Romina Ustayev, the visionary founder and mother behind ROMI Runway, a fashion-forward clothing brand that’s taking the world by storm. Romina’s journey from her roots in Uzbekistan to Philadelphia is a testament to her unwavering passion for creativity and self-expression.

From a young age, Romina harbored dreams of becoming a renowned singer and fashion designer. She saw music and fashion not as separate entities, but as intertwined forms of artistic expression. Her journey began with sewing dresses for her beloved Barbies, using her ingenuity to repurpose old clothes into stunning new designs when resources were scarce.

Romina’s talent and determination shone through at just 15 when she released her debut song, “Let Go,” catching the attention of prominent DJs and marking the beginning of her musical career. Despite facing challenges, including a youthful marriage and subsequent divorce, Romina refused to let go of her dreams. In her mid-20s, she returned to her passion, crafting her own music and achieving remarkable success with her single “Insane,” which soared to the top of the Billboard club dance charts.

But Romina’s journey didn’t end there. In 2023, pregnant with her third son, she made the bold decision to venture into the world of fashion, birthing ROMi, an online store showcasing her custom-designed pieces. With a keen eye for style and a commitment to empowering women, Romina’s brand quickly gained traction, offering chic and sexy attire that transcended traditional boundaries.

ROMI Runway is more than just a clothing brand; it’s a celebration of confidence, individuality, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Romina’s designs, ranging from playful to sophisticated, are crafted to make women feel good and look good, whether they’re hitting the town or embracing the joys of motherhood.

1. What is your inspiration behind creating ROMI Runway? 

Ever since I can remember I was into fashion. I used to sew clothes for my babies out of my old clothes! My mom was a professional knitter in a woman’s fashion knitting company and I loved going to work with her. Sometimes they would give me pieces of material to play with and my mom taught me to sew so I would always sew cute outfits for my dolls.   

2. Tell us more about the materials you use for ROMI Runway and why? 

I use a lot of vegan patent leather because its my favorite! It just gives off this powerful woman vibe when I wear it. Like dominatrix but classy! I also have some sustainable cotton pieces as well as super soft stretchy denim.

3. Who is the ideal ROMI Runway customer? 

I think the ideal customer is a fun party girl who loves to look good and feel good. I aim for fit and comfort in every piece! So anyone who wants to look glam weather they are dressing up or dressing down can be a ROMi customer!

4. Does your music influence how you design ROMI Runway? 

I think it does because most of my outfits I’d also wear on stage! A stage is like a canvas for fashion. So I design the type of clothes I’d wear while on stage.

5. How would you classify your music? 

I’d classify it as something you can dance to. There are so many different versions of me and I think that that portrays in my music. I can’t put myself into one genre but most of what I have is dancing worthy.

6. Who are some of your top 5 musical influences? 

Michael Jackson, Madonna, JLo, Lady Gaga, Rihanna

7. What do you want fans to take from your Romi Runway and your music?

I love to entertain and make people happy, so if they’re happy wearing my clothes and/or listening to my music, then I’m happy!

8. How’s the music scene in your locale? 

I live in Miami area so there’s a big variety. But I do think dance music always wins.

9. When did you know you were destined for music? 

Since my first memories. Definitely by age 5 I knew.

10. What is the best concert you have been to? What do you like most about playing live? 

I’d say Jlo and Madonna. Both of them are so awesome in their own way. I think what I like most about performing live is the feeling I get. IT’s a release like no other.

11. How have you evolved as an artist over the last year (musically and design wise)?

 I think I am constantly evolving and learning. I never want to stay put, I always want to keep going and doing more and creating new music and new fashion!

12. If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why? 

Well if its dead or alive then I’d choose Michael Jackson. He’s the KING of Pop! I imagine I would learn so much from him!

13. Who is the ideal celebrity you want to wear ROMI Runway? 

Kim Kardashian because everything she does is always top notch. Also Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa I think would look amazing in some of my matching sets!

14. What’s next for you?

 Definitely going to work on new music this summer as well as more fun designs!

15. Where can we find ROMI Runway

(website, social media handles) romirunway.com @romirunway