Designing Her Dream: How Nylah Bluiett Is Shaping the Future of Sport and Style

When Nylah Bluiett graduated from Auburn University in May 2024 with a degree in Apparel Design, she didn’t waste any time stepping into the fashion world. Just two weeks after graduation, she packed her bags for Baltimore to begin an internship with Under Armour. That opportunity quickly turned into the start of a dream career.

During her 12-week internship, Nylah designed and fit a four-piece collection that went through two rounds of prototypes before being presented to Under Armour’s full product organization. Her collection impressed the team, and before the summer ended, she was offered a full-time position.

Now, Nylah works as an Associate Designer on Under Armour’s Sportswear Team, creating designs for youth and women’s apparel. Her days are filled with sketching concepts, building technical packages, and collaborating with product development and marketing teams to make sure every piece reflects the brand’s creative vision. “It’s amazing to see something go from an idea on my screen to a product that people can actually wear,” she says.

Transitioning from college life to working at a global brand wasn’t always easy. Being one of the youngest designers on the team came with moments of doubt, but Nylah learned to push through by focusing on growth instead of perfection. “I definitely dealt with imposter syndrome at first,” she says. “But I realized I didn’t need to know everything right away. I just needed to be open to learning.”

That willingness to learn has helped her thrive. Along the way, she’s also had some unforgettable experiences, like the day she met Steph Curry and watched him play a pickup game with employees. “He obviously won,” she laughs, “but it was such a fun day that really showed how special the company culture is.”

Looking back, Nylah credits much of her success to her time at Auburn. The university wasn’t just where she learned design, it’s where she built confidence and leadership skills that carried her into her career. She stayed deeply involved on campus, serving as President of the Black Student Union, Technology Chair for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a College of Human Sciences Ambassador, and a Peer Instructor, all while holding multiple on-campus jobs. “Those roles taught me how to communicate, manage conflict, and stay organized,” she says. “When I interviewed for my internship, employers were more interested in my leadership experience than anything else on my résumé.”

One of her favorite Auburn memories was being named a Top 5 Candidate for Miss Auburn. “When they called my name, my friends and sorority sisters screamed so loud I could barely hear the announcement,” she says. “It reminded me just how much love and support I had found there.”

At Under Armour, Nylah is also embracing how technology is transforming design. She’s learning to use AI tools and 3D modeling to bring her ideas to life. “AI isn’t going anywhere,” she says. “So instead of being intimidated by it, I’m learning how to make it work for me.” She’s also had to get creative with problem-solving as material costs and trade challenges continue to affect the industry. “It’s a reminder that design isn’t just about making things look good, but it’s about innovation and strategy, too.”

When work gets challenging, Nylah thinks about her younger self. The little girl who used to wrap herself in blankets and put on “fashion shows” with her cousins. “I’m living in the middle of my answered prayers,” she says. “That perspective keeps me grounded.”

Though she loves her time at Under Armour, Nylah’s dreams don’t stop there. She hopes to continue growing as a designer and one day become a Creative Director, leading design vision and inspiring the next generation of talent. Her advice for current students is to stay flexible and open to where the journey leads. “Your first job might not be your dream job,” she says. “But every experience prepares you for what’s next. Stay curious, stay humble, and keep learning.”

From Auburn’s design studios to Under Armour’s creative offices, Nylah Bluiett is proof that passion, hard work, and a fearless attitude can take you anywhere.