It is always rewarding to interview someone who is up and coming in any industry. Today the spotlight is on Laci Y. McKinney as she explains why she has a style of her own.
When and why did you become a fashion stylist? For me my personal style immersed my freshman year of college. I started by changing my hair. I added a little color to my face and
played with my outfit until it popped. From there my love for fashion heightened. I've always wanted to do something in fashion; however I never found the right fit. In 2005, I attempted the modeling thing because it was the happening thing but it wasn't for me. I found myself to be a little shy in front of the camera. It wasn’t until my college buddy Shauntavia Williams, a makeup artist in Dallas, said that I should try fashion styling. From there I began researching fashion styling. Even though my journey has been less than a year I’ve made some great contacts and have a little insight into the business.
What makes your styling different from others in your industry? I think what makes me different from others is that I don’t have just one particular style as you can see from my list of style influencers. I’m a creative person and it shows through and in everything I do.
Do you prefer to style men or women? Why? I truly don’t have a preference. I can make both look very hot.
What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as a stylist? I would say that one of the hardest things that I have had to overcome is dealing with the iffy's ...What does this mean? Well in any type of business there are people you can trust and who genuinely want to help but then there are others that are the iffys. They are only out to help self, they don’t return calls, they don’t want to work with you because you’re new and the list goes on.
Do you have any celebrity clients? Who? Yes, I have had the privilege to have some celebrity clients who include Jurhni Rayne is neo soul songstress and she is well on her way to becoming great.
How did you find your way to where you are as a stylist? As of today I truly haven’t found my way but I know that I will get there with hard work and dedication.
What are some of your favorite looks you have styled? Some of my favorite looks, it’s interesting you should ask that because I did a test shoot, featuring myself, to show my styling ability. The shoot was amazing because I had people like Mr. Nathan Paul, who was my photographer; Shauntavia, who did my makeup, Mavel Traylor-Hanson did my hair and my accessories were provided by Li Li Accessories. We had a blast that day and created great portfolio ... well, at least I think so.
Do you do this part-time, on the side or have a full-time business? Right now this is a part-time business for me and if the right call comes I would consider full-time.
What advice do you have for other stylist? Simple … this has to be your passion.
What styles will you not do? What are some of your style pet peeves? You know I love all styles but I can’t do anything sleazy. I am not talking about the clothes. But the style has to have a point. I don’t want the person I am styling to seem like a porn picture. And my pet peeve is photos of people trying to pass as true styled photos in the fashion world. That’s not fashions, that’s a chick in a swim suit or what have you without talent.
How do you sell a person on your services who maybe style challenged? I do what I do best and that is style even if that is me offering a styling session for free…who can turn that down
Who are some of your influences? Some of my influences are Solange, June Ambrose, Tara Swennen, Diane Ross, Carrie Bradshaw, played Sara Jessica Parkers, Olivia Pope played by Kerry Washington, just to name a few. So you can see my range? I’ve always been an out-of-the-box kind of girl.
Where has your work been featured? Fortunately, I am still waiting for my big break.
How can people check you out? You can find me on Facebook: Laci McKinney or on Istagram Laci Y. McKinney. To directly contact me you can email me at mckinneylaci@gmail.com.
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