FEARLESS Friday: Meet Creative Stacey Stewart

Meet my FEARLESS friend and California girl, Stacey! She’s one ball of fierceness and I collaborated with her last May to create these photos in Atlanta. Stacey has incredible vision and style. Plus, we’ve shared so much over the years since college so I’m especially excited to share her FEARLESS Friday interview. She’s in the process of developing a new brand that’s all about fashion and individuality. She also just celebrated her birthday this past week! I’m so excited for what’s next in her life. Check out what she had to say about fashion, working for yourself, and fear in our interview! Be inspired!!!

Tell us about what you do?

I have worked in the fashion retail industry for several years doing visual merchandising, wardrobe styling/image consulting, and business management. Oh and I now dabble in make up artistry. I will be adding entrepreneur, designer, and blogger to my resume with the development of an upcoming lifestyle brand set to launch early 2014.

How did you get started doing it – what inspired you?

I knew growing up that I would be involved in the industry in some shape, form, or fashion. Pun intended.

Fashion for me has always been an outlet, a form of storytelling. A way to put my emotions and ideas on full display or mask them if I wanted. A way of speaking without saying a word. In styling my clients and friends, I’ve always been inspired by the positive emotions evoked from our styling sessions.

I was inspired by the feeling of power that “power suit” gave. I was inspired by that extra boost of confidence a new pair of shoes brought. I was inspired by the happy dance in the mirror you do when you’ve found that perfect birthday outfit. I believe that when you look good, you feel good and I get a buzz from making people feel good about themselves.

Studying fashion design and working for several different brands I was able to garner the knowledge in production of garments, marketing & advertising, and managing a successful business. That combined with my natural eye for fashion I was able to excel in the business.

One day after a tough day at work, I read a quote that said “follow your dreams or spend your life working for someone who did.”A light went off and I realized that day that I wanted to work for MY dream. Although grateful for the opportunities and connections, I was over working my ass off for companies where hard work goes unappreciated and political agendas were more important than the needs of the business.

I was tired of pushing products that I was not 100% excited about and I knew working for someone else’s dream my creative freedom would always be limited.

I’ve always been a teach yourself or do it yourself kind of girl and so I thought about the exciting possibilities of putting that same hard work, creative ideas, passion into my own brand. I figured i already knew how to make garments, style, sell, and manage a successful business why not apply that knowledge and experience to my own brand.

Development of the brand came next, with a goal to deliver something that would challenge the “normal” ideas of fashion and beauty. A brand that embraces individuality and self expression through fashion and the arts. “To hell with what you think, I’m feeling myself” type of deal.

What are some ways you overcome adversity or fear?

Adversity and fear are a natural part of life that I have learned to embrace. Although proven difficult at times, I look for the silver lining in every situation. When faced with these obstacles my first line of defense is always turning to God in prayer, followed by the unwavering support of my family and friends, and a humble, thankful spirit.

Any advice for others that want to follow on a similar path?

Know your shit and dont be afraid to be GREAT! Be confident in who you are and what you want. Like Jay Z said “nobody built like you, you design yourself.” Everyone may not understand or like what your trying to bring to the table but who cares, someone will love it and it only takes one person to make a difference. Remember everyone is scared. Don’t let being scared hate on your potential awesomeness!

Name your 3 key sources of inspiration and how they help you create or stay positive.

The “insane” people that step out on faith and follow their dreams.

The people so passionate about their craft, they exude a level of confidence that others find “crazy.”

Those “weird” people who find it socially acceptable to be socially unaccepted. They could care less about setting trends or following them because their too busy creating their own lanes.

I am inspired to create by these individuals because they are proof that dreams do come true on the other side of fear. They hold true to who they are and the work they produce regardless of what others think or feel. Their courage and desire to succeed on their own terms is what inspires me to continue to create awesome things. Focusing on the positive in my life like God and my family is what keep me optimistic on my journey.

Thanks so much for sharing with us Stacey! Follow her creative journey on Instagram here: @staycenodash.

Can’t wait to hear all the cool thing you’ll be up to in 2014!

For more inspiring FEARLESS Friday interviews click here!