Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiera Clark.
Kiera, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My mom always let me dress myself. I expressed who I was through my differentiating outfits. I took that versatility with me to Savannah State University; the illustrious SSU where I was given the opportunity to be the Head Stylist of a modeling troupe from 2012-2014. I styled men and women alike as well as coordinated with the makeup & hair stylists to curate the “perfect look.” In 2014, I left SSU to return to Atlanta to birth my beautiful baby boy and decided to launch a styling career in the city. I was given the opportunity to become the Merchandising Coordinator for “Stewart By Stewart” (@stewartbystewart), designer Sydney Stewart (@sydneystewart_) back in 2015. Creating androgynous looks became my passion… it became #Chardinea.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road is smooth, to be honest. I expect the best but prepare myself for the worst, so if the worst were to occur, I wouldn’t be thrown completely off my game. One of the biggest obstacles I face to date is balancing my full-time job with my dream. Similar to being Clark Kent during the day and wearing the ‘S’ on my chest at night. I need a steady paycheck to fund my fashion endeavors, so I’m constantly trying to find a good balance between the two. Advice I’d give to young women following their dream is to ‘stay solid within that dream.’ You won’t have the support of your family sometimes, your friends may doubt you, the locals won’t see your vision… but as long as you’re strong enough to press forward and stabilize confidence within yourself, you will excel. You can thrive alone and still be humble enough to give to those that doubted you.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Stylist and Creative Director. I specialize in making the “perfect look” come alive. I also provide services such as closet restoration, all-in-one shoots, makeovers, etc. When I style models for shoots; I also choose a location, makeup looks, and hair. I direct models in posing and assist photographers in angles. I am most proud of my resilience in the fashion world. Even when discouraged, I pressed forward. Composing & bringing the looks alive not to mention exuding the model’s beauty all-in-one. Currently, holding the title of Merchandising Coordinator and being able to style both genders effortlessly I believe sets me apart from others. Being able to embrace what’s different in the US and use it to mold my muse into something he/she couldn’t believe was possible is a profound accomplishment. I listen to their flaws. They all have concerns about their legs, thighs. hair, back. hips…. everyone wishes their body was just slightly different, slightly “better.” So, I show them the Greatness they already possess, starting with confidence, complimenting their physique and encouraging them to pull from their inner strength as a model to push the fashion to the next level. I build them from within so once they step foot in front of the camera, they’ll radiate without hesitation.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Supporting other women seems to be a barrier for most. Women, overall, are territorial about the people and things they love including their careers. I’ve encountered multiple women who wouldn’t lend a hand to me or others because they view everyone as direct competition and fear that ONLY one can win. Success is even more elusive and difficult for women of color, especially in the fashion industry, contributing to the mindset of ‘every man for himself.’ I choose not to feed that narrative but work against it. I have found that the more you help and share, the more success you create for yourself. I view success on a wider spectrum and success of self-growth is just as important. I would encourage others to focus on your gifts and know that no one can take what’s yours.
Pricing:
- Purchasing & Styling (2 days) – $250
- On-set styling & Directing – $200
- On-set Styling only- $125
- Closet restoration – $400
- Makeover- Price Negotiation
- All-In-One Photo shoot – $250 deposit + price negotiated upon terms of client
Contact Info:
- Phone: 4044212512
- Email: clarkkiera09@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @chardinea
- Facebook: Huney Chardinea
Image Credit:
Paint by Shawn Denise, Shawn Denise, Antuanne Jones, Sydney Stewart, Stewart By Stewart
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