SHE LEFT THE CORPORATE LIFE FOR HER LIFE'S CALLING: MY INTERVIEW WITH EDITORIAL STYLIST + BLOGGER KRYSTAL J. BENSON OF #INSPIREDBYKRYS

SHARED BY SHARRA GREENE

Back in May, I met stylist Krystal Benson while attending a fashion networking event. Pretty, poised, and dressed to kill, Krystal delivered major keys concerning business, networking, and the power of spirituality, while serving on the panel. I had to catch up with her during the intermission. I instantly vibed with her... It could be a stylist thing, or maybe a Leo thing, or both. Needless to say, I had to bring her wisdom and knowledge to The Walking Art Blog! Check out my Q&A session with her as Krystal weighs in on how she stays motivated, how she deals with different demands and personas in the industry, what trend she's had enough of, and more!

So, what has inspired your career as an editorial stylist + content creator and what motivates you during the not so sexy parts of styling? 

     I've always loved to create and be creative. From doing DIY projects at home to making my own clothes, being creative is one of my favorite pastimes. Since I was a child, I would play store and draw sketches of clothes and sell them to my family members. As I've grown, my love for fashion has also evolved. At first, I wanted to be a personal stylist or a stylist to the stars, but I soon realized that my joy came from digging deeper. 

When it comes to fashion, I love telling a story with clothes, which is why I chose to go the editorial route. After 3+ years in Corporate America, I decided to quit my 9-5 and follow my dreams of being a freelance wardrobe stylist in New York City.  This avenue allows me to have fun and create a story that can spark a conversation. 

     When it comes to styling or content creating, what motivates me to keep going is the finished product. I know that nothing worth having is going to be easy. But the end result is always great when you push through! 

"The Girl Next Door" styled by Krystal J. Benson. Photo by Dominique Guillaume.

So you’ve just recently wrapped a major campaign with Nike + Amazon.. what was your experience like with this campaign? Were there any challenges along the way and if so, how did you push through to deliver? 

Yes!!! The Nike + Amazon campaign was my biggest job to date. I was the main assistant for the head stylist on the job which meant I was with him for the duration of the entire project. I knew all of the ends and outs and did a lot of the leg work. One of my biggest challenges was dealing with his type A personality. He was very demanding and overthinking throughout the entire campaign. The way that I pushed through was by praying each morning before I walked on set and staying organized! Organization is key!!  

You’re currently working with Brooks Brothers on some online content.. is working with this brand teaching you anything new about the styling / fashion industry? 

     Yes, I'm definitely learning a lot about the e - commerce side and what all it takes to get content put up on the site. Some may think that you just take a picture and post it, but there is a science to all of the webpages that you do your online shopping on. You'd be surprised, all the work that goes into it. Aside from that, when we shoot mens clothing, I'm learning a lot about mens tailoring and the different terminology for the essential garments that make up a man's wardrobe. 

"Like a Boy", styled by Krystal J. Benson. Photo by Pierre Walker.

I personally think that styling as a skill / profession that is really slept on or underrated.. have you experienced people sleeping on your skills personally and if so, what do you do when in this situation?

     To be honest, no. Thankfully, my friends and family have all been supportive of my career choices thus far.. and on the days when I find myself questioning my abilities, I'm reminding by my circle that I am the shit, and that I shouldn't doubt myself for one second! I can't lie, when your peers are becoming doctors, lawyers and dentists making 100k out of college, you can find yourself thinking you picked the wrong major. Trust me, I've done it. But when I sit and think that each day, I get to wake up and do what I love and that means so much more! 

      Now, let’s talk style for a moment! What is one trend that you think is slept on and one trend that you think is highly overrated and/or won’t be around much longer?

The trend that I think is slept on, in my opinion, is minimalism, which is an overall vibe. I think in today's society, people love to be extra. Extra with the colors, extra with the prints, extra with everything and sometimes that's cool! But nothing can beat a classical, minimal ensemble. They always say that "less is more" and I agree!

I am OVER the fanny pack trend, especially for men. I think it has ran its course and it's time to get into some new statement accessories! 

"Fearless Brown Girl" styled by Krystal J. Benson. Photo by @torrij_

There are a lot of aspiring stylists / fashion creatives who struggle with what their daily /weekly grind should look like. As a wardrobe stylist myself, I’m constantly revisiting my to do list and adding and taking away certain tasks to make sure my focus is where it needs to be. I know this process is different for everyone but could you give just a little insight on how to stay productive and not just “busy” as a wardrobe stylist? 

I think we all struggle from time to time with staying focused. As creatives, our minds are forever thinking of ways to create and evolve. That's the fun part of doing what we do but it can also be one of the hardest things to manage. First, I would say to write out your goals, short and long term. Then, devise a plan that will help you attack it in pieces until you accomplish your goal. And finally put that work into action. Like I said earlier, organization is key so be sure to write everything down and give yourself deadlines to hold yourself accountable. 

Also, whatever you do, remember that you are your own person. Don't compare yourself to the next person. Your journey is different. Your ideas are different. Nobody else can be you and that is your super power. 

     Krystal, thank you so much for sharing your insight! I'm glad that we crossed paths back in May! Keep up with Krystal's journey on her site and social media!

The goal was to give aspiring creatives some advice from a style pro so I hope you got something from this highlight! Comment your thoughts below! 

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art." 

5 EMERGING DESIGNERS FROM THE U.S. AND MORE THAT YOU'RE LIKELY TO SEE EVERYWHERE 5 YEARS FROM NOW: ON THE SCENE @ FDCM NETWORK'S PRESENTATION & ANGELMAN SYNDROME AWARENESS CHARITY EVENT

CAPTURED AND WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE

So get hip now, so you can say you were rocking the brands before everyone else was. 

     Earlier this month, I was invited by Public Relations Coordinator and FDCM network head Joanna Marcella to do press coverage and collection reviews for London based Fashion Designers' and Craftmakers' Network's Fashion Showcase and Angelman Syndrome Charity Event. The showcase served three purposes, one; to expose a select few of today's hardest working up and coming designers to fashion media, new markets, and the public, 2; to raise funds and awareness for Angelman Syndrome,  a rare neuro-genetic disorder that occurs in one in 15,000 live births (for more info, click here) and 3; to provide a great atmosphere for creative entrepreneurs, tastemakers, press, and bloggers alike to network and enjoy each other's company.  The event achieved all of that and more. I gladly accepted Joanna's invitation and was more than impressed by the attention grabbing talent, great social atmosphere, and bomb networking opportunities that this showcase offered.

     The event was held at The Paul Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City this past Saturday, April 28th. Upon arrival, I received  giftbag full of event souvenirs. Glasses of wine and an array of other refreshments were served to guests. I instantly took a seat next to a group of fellow blogger baes and in doing so, made some new friends and key connections. There was literally nothing but positive vibes amongst all of the ladies, and that's not something I get to say all of the time. The rest of my day consisted of a bunch of networking as well as one on one interviews with featured designers and I truly believe several of the brands will be contributing to the fashion world in major ways . Mark my words.  Check out 5 of my faves below,as well as some highlight looks from the showcase. 

Chanette Laing Atelier

From the age of 3, UK based designer Chanette Laing knew she wanted to be a designer and nothing else. Having a background in painting and textile design, She aspired to merge the worlds of fashion and art. (obvi, why I love her aesthetic, we're both on the same page) Some of her signature techniques include incorporating African print as well as the "subtraction cutting technique", originally started by designer Julian Roberts. Chanette's success thus far is rooted in the fact that she puts God at the center of everything she does. When asked how she has overcome obstacles like having discouraging instructors and the feeling of being overshadowed, she says "When I remember that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I know that no man can stop me." Well said. View Laing's latest collection, inspired by the latest Black Panther movie and the idea of cultural pride in the gallery below.

Contact: www.chanettelaing.co.uk | @chanettelaingatelier | chanettelaingatelier@gmail.com

Taylor Love Couture

     Taylor Love Couture is an emerging East Coast brand that is working to be internationally known for "uniquely catering to both men, women, as well as the LGBTQ community. " Self-proclaimed as, "Riri's future designer", CEO and Designer Taylor Love says her brand is "a symbol of inclusivity and luxurious urban wear." Love designs and handcrafts all pieces herself. She cites her education at Mt. Ida College as one of the main reasons she's come this far as a designer. Taylor's design journey is similar to that of designer Zac Posen in the way that several of her family members play a major role in her creative team.

     With her cousin Jordan as her business manager, her sister as lead makeup artist, her brother as the brand's lead photographer, as well as other relatives who care for her daughter while Taylor is on her design grind, she is well equipped with a strong support system. Love truly aspires to acquire Rihanna as a client (which would be another similarity to Posen) So Rihanna and team, if you happen to come across this article,  Taylor is ready. Interviewing Taylor was such a pleasure. I could hear her hunger for success and passion for her craft through her words. Check out her latest Day of the Dead inspired collection that gave us all "slaying at the mansion" vibes, below.

Contact: @taylorlovecouture | taylorlovedesigns@gmail.com

Juhasz Szilvia Collections

     Designer Juhasz Szilvia merges fashion, nature, and the love of her native country's landscapes to create timeless cocktail dresses and evening pieces. She collaborates with immaculate landscape photographer CZako Balazs, featuring his dynamic images of different landscapes and scenery and turning them into wearable art. Featuring an array of interesting colors, shapes, and shadows, her pieces catch the eye at first glance and are truly one of a kind from top to bottom. The work of the two artists make for a truly dynamic duo.

Szilvia wants the women who wear her clothing to experience the beauty of nature in pieces that illustrate beautiful visual stories of Hungary's natural beauty through dress. Szilvia and Balazs have been building both their individual and collective brands back in Hungary. Now, they are going international as they present their immense creativity in the United States' fashion capital, New York City. View their showstopping collection below. 

Contact: juhasz.szilvia.dress@gmail.com| facebook |  info@czakobalazs.com | CzakoBalazs.com

Designs by K.Y

Moved by her desire to broaden her daughter's perspective of what is possible, designer Kymberly Achuba hit the ground running in 2015 and has been building her streetwear brand ever since. To this day, her daughter is her main driving force, always showing love, admiration, and a sense of pride for her mother's growing brand. Designs by K.Y. threw a much-needed street style perspective into the mix during the showcase through the use the fresh use of fur, painting, interesting prints, and oversized unisex pieces.

As icing on the cake, Kymberly was one of the few designers to give attendees a piece of her art to go home with, including a gorgeous handmade brooch in her press satchel. (She handmakes her own metal accessories, including the crown seen below). My talk with Kymberly was one of my faves of the day so be on the lookout for the full interview on my upcoming podcast, set to air very very soon (if you're subscribed, you'll be one of the first to know when!) In the meantime, peep the brand's street style realness below. 

Contact: @designsbyk.y | mydesignsbyky@gmail.com

Kyle Denman

Last but certainly not least, Politician turned fashion designer was definitely a highlight of the event. Initially content as a successful politician with an artistic side, Denman took a serious interest in design after conducting art classes to people with dementia and Alzheimer's and truly realizing the impact art has on people's lives. From then on, Denman began sewing in 2016 but his impeccable skillset says otherwise. Denman was the grand prize winner of Project Runway's Season 15 Remake it Work Challenge. In the midst of balancing celebrity and wedding clients, creating designs, and so much more, Kyle has also found a way to merge his love for both politics and fashion by teaching fashion to young women survivors of human trafficking, homelessness, abuse, sexual assault, and other injustices through a nonprofit organization called Freedom & Fashion.

For the showcase, Denman's red carpet yet worthy yet cutting edge design was inspired by champagne as a socio-economic symbol of the roaring 20's. His captivating white ruffled high low gown with a layered gold bustier resembled champagne bubbling over on his gorg model. Denman's design took the cake and earned him the Fashion Designers' and Craftmakers' Network Young Designer Award. As a result, the FDCM Network will also be debuting Denman's work in London, England.  See his inspiration and award-winning look below. 

Contact: kyledenman13@gmail.com | @kyledenman13

More Highlights

More fave moments including designers Gazal Sethi of Forever Tiara and N I F F F E by Omobola Onaolapo.

Special thanks to Joanna Marcella and team for intviting me to cover this event, as well as all of the new creatives and blogger baes I met that made this event so much fun. Covering this event required constant moving around and capturing work but I promise my next event will feature more photos of my look and all of the cool people I met! Stay tuned and follow me on instagram for more content on my experience this weekend! 

Credits| Designers featured( in no particular order):  Taylor Love Couture, Forever Tiara, Chanette Laing, Sabina, Lisievici, Flavia Loraque Goslin, Paula Prodan, 3rd Eye Brand, Chances R Designs, N I I F F E by Omobolaji Onaolapo, Kymberly Achuba of Designs by K.Y, Szilvia Juhasz - JC Collection. Event coordinator: Joanna Marcella and team of FDCM Network

Feel free to comment your thoughts on this post and the designers. Stay tuned for more style content and my BRAND NEW PODCAST coming your way very very soon! 

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art." 

MY INTERVIEW WITH OKERA BANKS: A SCIENTIST OF CREATIVITY, IMAGINATION, AND STYLE

      If you don't already know, Okera Banks is a well established celebrity and editorial stylist, designer, and all around fashion expert who has taken her love for all things fashion and style and turned it into a career filled with inspiration, a strong network, and an even stronger skillsket. Her work has been featured in major publications like Cosmopolitan Magazine, E! Online, and countless others. Her style and designs can be seen on the likes of Mary J. Blige, Niecy Nash, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Zendaya, and Mel B. just to name a few.

     Upon binge listening to her Style Lounge Podcast where she has insightful conversations with fashion icons and celebs who share her love of style, I had to bring her wit and wisdom to The Walking Art Blog. See our interview below to learn more about Okera as a brand, what she believes sets fashion newcomers apart, and more. 

First thing’s first, what made you want to get started as a stylist / designer in the first place?

 What made me want to become a designer/stylist is the love for art and everything fashion. I wanted to be a model but because I was height challenged, I decided to learn everything there was to know about fashion and style. Design, Costume Designing and Styling is what spoke to me while gaining the knowledge.

 

Some of your first stops on your fashion journey included an internship at Mirabella Magazine as well as working as an assistant fashion editor, what’s a major key that these experiences taught you early on in your career that you still use today?

 The one major key that my experiences taught me early on in my career and I still use today is my mantra... Stay Ready Be Ready! That means simply stay ready and be ready to present, perform, deliver with ONLY the best energy, options, ideas, suggestions and solutions.

Styled by Okera Banks.

With so many people in today’s age aspiring to be an “it” stylist to celebs and major publications, true respect for the craft can sometimes be hard to come by. What do you feel like sets an aspiring stylist apart from the rest and what do you feel is needed to truly gain respect and desired success in the field?

 What I feel that sets an aspiring stylist apart is one's personal calling card, which is their personal niche' and style. That comes with knowing your signature touch of style. What I think is necessary to gain respect and success in any field especially in this field is being consisent, taking creative risks, hard work, going the extra mile to gain information, constantly evolving and reinventing yourself and others.

Let’s talk about OTG Essentials, the cohesive collection of interchangeable pieces that you created “for men and women that can be worn multiple ways throughout the day into the evening’s most festive occasions.” What inspired you to start the collection?

What inspired me to start my OTG Essentials collection was out of my own necessity. I have always had a very fast paced, on the go lifestyle.  But there was a very unique season in my life where along with balancing costume designing multiple televisions shows, with one of the multiple shows having me travel once a week, styling my clients and taking on the duties of becoming a caregiver to my mother, my comfort became equally priority to me being fly as I worked and traveled while remaining always ready while on the go. So, I created and designed a collection of easy travel, bold, sexy, interchangeable garments that convert from one look to another look throughout my day for different occasions so I could stay ready, be ready.

So, the Style Lounge is one of my new fave podcasts. You truly have a gift for curating insightful content through your conversations with fashion insiders. My favorite interview was with designing icon Karl Kani. You two discussed staying true to your brand and your dream even during the low points and off seasons. What actions and mindsets do you practice in order to continue putting in work and staying focused during the hardest of times?

The Karl Kani interview was a special interview because I grew up influenced and being apart of hip hop culture and street fashion. One of my biggest practice in staying focused during the most challenging time(s) is working out and laughter.  These are by far my top 2 medicines during those times.

Styled by Okera Banks.

 

Lastly, I want to ask you a style question that you always ask your guests! What does Okera wear to the grocery store, date night, and when you’re handling business?

Ha Ha Ha .... Good One!  What does Okera wear to the grocery store, date night and when I am handling business.  Well, I am not a person who plans a grocery store day, maybe a farmers market day but not a grocery store day. So, often times Grocery Store Okera is apart of my everyday look. I incorporate my grocery shopping at the end of my work day or coming from a workout session, which means I am often in jeans and a blazer, a dress, a jumper, a layered ensemble look with a cute shoe or in workout gear, baseball cap and sneakers.  Date Night Okera: depending on the date, I am either in a fitted sassy dress, jumper or skinny jeans and a fashion top and pumps. Handling Business Okera will often will do a casual business dress with or without a light weight blazer with pumps or an ankle boot and a good bag.

Okera, thank you so much for taking some time out of your busy day to inspire here on the blog! It was a pleasure. If you liked this interview, feel free to comment and keep up with Okera via her website, Instagram, and Style Lounge Podcast. Don't forget to shop OTG Essentials! 

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."

#STYLISTFROMSCRATCH: MY INTERVIEW WITH EDITORIAL & CELEBRITY STYLIST JAYNE DO'

Written by Sharra Greene & Jayne Do'

If you stop by The Walking Art Blog often, you're quite aware by now that I love to mix it up and bring guests who have a unique journey, a fresh perspective, and amazing wisdom gained from building their own personal and business brands from the ground up.  Whereas some creatives tend to shy away from interracting with others who work in their field, I am completely inspired and fueled by it, always looking to learn something new and apply it for myself.

     My most recent interview with editorial and celebrity stylist XO Jayne Do' was nothing short of an insightful exchange. Her indentifiable styling skillset can be seen on the likes of Timbaland, Draya Michele, ANTM's Marissa Hopkins, just to name a few and on gorgeous models in Nylon, Complex, and the list goes on. She's also about to make her debut as an author, with her book "Edi-tutorial: A Guide on Upgrading Your Next Editorial" set to release Winter 2018. Upon us following each other on Twitter, I instantly peeped her work and I was super impressed to say the least. Furthermore, I related to her honest, "no frills" take on the wardrobe styling experience, documented in her #StylistFromScratch social media videos. In our interview below, she offers up the real on her experiences, her favorite clients, her biggest challenges, and more. 

What inspired you to pursue a career as a stylist and how did you get your start?

I didn’t initially want to be a fashion stylist, I wanted to be a fashion designer. At 14 (when I started), I had NO clue fashion styling was even an occupation. I got my start my 9th grade year of high school. A local Kansas City musician asked me to style him alongside his then girlfriend (because he thought I was fly).. but I had one day to do it. After school, I took my two best-friends with me to Sharpstown Mall. I shopped, overnighted his clothes and I’ve been styling ever since.

What is one myth about the life of a stylist that you feel is the furthest thing from the truth?

That it’s easy or glamorous. I mean it is glamour, but not for the stylist. Many starting stylists don’t just wake up with a million pieces in their closets. If they did, that’s just the easiest part. There is SO much paperwork and politicking before the styling portion even starts. And even more paperwork and headaches after.

One of my fave looks by Jayne Do': Draya Michele for Pleezer Mag.

Who are two of your favorite clients and why?

I’ll do two different types of clients, brand and celebrity. My most favorite client is Whitney Brown, she’s the CEO of W Entertainment. She is ABOUT HER BUSINESS. I love that in a client. I also love that she allows me to be the creative, trusts my judgement and is always honest. She is the A-Client that us stylists need. I would say Timbaland is my favorite celebrity to work with. He just has this energy that isn’t intimidating and keeps you comfortable. He was one of the easiest people I have ever worked with. He’s just great overall.

What would you say is the biggest challenge you've faced so far in your career?

Figuring out your worth. That’s the stage I am in right now. Having to “fire clients” and walking away from situations that isn’t conducive to my growth as a business woman. It’s a challenge because it just looks bad. Having to choose between having a bad rep short term vs. long term because you can’t make everyone happy is a challenge. Saying no when you want to save the world is a challenge. It’s nothing personal, but of course it doesn’t feel that way when it’s you.

Stylist Jayne Do’.

The fashion industry is such a competitive field. Many seem to have a "crabs in a barrel" mentality and would rather not help others along the way while they themselves are on a similar journey. What particularly inspired you to want to " groom the next generation of stylists"? 

I have experienced that “crabs in a barrel” mentality you speak of. On many levels. I started this journey in 2007 at 14, before social media, before this course was offered at college campuses. I had to blindly find my way. I don’t feel like all aspiring stylists do though, especially since there are resources. I have reached out to other stylists in an attempt to humble myself and have been shot down, too. I am not that stylist, I genuinely believe it’s enough money, jobs and room for us all in this industry.. if I can help you move up, perfect. Let’s all win and be great. Plus, I would love to see better stylists flourish now more than ever.

Speaking of the next generation, what do you feel has changed about the wardrobe styling industry that may not have affected stylists in past generations (or vise versa)?

SOCIAL MEDIA ! Social media and reality television has changed the way stylists are perceived and handled. It’s crazy. As time surpasses, the respect a stylist receives diminishes a little.

What are some words of wisdom from you on how to not only survive, but how to flourish as a creative entrepreneur?

It sounds cliche, but KNOW YOUR WORTH, not only as a creative but as a business person as well. Literally everything will fall into place. You will attract the type of client that identifies with you. You will attract people that don’t want to haggle your prices, or negotiate what you offer. It’s a domino effect after that.

Keep up with Jayne Do's grind via her social media (@xojaynedo) and look out for her #stylistfromscratch videos as well as her new book, set to release Winter 2018. Jayne Do', thank you so much for dropping some insight on The Walking Art Blog. I'll be watching the glo. ✨

Hope you enjoyed this interview as much as we did! Stay tuned for new projects coming very soon to The Walking Art Blog! 

Sharra,

"The definition of walking art."