there, and selecting the perfect blue color, island stain, and light fixtures. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and everyone ends up hanging out in the kitchen!
UASHMAMA: What was your least favorite part about the building process, and did you learn any tips you would share to navigate that difficult part?
NINA: My husband was the general contractor, and if we built again, we would hire a builder. Instead of enjoying the building process as a married couple, his tasks as GC and my tasks as a "designer" were very separated. I was picking stuff out without him and that's something I would like to do together. ;-)
UASHMAMA: How/where did you first discover UASHMAMA?
NINA: I have seen the bags all over instagram and at a couple local shops. My assistant, Taylor, had considered using them for her wedding welcome bags, so we both knew the brand. We thought it would make such a fun May Day basket!
UASHMAMA: You started your career as a professional wedding photographer from what we understand. Do you still get behind the lens from time to time?
NINA: I do still get behind the lens, but not as much as I would like! I do use my camera to shoot some home content every now and then. When I look back at old pictures of my kids when they were young, I always tell myself I need to get it out more. The pictures were candid and artistic. The convenience of my phone stops me from using the DSLR as an every day camera!
UASHMAMA: Do you have a favorite UASHMAMA product?
NINA: My favorite product is the Laundry Baskets!
UASHMAMA: We were thrilled to partner with you on your May Day baskets. Can you share with us a little bit about how this project went and where you got your inspiration?
NINA: I am always trying to think of fun and inspiring ideas to share on my platform. The idea for the May Day baskets came after a conversation about how fun and exciting this day used to be as kids. From the creation of the baskets, to dropping them at a friend's doorstep, and running away. It was always so much fun, and I just wanted to bring back a little bit of that childhood joy and share it with my friends and followers.
If you don't already, be sure to follow Nina on Instagram at @ninawilliamsblog! And don't forget to tag us in your Instagram photos @uashmama.usa with #Uashmamastyle. We want to see YOUR Uashmama style!
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