WHAT PERSONAL STYLE MEANS TO ME + 5 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN MY NETWORK

CURATED BY SHARRA GREENE

Working with women on their personal style has taught me so much about how deeply… personal it really is. It truly holds a different meaning to everyone individually. I’m constantly seeking new ways to connect with others in a way that makes fashion and style a tailored experience for them. So, I decided to ask myself, and 5 powerful women that I know, “What does personal style mean to you?” Here’s what we said… I’ll go first!

“Anyone who’s known me for years, knows that I’ve gone through SO MANY different phases within my style. As my work has changed, as my ideals have changed, and as my confidence has changed, my style has changed with it every single time. But I’m forever inspired by that versatility, and I do my best to encourage that same versatility and freedom to explore, with every woman I style…. personal style, to me, means embracing the complexity of who we are as ever-evolving individuals. It means allowing yourself to explore different worlds through a well-intentioned look, and allowing your confidence, poise, and attitude to be positively impacted by what you’re wearing… it’s about being intentional, but leaving room for fun and mystery.” - Sharra

Sharra Greene

Womenswear Fashion Stylist | Creator

@styledbysharra

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“Knowing myself is a huge indicator. There are some things I just won’t wear no matter how hot the trend is -like bodysuits for example. Then other items like a chic blazer jacket, is my go-to staple. I’ve grown to realize style is about dressing for your own good, because what may look good on the next woman may not flatter my figure (and I’m okay with that)” - Taylar

Taylar Broadnax

Fashion Storyteller | Online Magazine Contributor

@taylar.chanell

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“For me, I feel like personal style has been an ever changing concept in my life. When I first really tapped into what I feel is my style, it was always about dressing in a way that made me feel confident, but in a way that also complimented my body. So, it’s always been about that but now, with me being a 30 year old, it’s completely different. There’s a lot more sex appeal that I have now, and a lot more confidence, and I’m really trying to exude that through my clothing, meaning that I want to feel powerful when I put on clothes. I wanna feel like I’m walking out, and I feel like that bitch. So, I feel like personal style ultimately is a reflection of not only who you are, but ultimately who you want to be, because it changes over time, and you can change your mind, whenever the f*ck you want.” - Court

Court Kim

Journalist | Model | Creative

@thecourtkim

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“My personal style is a direct reflection of the things I’ve grown to love about myself . My sense of personal expression has come from years of self doubt turned into undeniable confidence. I was embarrassed of my culture , now that’s why I rock headwraps and Afrocentric designs . I hated being so petite , so now I rock oversized clothes for fun…it took years to get here!” -Tene’A

Tene’A Cummings

Model | Fashion & Beauty Influencer

@_locstarrr

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“I credit my mom for helping me establish my personal style. I've always been into fashion as early as 6 or 7 years old and my mom would never discourage me from wearing something; Even if she hated it lol. That gave me the confidence I have today to express myself through style.” -Ashlee

Ashlee Jackson

CEO & Designer of House of Rehab

@ashleemademedoit | @houseofrehab

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“Style makes me feel like my most authentic self. Whether I’m wearing something edgy or elegant. I like to express myself, whether I’m having a bad day or a bomb ass day. I feel like the person I’m destined to be and I put my best self forward.” - Nioby

Nioby Scarbrough

Fashion, Lifestyle, & Beauty Model

@nioby_

What does personal style mean to you? Let us know in the comments!

WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MARK IN FASHION DESPITE THE "YOU CAN'T SIT WITH US" MENTALITY THAT PLAGUES THE INDUSTRY

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

Pioneer and Curator of Ebony Fashion Fair, Eunice Walker Johnson sitting front row during fashion presentations: a rarity during her era in the industry and the photos say so much.

As expressive and beautiful the phenomenon that is fashion can be, there’s also such a strong sense of secrecy and exclusivity concerning the industry. Anyone who wants in has experienced this in one way or another. From authorities in fashion refusing to hire people of a certain look, race, religion, or social class, down to giving no front row seats at shows for those who aren’t deemed “good enough” over trivial matters, even down to how secretive individuals can be when it comes to plugging each other with valuable resources , the “crabs in a barrel” attitude that often exudes from many of those who are apart of the fashion industry is virtually impossible to miss; and if you let it, it can leave you feeling discouraged, disheartened, and underrepresented. Thankfully, we’re living in a time where those who came before us have walked so we could run, and it’s becoming easier to still show up and kill it in this industry, in your own right.

Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, designer, model, stylist, or even if you’re just a lover of fashion culture, I’ve found on my journey just how important it is to unapologetically offer your 2 cents, despite voices in the industry constantly trying to control what is perceived as worthy, acceptable, and appealing and what is not. You never know how your perspective will positively influence and inspire others along their own journey. Here are a few ways to keep making your presence known…

IF YOU CAN’T JOIN THEM, CREATE YOUR OWN

This has been the approach that some of fashion’s most iconic trailblazers and legends in the making have taken, and are still taking. When we abandon our need to be accepted by everyone we feel is important, that’s often when our true calling makes itself known. As a young black woman who’s building a career in fashion, it’s no secret that throughout history, there have been many doors closed for people who look like me. However, I’m so blessed to be pursuing fashion in a time where those who came before me have knocked down some doors and in a sense, tossed me the key.

For context, the LEGENDARY AND ICONIC Ebony Fashion Fair Curator Eunice Walker took initiative to highlight blacks in fashion during a time when the mainstream tastemakers in the industry were ignoring us. After having a dream of writing for Vogue deferred, Editor in Chief of Fashion Bomb Daily, Claire Sulmers (if you read here often, you already know she’s my fav!) utilized her growing online presence to create “her own Vogue” in so many words, building and maintaining a unique space for multicultural fashion to be celebrated. “First you ask, then you take.”, she says.

Eunice Walker Johnson’s Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit, highlighting black up and coming designers of her time.

From Instagram born, profitable fashion brands to influencers who found their tribe, went viral, and never looked back… we live in an era where when we can’t join someone’s movement, we can create our own and be just as, if not even more successful, and a lot of industry vets are upset about it. But there’s honestly no going back… due to the way we consume our information and entertainment. (internet, social media, etc.) There’s an array of ways to consistently contribute your perspective in any industry, especially fashion.

Seeing a lack of representation in fashion that moves you to want to act on it? Instead of wasting time begging and waiting for certain opportunities, be the change and create your own. It can start with establishing your own movement, whether it be via an online presence where you air your grievances on the issues that move you on a podcast, blog, IGTV, etc. or even creating your own line of clothing and making sure we see black women and women of color in EVERY. SINGLE. campaign. Through experience, I’m learning that it gains momentum when you continue to create your content, share your style, share your opinions, and continue to show up and speak up despite whoever’s trying to silence you. You’d be surprised how many people identify with your voice when you use it. You’d also be surprised how many people are willing to invest in your movements.

SPEAK UP, NEVER BE AFRAID TO PLUG YOURSELF

Me introducing myself to legendary stylist Misa Hylton at the Convos with Claire networking event in December 2018.

With fashion being such a competitive industry, it’s important to know how to plug yourself. This is probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned thus far when it comes to my business. When I first started styling back in 2014, I was not as confident as I am now, which probably caused me to fumble a few bags in the process. It didn’t help that I’m naturally introverted, believe it or not. But over time, I’ve learned when to break out of my shell and handle business because if I don’t speak for my brand, no one else will.

When you walk into a room hoping to make your mark, Ive learned that it’s important to remember that people don’t read minds. They’re not aware of the gifts you possess, and until you speak up and let them know, you risk missing out on building meaningful connections with others and further establishing your brand. If you’re looking to get better at representing yourself, practicing your elevator pitch and testing it out at networking events or when you meet new people can help you learn to leaving a lasting impression at a moment’s notice.

SUPPORT A MOVEMENT BEFORE IT’S “MOVING”

It pisses me off to see the countless dope brands and creatives in fashion who offer a fresh point of view and quality work getting knocked off, ripped off, and overlooked. I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying “nobody is messing with your movement until it’s moving” but it can be challenging to gain momentum when people don’t support you just because you haven’t “made it” yet, whatever that means. That’s why I’ve recently been making a point to support my fellow small business owners, minority owned businesses, and an array of other groups in fashion who constantly seem to get put on the back burner.

When you choose to support a label, or brand before it has completely taken off and gone mainstream, not only do you gain credibility to whoever’s watching as a trendsetter and not a follower, but you also gain leverage by supporting at the beginning stages because it often leads to strong partnerships with the owners of these companies that others missed out on because they simply jumped on the bandwagon later on down the road. I actually just recently interviewed a BOMB micro influencer who executes this concept amazingly. Stay tuned, my Q&A with her is coming to the blog next week! But back to the point, consider taking on ambassadorships or even simply purchasing from more of the brands that are slept on, it can help you make your mark in the long run, in more ways than one.

Hope you got something from this post! New content on its way to the blog very soon! Stay tuned safe & Stay tuned!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”