WHAT DOES NIYAKIRE MEAN?

Niyakire is the maiden name of Analise’s grandmother, a name rich with meaning and heart. In Kurundi (spoken in Burundi, where her dad is from), Niyakire means “may He (God) receive.” It’s more than a name — it’s a prayer, a legacy, and the heartbeat behind everything Analise creates.

Childhood and Early Passion for Art

Analise is a Minneapolis-based entrepreneur and lifelong artist, driven by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for visual storytelling. From an early age, she found both solace and inspiration in the world of art. Growing up in Minneapolis, she attended local arts schools where she explored a wide range of creative mediums which laid the foundation for the work she does today.

Transition to Graphic Design and Multimedia Art

As she got older, Analise’s early love for art naturally led her to graphic design and multimedia storytelling. Discovering digital tools opened up a new world, one where she could experiment freely, bring ideas to life more intuitively, and express herself in ways traditional mediums couldn’t always capture. She became increasingly drawn to the power of visual communication and how it can inform, inspire, and connect. With curiosity and dedication, she’s continues to hone her craft, always exploring new ways to push the boundaries of her creativity.

Expanding Skill Set: Web Design, Brand Strategy, and Animation

Analise isn’t one to stay stuck in a comfort zone. As the creative world continued to evolve, she leaned into the challenge, learning new tools, exploring new mediums, and diving headfirst into web design. What started as curiosity quickly grew into a love for building websites that not only look good but feel good — intuitive, visually compelling, and centered on the user experience.

She also came to see that beautiful design is even more powerful when it’s rooted in strategy. That realization led her into the world of branding, where she learned how to craft identity systems that reflect a brand’s voice, values, and vision. Through research, experimentation, and a whole lot of sketching, she’s learned how to build brands that truly connect clients to vision.

Entrepreneurial Journey

Analise has always had an entrepreneurial streak. She wasn’t content just building her skills, she wanted to create something of her own. In March 2023, she launched her graphic design and multimedia art business in Minneapolis, combining creativity, strategy, and a deep desire to have brands feel seen and heard.

Rooted in her multicultural heritage and fueled by a love for exploring new perspectives, Analise is passionate about breaking out of boxes, creatively and culturally. Whether she’s designing for a local nonprofit or collaborating on global-inspired billboards, she brings curiosity, depth, and a desire to celebrate stories that often go unheard.

NIYAKIRE IN MINNEAPOLIS

Beyond the work itself, Analise is deeply committed to community. She believes in the power of gathering with other creatives, exchanging ideas, and building spaces where art can spark real change. For her, design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about impact. She strives to create meaningful, thought-provoking work that resonates with people from all walks of life.

From a little girl dreaming of becoming an artist to a graphic designer and business owner, Analise’s journey is still unfolding. Through persistence, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose, she’s not just rewriting generational narratives, she’s paving the way for other young creatives to step into their own stories and shape the future of art and design in their cities.