Finding My Forte: A Fashion Narrative

I see the fashion industry revitalized to a foundation of love, with no ego or competition, just community, and peace.

Photo by: Jennifer Stalvey

I spent many primary years in South Carolina and my pre-teens to my early twenties in North Carolina. As you may know, these two states are known for something other than fashion—agriculture and manufacturing. I now live in Los Angeles as a Wardrobe Stylist and Fashion Editor. I only sometimes had dreams of working in the fashion industry. One of my country aunties from South Carolina sowed the fashion seed in me. She dressed confidently and distinctively to her personality, which inspired me to find my voice through fashion. 

Water the Fashion Seed

Later, I began to water the fashion seed at university. Interestingly enough, my first declared major in university was Pre-Pharmacy. A destiny in pharmaceuticals was nonexistent, so I changed to Business Marketing pronto. I trained myself to sew in my free time, which guided me to sell my fashion designs locally and online—realizing that I am not graced to sew. Although I am not devoted to sewing, I can pull out this skill set when needed. I was still deciding which talents I wanted to hone in on and pursue—which took some time. I knew I wanted to be distinguishable and influential and lead others to what was attainable in the fashion industry. I disregarded my natural skills because they were already a part of who I was—styling and writing! My mind was loaded with questions, doubts, and negativity that sounded like, Is styling a profitable career? Who will your clients be? You must know someone to get a seat at the table. Who is going to read your articles? Above the noise, a whisper in my heart said go that way; that is the way!

The Fashion Assignment

My journey in the fashion industry has taught me the importance of my voice. It is a time for me to rise and create a space in the fashion styling and editorial world for forthcoming fashion leaders. My mission is to elevate, amplify, and make space for underrepresented future fashion voices of tomorrow. My assignment is to be who I would have been to myself while navigating this industry. I want young women to have clear examples to look up to and know they can prosper in the fashion industry without a shadow of a doubt. I want them to use every inch of their gifts and run towards those mountain-sized opportunities. 

Take A Stand

I am against unjust and wicked practices for the sake of paying your dues. We all deserve appropriate treatment. The industry's dark side thrives from the insecurity of future fashion leaders, leaving them hopeless. I want to be a positive change that pushes the industry towards being whole and respectful. I want to be why someone stands up for what is honorable and trustworthy and takes a stand regardless of whether everyone is against them. Young women should be secure, fearless, and proud to be in the fashion industry. 

Fashion Dreams Become Reality

The dreams in our hearts can become a reality. Many of us do not realize what is possible for us. I know in the black community, it is well known that our families want us to seek a career that will provide financial stability without thinking about the gifts God has given us. Sometimes that comes with a compromise on mental health and physical health. Many people fight silent battles to keep others happy, but it is only so long before it catches up. Then you are faced with the truth and have to decide whether to stay on a miserable fruitless path or start following what God has placed in your heart and become fruitful. 

Love, Community, Peace

Although fashion requires much work within the heart, I want to use my power and impact towards a more promising future for forthcoming fashion leaders. I envision an industry that is not only innovative but professional. We must stand against all unfairness, dishonest, and unprofessional practices; we can no longer permit hate and corruption to prevail and trouble the industry. I see the fashion industry revitalized to a foundation of love, with no ego or competition, just community and peace. 

Superpower Unlocked

My voice and experience matter. For too long, I believed that my voice did not matter, and I thought I had nothing unique to offer to the fashion industry. How many other people feel like that in the industry? Many people I worked with saw my potential; however, I needed to see what they saw. You have to believe in yourself more than others do. I acknowledged my superpower was my mind, voice, and experience. It makes me unique to the industry, and only I can share my unique gifts with the industry in a way that I only can. I am committed to amplifying the voices of the fashion leaders of tomorrow.

Our perspective matters, and the way we share it matters.