Stitching a Legacy: How Yaya Turned Doodles Into a Streetwear Movement
Afro-Latina designer Janirah Correa opens up on art, hustle and the rise of her boundary-breaking streetwear brand, OTW Threads.
Photo: Courtesy of OTW Threads
Janirah “Yaya” Correa has always seen the world a little differently. What started as doodles in grade school — including a powerful 9/11 tribute — evolved into a decade-long journey of design, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling that now lives through her streetwear brand, Out of This World (OTW Threads). A first-gen Afro-Latina creative of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, born and raised in New Jersey, Yaya’s path to entrepreneurship was anything but traditional.
In 2016, while working as a graphic designer at a print shop — after learning the ins and outs of screen printing at a previous job — she realized that her work meant more than just clocking in. Every role she took on was intentional, a chance to build skills she could carry into her own practice. But when she asked for a raise she knew she deserved and was denied, it became a turning point. That was the last time she worked a “regular job.” From then on, Yaya leaned into gigs that offered flexibility, from embroidery activations with brands like American Apparel and Bagu to custom design projects that sharpened her artistry and set the foundation for her independent creative life.
In our conversation, Yaya opens up about the origin of her nickname, the lessons learned from freelancing and building OTW and how her cultural heritage and commitment to organic collaboration shape everything she creates. She also shares the challenges of running a fashion brand, the role of education in expanding her artistry and why joy, patience and faith are non-negotiables in her journey.
Read on as Yaya reflects on her path from sketches to streetwear, from local roots to NYFW, and from “influence” to real impact.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Where did the nickname Yaya come from?
I have a sister—she's a little bit older than me by 14 months. She was trying to say Janira. When she was born, they were teaching her how to say my name and she would say, “Yaya.”
How did you first get started as a fashion designer?
I first started tapping into art in grade school. I would always doodle. I'm a daydreamer and a doodler. In fourth grade I really focused on one project — a 9/11 tribute where we learned to draw in 3D.
It took something so tragic to touch my heart and connect in that way. I remember being so proud of the drawing and told my mom to save it. She did for a few years, but I don’t know where it is now. That was the first moment I realized I could be an artist.
In high school, I studied graphic design from 2007 to 2010. Then in college I continued with graphic design, and that’s where I got more into fashion. I put my two passions together — graphic design and fashion — and called it Out of This World. I followed my heart and used it to connect with how I really feel.
RELATED: Exclusive: Antonia Saint Dunbar on Creating Stylish Heels That Feel Like Sneakers—Comfort for Every Day
Do you think that going to school helped you? Do you feel as if school expanded your creativity?
Photo: Courtesy of OTW Threads
It definitely expanded my creativity. It showed me how to build a foundation and structure to my artistry. I never went to school for fashion, but learning design strategy and ways to start design was helpful.
I’m a self-taught seamstress, so it has its pros and cons. You don’t need school to learn things, but school teaches you the formal, practical way, and you can get ahead faster. It just depends on perspective — some people don’t want to be practical and formal, they just want to express. It depends on how you feel and where you want your art to go.
I love that you've taught yourself how to sew.
I learned from other seamstresses. Once you know how to sew—just like drawing—you expand by practicing.
Tell me a little bit more about the name Out of This World. How do you want people to feel when they see your designs? Where does the name stem from?
I wanted to create something different, bring new things to the earth. My ethos is to be non-conforming. How do I take something that exists and make it new?
Nothing is new under the sun, I believe that. So I’m not going to take the credit for everything. I do feel like I’m a genius, but I just wanted to bring fresh perspectives and inspire people. That’s what I stand on — being inspirational. It also reflects my personal journey.
As an artist and entrepreneur, you have to continuously inspire yourself.
RELATED: Exclusive: How Natasha Cornstein is Revolutionizing Beauty with Blushington’s Luxury Experience
Throughout your journey so far, what do you think has been the hardest lesson and the most rewarding moment?
Having a space, like a store, was hard. I had to be there six days a week, maintain inventory and run the website. But it was rewarding because I was in New York, in SoHo, selling.
Pricing can be hard too. Coming from an underprivileged community and making things by hand, I want my work to be accessible but also good quality. I also need to make a living. Finding that balance between pricing, defining your market and serving your community is challenging.
having a store in SoHo is no easy feat. I love that you talked about pricing and balancing all of that.
Photo: Courtesy of OTW Threads
I had a small team, but I was the engine — the heart and mind of it. It was hard but a good experience. Being in SoHo allowed me to expand and connect with people from all over the world. There was a different type of appreciation for my artistry.
Meeting people from other countries gave me hope that I could thrive there too. I haven’t been to most of those countries, but my creations are there.
As a first-generation Afro-Latina entrepreneur, how has your heritage influenced your designs and your approach to business and community, especially with your Speak Up series?
Both of my parents weren’t born here. They came from a culture of being silenced. Fifty years ago there wasn’t as much technology or opportunity.
Knowing that, and seeing all the opportunities I have now, makes me more expressive. I come from people who didn’t have the chance to express themselves without being reprimanded or judged. Things were way harder before, even with LGBT rights.
That’s why I create spaces for people to express themselves. I try to inspire people to share their gifts — artist therapy. It’s for us, by us. The starting point for everything is knowing yourself, knowing where you come from and operating from that truth.
Who inspires you in life and in your work?
I don’t really have idols. But when I first started my brand 12 years ago, I looked up to Vashti. She’s a DJ, director, designer, so many things. I’m like that too — sometimes I want to design clothes, write a script, organize an event or work on marketing. Seeing her do all of that showed me I don’t have to be in a box.
That’s where I’m at now. I have my brand, my artist showcases, I do production for small brands and schools, and I also write scripts. My second executive-produced film will be out soon.
Pharrell inspires me too — how he always has his hands in art, music and fashion. To answer your question, the people doing many things at once inspire me.
How has it been getting your work in front of public figures and collaborators?
Letting things be organic has been my strategy. I’ve been doing this a while and been in many rooms. Everybody’s famous now, but I’m not fazed by followers. People have to resonate with me and align with my brand values.
DaniLeigh was organic — I met her at ComplexCon. I always wear my clothing when I go out, like a walking billboard. People approach me, and I tell them I’m a designer. That’s how I connected with her.
I also met Bloody Osiris just walking down the street. I recognized his style and said, “What’s up? I’m a designer.” For me, it’s about keeping it organic. If I connect with someone, I might bless them with pieces. If not, they can buy them.
What are your brand’s values?
Photo: Courtesy of OTW Threads
Art, community, individuality, craftsmanship, authenticity. That’s the brand DNA.
How has this year been for you, and where do you see yourself going by the end of it?
This year has been flying. I’ve been letting things slow cook, taking my time and doing things more professionally and business-oriented. I’m keeping up with the seasons — I put out a spring/summer collection and I’m working on fall/winter.
I’m designing collections, creating line sheets, working with photographers and videographers, building lookbooks and working with a publicist to tell my story. I sometimes feel overlooked, but I created that for myself.
For the rest of the year: another collection, more events, more activations in New York. Just standing on business, finishing strong and sticking to my goals.
RELATED: Where Fashion Meets ‘I Do’: Tanner Fletcher’s Bridal Show Was a Love Story in Motion
As a freelancer, what keeps you motivated?
I have undying faith. I stay prayed up and patient. There are a lot of highs and lows, so I ride the waves, trust it will work out,and give myself grace. Having good people around me helps too. It’s not easy, but a strong support system is important.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Plan ahead and take calculated risks. Know the difference between work and play. Keep that inner light shining bright. Always have fun with it. Make sure it continues to be fulfilling.