Composed and conceived out of sentimentalism, Wear Your Own Story aims to re-tell tales of the scuffs and scratches on Nelissa Hilman heels. Like tree rings, these marks bear witness of a time long gone. They tell detailed tales of places gone and memories etched into the bottom of the shoe. They at times stand the test of the modern road, tar and gravels, while maintaining its structure, shape, and collecting notches into its sole, losing its luster as days pass.

Humans in itself are in a constant state of ever fluctuating moments. Intrinsic in our nature and essential for our survival. We pass through life like rivers, hugging the gravel as we sort through and stumble our way through the passage of time, converging occasionally with other streams and creating a different flow. 

This is true to describe Dahlia Nadirah. She has stood fast, toeing the line and holding strong in times of adversity. She gives her all to her craft and most importantly, her family. Shes a mother of 4, wife to a creative mastermind, LoQUE, herself a graduate in Psychology and Communications and the Creative Director and founder of two local brands SO.LEK and Gempikat. 

Below is an excerpt from our conversation with her. 

What is your favorite memory with Nelissa Hilman?

My favorite moment with Nelissa Hilman, I think throughout the years, I’ve been wearing Nelissa Hilman’s shoes on all the big occasions, in my career life – since I started my own brands, even way before. But most favorite favorite moment would be when I get to share Nelissa Hilman’s kasut with my daughters, like Anggerik and Seroja, they love NH sandals, so we just wear, it’s nice sometimes bila kita keluar, three of us or four of us, they will be wearing NH with me, together. 

So I think it’s quite memorable because all these years, it’s always been me, I wear it for Raya, if I go for events, even if I go for like macam awards events and whatever lah – it’s always been Nelissa Hilman’s shoes but this year, when I get to wear it with Seroja and Anggerik, it feels like macam *aww* like yeah.. and I get to spend more because now my daughters can wear my shoes!

What are you most proud of in 2024?

My proudest moment of 2024 would be I think during Raya because when we were about to kickoff puasa month, I had like such a really tough times, it was quite challenging and then when we went through the whole Raya and puasa month, actually we achieved a lot for profession wise. So yeah, it was one of my proudest moments this year. 

Last question, what are you most excited about in 2025?

Not sure about being excited, I’m turning 40, but I’m quite excited about the fact that we have quite an exciting plan for Solek and Gempikat, so I'm looking forward to that. I’m also looking forward to travelling more in 2025 with my family.