In this business perseverance and an dauntless sense of style is key. Kanayo Ebi is definitely on the track to accomplishing great things. As stylist for Vanessa and Angela Simmons, this St.Johns Alum is making a name for herself in the world of fashion as Stylist and Image consultant. We talk about her love for fashion, carving a niche for your self in this industry and much more. She's a sweet heart and all around fabulous!!
1. What inspired your love of fashion?I would have to say I grew up on fashion... my parents were very much into fashion and always tried to develop our interest in it...one of my fondest memories as a child was my dad always calling me in to help put together his outfit for work and my mum taking me along with her on her shopping trips and I get to help with the final decision making. Also having had the opportunity to live in different countries and experience different cultures and how their culture helps develop their style. I also love how fashion can evolve from any and everything. The atmosphere of a city or country can inspire a collection, architecture, wildlife, plants, anything you can think of can be and has been an inspiration in fashion and that is just simply amazing to me because anyone can relate to something in it. Fashion is also a way of expressing and showing personality.2. How would you describe your personal style?My personal style I would say would be boho-rock-chic. I love accessories and accessorizing. I believe that it is the key in completing or revamping any outfit.3. What is one trend you are looking forward to for fall 09'?I'm most especially am looking forward to the hidden wedge boots for the fall, also the color scheming (neon and bold/dark colors) and the knits4. How did you get your start in the world of fashion?Fashion for me had always been a hobby, loved to go shopping for friends and put together outfits for them for different occassions. I graduated college with a BA in psychology, so I was not really thinking about pursuing it as a career but as God would have it alot of my friends modelled and they were always trying to get me to style their test shoots or any appearances they had to make and through that I came in contact with alot of different stylist, photographers, models and make up artist that just wanted to work with me based on my work and eye for fashion. I realized how much happier I was doing what I loved and found a stylist who was exprienced in the business to work under and also got a job working @Bergdorf goodman assisting the personal shoppers just to get more experience in the fashion world.5. What has been your biggest struggle professionally?Biggest struggle professionally I would say was breaking into the fashion industry. It is a struggle especially if your going at it on your own and starting from scratch. There were a lot of sacrifices that I had to make. I had to work/ intern a very long time before I could even work on a shoot and also I had to be willing to give up alot of my time, which made it difficult to hold a full time job and most of the work I was doing assisting stylists I had to do for free. Sometimes I felt discouraged and thought maybe I was wasting my time and making the wrong choice but the gratification I felt when working on a shoot, or putting together a storyboard or pulling from showrooms made me believe I made the right choice and this was indeed what I was meant to be doing, so I stuck with it and kept my mind on my dream and the bigger picture.
Also though, now with the economy in jeopardy just like every other industry, the fashion industry is taking a hit too. So many magazines are cutting back even illustrious publication companies like conde nast are feeling the pressure and cutting their budgets which mean less shoots for magazines and less work. So even lately its been a little tough but we are holding on steadfastly.6. What advice do you have for young fashionistas trying to make a name for them selves in this industry?BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, YOUR VISION , YOUR TALENT AND STAY STRONG AND POSITIVE. It is so easy to get discouraged in this business because there are so many people out there trying to achieve the same goal as you but you just have to believe you are a rare breed and you have something more, new and different to offer. It's also a very hard industry to break into, you will find yourself having to do a lot of free work before you can even think of getting paid, you just have to persevere and humble yourself and always keep your eye on the bigger picture. Also do alot of test shoots, go on different websites like modelmayhem.com find models, photographers, make up artists looking to do test shots and you guys get together and plan shoots together....form a team so you can build up your portfolio that is very important.Follow her on Twitter-http://twitter.com/kachmeifyoucan
