the mind behind “regina di nolita”

I’m Aaliyah Fernandez, a Graphic Communications major and Spanish minor at Baruch College. Beyond the classroom, I am the founder of Regina di Nolita (“Queen of Nolita”), where I focus on building a brand narrative through the lens of history, craftsmanship, and multidisciplinary design. As a junior, I’ve been focused on design production, typography, and digital design. I’m especially interested in how design and strategy come together - whether that’s building a visual identity, shaping a brand’s voice, or understanding the people it’s meant to reach.

Through my marketing and business coursework, I’ve developed a strong interest in consumer insights and social media strategy. I enjoy digging into what drives people’s decisions and translating that into creative direction. I also like working in collaborative environments, where ideas can evolve and everyone contributes across different parts of a project to create something even stronger as a team.

I’ve had the opportunity to intern in sports media and support a nonprofit (I Can Do Better) alongside my uncle, experiences that have helped me understand both the creative and operational sides of building something meaningful. Outside of school and work, I stay active through boxing, Muay Thai, and working out. I also enjoy reading, styling clothes, and learning the ins-and-outs of my sewing machine to create pieces for my clothing brand, Regina di Nolita.

I grew up in Nolita and now live in the Bronx, always living in a multi-generational household with my grandparents, mom, brother, and sister. Being the oldest of three and growing up surrounded by extended family has shaped how I show up - giving me a strong sense of responsibility, connection, and pride in where I come from. That foundation carries into my clothing brand and blog - inspired by my Dominican roots and my grandparents’ journey to New York. The brand is built around three core values: faith, fashion, and family.

I currently freelance as a brand and social media strategist and nanny for extended family members in Manhattan.