Young, Struggling and Styling
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
As I cooked breakfast for myself this morning, I decided to check my bank account. *thinks* If I could just add one more zero behind that one, I’d have ten whole dollars. iKID, iKID. But in all honesty, since starting my journey as a full-time fashion stylist and creative director, I’ve had to make numerous sacrifices for my craft. It’s rare I’ll go into a store and shop for myself anymore. The days of purchasing a $250 pair of jeans are over.com/whatwereyouthinkinganyway, and I can no longer financially justify my love of Ferragamos. *deep sigh*
Instead, all my money goes to sustaining my business, which of course includes PORK Bacon and Red Velvet. #NOM! As a stylist, you always need working capital for shoots, especially when styling agency-signed models. It’s the never-ending, buy-and-return process. Purchase merchandise for the shoot, pray to Sweet Baby Jesus, who lies ever-so peacefully in his manger that the model does not damage anything, then steam, re-tag, fold and return the merchandise to the respective stores. *bbm whew face* Talk about risky business!
If you continue to buy and return in the same stores, your face becomes familiar to the staff. Some stores have the right to refuse returns, so you have to be strategic. I look at returns as if I’m going to war. My battleship WILL NOT be sunk. I often purchase at one store’s location and return to another. If that’s not an option, I change the shift of when I return the clothes. I know of some stylists that have been stuck with hundreds of dollars in merchandise because the store refused the return. What’s an up-and-coming stylist to do?!?!
Well, some stores will allow a stylist to pull (borrow) clothing and accessories and pay a 20-30% restocking fee of the total. *bbm talk to the hand face* Did I mention that I’m an up-and-coming stylist??? LOL I need ALL of my dollars returned to me. Another option is pulling from designers and showrooms. Depending on your relationship, the pull could be free, come with a rental fee, or result in signing your life away for $30,000 worth of merchandise on a loan agreement. Not to mention, if the designer is located in a different city or country, the shipping fees you will incur. Essentially, you have to spend money to make money. You don’t want all your looks to be off the rack as you progress in your career.
To sum it all up, being a fashion stylist is not always glamorous, but it’s rewarding if you’re willing to put the work into building your brand. One cannot have tunnel vision when pursuing their creative passion; you have to look at the bigger picture. Most importantly you have to do it because you’re passionate. Sometimes that’s all you have…
Check out my video interview with WA2 for his Young, Fly & Broke series. I go into a little more detail about my life as a stylist. If you would like the recipe for my brown sugar cured bacon, shoot me an email. Enjoy!
25 Comments
Raw, Authentic and honest. I like…don’t ever wait this long again to post. Good job my broda!!
I know I’ve been slacking the past month or so, but I’ve had some great projects in the works. Hold me accountable broda. I need it.
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Thank you for a new post (finally)! If you’re passionate and continue to work hard, you’ll definitely reap the benefits of your hard work. We all see nothing but success in your future!
I want to also share that b/c of you, I am now reading the Alchemist (I saw your recommendation to Bianca on twitter). I’m on that journey to find and truly understand my Personal Legend! There are some great lessons in that book.
If/When you have some free time, check out new posts on the blog
The Alchemist is thebomb.com. Let me know your thoughts when you’re done.
You continue to inspire me and crack me up
I love what you’re doing!
This hit close to home for me. I’m a young, developing photographer & money doesn’t grow on trees where I’m from either. I get paid for shoots, just to turn around & put that money into getting quality equipment. I also have to buy clothes for models from time to time. It’s a nasty game of give & take, but passion… that makes it aaaaaallll worth it.
You can say that again…money does NOT grow on trees. It seems like you have the right idea Jai and you’re on the right path. Surround yourself with the right people and things will continue to progress!
Great post bro! I LOVE and respect your honesty. Its a reminder that the current sacrifice that I’m making for my dreams is the right thing to do. I wish you blessings and success. I’m cheering from the sidelines!
Nice post…minus the bacon s/o.
D Anywho, you’re heading in the right direction. You had a passion, you went for it and I believe pretty soon, you’ll be rewarded back in dividends. Keep your head up. I think your broke days will soon be over.
Question: The shoot in Nigeria, was that your first time there? I haven’t been in 2…going on 3 years. *weeps* I’m feening for another visit.
Gotta give Bacon a S/O! Speak it into existence…my broke days will be over! It was my 1st trip to Nigeria, but it won’t be last. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back next year. This Christmas would ideal.
Great post. It was an interesting behind-the-behind of the scenes to styling. So do you stock up before shoots, or just get things as you see them, in hopes of using them later?
I have a kit full of Men’s and Women’s accessories that I bring to every shoot. They always come handy. I stock up during clearance sales on re-usable pieces.
great post! really shines a spotlight on your commitment to you craft. you can borrow a dollar or two anytime.
Big Bro! I LOVE that you’ve decided to follow your passion, despite the hardships. This post should’ve come with a PayPal donation link…..and less pork bacon pics…. -_-
Anyways, you know that you have my support 100,000%! Wish I could match it with $…lol
Very enlightening and beneficial to someone whose been out of the circuit for a long time.
- Kris
I am really proud of you. I’m happy to be your friend and in the company of someone so awesome. See you at the top my friend, even if we have to carry each other.
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