STYLE STARTS WITH SELF ESTEEM

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

One thing that I’ve learned from working one on one with women on their image is that, the way we perceive our own minds, bodies, and overall being has the GREATEST affect on not only our personal style, but our quality of life. I can pick the perfect shoe, dress, and bag for a client but if one isn’t confident in who they are, it simply will not hit the same. So, this week’s style tip focuses on subtle ways we can elevate our own self esteem in order to be our best selves…

PLAYING DRESS UP

Remember when you were little and would slip on your mom’s highest heels you could find, or throw on your best outfit in your closet and play in the mirror even when you had nowhere to go? It fed our imaginations and made us feel like we could be anything we wanted in this world. Even as a grown ass woman, I like to make time to do this every now and then, after a shopping trip or when my latest package from one of my fav online stores finally arrives.

Doing this can not only spark your creativity and childlike imagination, but it can also allow you to explore and discover new styles, silhouettes, colors, and prints that work for YOU as an individual. It’s a well deserved break from the social media scrolls and outer world influences telling us how we should and shouldn’t look.

“WHY YOU KEEP LOOKING IN THE MIRROR IF YOU NOT CONCEITED?”

…One of my fav Dom Kennedy lines. But forreal, sometimes a little excessive confidence is necessary. Many of us, especially women, can recall a time or two when someone has called us out for taking a good look in the mirror. There’s a negative assumption that those who do are arrogant or vain. But it’s not true… real confidence says I love who I am, and you should love who you are, too. True beauty radiates from the inside out, but many of us possess so much inner beauty but fail to let it shine through.

Often times, we get so caught up in our day to day tasks, rushing to get dressed (I’m guilty), and meeting deadlines, we rarely take the time to appreciate and familiarize ourselves with our own reflection. Spending some time in the mirror can give you the opportunity to appreciate your features, see yourself smile, and make you feel more in tune with your being.

I hope you picked up a gem or two from this post!

P.S. I’m thinking of making “Style Starts With Self Esteem” an email series so we can add a little spiritual food for thought in the mix of the style inspo I send you all! Make sure you’re subscribed to my Style Source so you won’t miss the next one!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

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.”

"AUTHENTICALLY HERSELF": MY INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER, BRAND OWNER, & AMAZON PRIME'S "MAKING THE CUT" COMPETITOR MEGAN SMITH

WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE & FEATURING MEGAN SMITH

Megan Smith.

If you’ve been watching the hit Amazon Prime fashion series “Making the Cut”, you should be hip to women’s ready-to-wear designer Megan Smith of the growing brand, Megan Renee. Upon binging the series, I was instantly drawn to her, both as a resilient woman who comes from humble beginnings and as an immaculate designer who’s mastered balance when it comes to sultriness and sophistication. Rooting for her from the couch, I watched her kill challenge after challenge, showcasing innovative silhouettes and impressing the likes of Tim Gunn and the legendary Naomi Campbell. I was so inspired that I HAD to connect with her and learn more.

Looks from Megan’s SS’18 & SS ‘19 collection.

In my latest episode of Style With Sharra: The Podcast Series, Megan and I chop it up about the ways she navigates the ever changing fashion industry. I interview her on various topics ranging from where she started her career in design, her experience as a contestant on “Making the Cut”, the support she’s received from Naomi Campbell, and ways we can elevate each other as black women in fashion.

Megan consulting Tim Gunn on “Making the Cut”.

Hit the button below to listen to our full interview on Style With Sharra, available here, on iTunes, and in your Apple Podcasts app.

Check out Megan’s amazing collections and shop her line at shopmeganrenee.com

Follow her brand here and keep up with her journey on Instagram here!

Make sure y’all let me know your favorite part of the interview in the comments!

Sharra,

“The definition of walking art.”

P.S. New style advice is coming up next on The Walking Art Blog very soon. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss a post!