Meet Adia Lundy | Owner and Lead Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adia Lundy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Non Standard Voyage was more of a re-start. The COVID quarantine was a game changer for my family. We went from commuting 80 miles a day, to doing everything at home, which allowed me free time  to start sewing again. Quarantine helped me get back to being an entrepreneur. Non Standard Voyage started as handmade, custom swimwear, and grew very quickly from there. I envisioned women on exotic vacations, exclusive beaches, private pools, in my swimwear, and that where the idea of travel wear came from.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I studied Fashion Design and Costume Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design, in Savannah, Ga from 1999-2003. I left SCAD in 2003 right before giving birth to my oldest daughter. After relocating back to New Orleans, I transferred to Tulane University in an attempt to finish out my degree, but winded up completely changing my course of study. I graduated from Tulane University in 2008 with a B.A. in Communications, and concentration in Public Relations. Masse’ Media LLC, my first venture, started in January 2007 after a short internship at Rap-A-Lot records in the PR department. Masse Media LLC is a boutique PR firm, that works primarily with entertainment PR, artist and small business owners. We are still under contact with a few clients for PR campaigns.

In 2011 I launched ZWEI Magazine. Zwei was a quarterly publication that connected Indie artist from all genres, all over the world. ZWEI is German for the number “two”. Initially ZWEI was only available in Germany and the US, but then we started including artist from all over the world, but kept the name. Zwei was in print from 2011- 2013. And experienced a short revival in 2018-2019, where we secured over 200 subscribers, but lost our investors because we didn’t reach their sales goals.

Also, in 2011 my mom and I secured a small kiosk in Esplanade Mall ( Kenner, La) to sell more magazines. However, my online boutique DressNola.com, wasn’t doing well, so we decided to add the clothing to the cart. Our sales grew instantly, and we upgraded to an in-line store within 2 months. Masse Media Shoppe was born, and operated for 2 years, but couldn’t sustain in the dying mall. After the malls anchor stores pulled out, we closed as well. During this time, I re-focused on my PR clients and also started selling cars at Honda. I have faced many obstacles during this journey, but I’ve always strived to be solutions focused, instead of focused on my problems. My brain operates like a computer with 273,863,622 tabs open; I’m constantly coming up with new ideas, or new plans for old ideas.

Non Standard Voyage is a luxury travel brand. We offer clothing and accessories focused on travel. Travel is my favorite thing to do whether its a 10 hour drive or 45 minute flight. I live for a good adventure, and love to experience new places, new cultures and be close with nature. Seeing my customers wearing my clothing on vacation gives me an indescribable joy. Non Standard Voyage has grown rapidly, exceeding my expectations and allowing my family to join in as employees! We are beyond thankful for the support from friends, family and complete strangers! Our “Voyagers” (customers) have been amazing!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

In no particular order:

Fuel City is our guilty pleasure on Sundays after church for street tacos.

Mountain View Church if Christ is our home church and we drive an hour roundtrip to attend. JK Hamilton (the preacher is phenomenal).

I’m a Pescatarian, but we visit Helen’s Hot Chicken in Lewisville once a week.  The Seafood platter comes with fried Lobster, fish, and shrimp in its signature Nashville Hot Sauce which is amazing.

As a New Orleans transplant who seeks out all of the Louisiana themed eateries, The Tackle Box Seafood in The Colony is a hidden gem.

Lastly, BLENDS Daiquiri Shop in Carrollton has the best drinks and vibe! They even have a hookah lounge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My mom, Sheila Lundy has been my “silent partner” throughout my entrepreneurial journey. None of my success would be possible without her love and support. My mom helps with the business, and also helps with the kids. Her support is priceless.

My sons father, Jason Washington Sr, was initially the one who gave me the idea to get back to sewing. He’s always been very supportive of my entrepreneurial endeavors. He’s also a successful entrepreneur for over a decade, and he provides valuable insight, and a different perspective than my own. I can be a wide eyed daydreamer, and he focuses more on logistics.

I’m also blessed to have another successful female entrepreneur in my circle of close friends. Kye Nelson, is the owner of the viral clothing brand, ALL DEM SHADES. Kye has provided me with invaluable guidance, support and tips to help make Non Standard Voyage successful, and I’m beyond grateful.

Felicia Smith and Stacey Evanston with the Grace like Rain Organization have also been an instrumental part in my life the past two years.

Website: NSVtravel.com

Instagram: @xoxoadialundy

Twitter: @nonstandardv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NonStandardVoyage