Today we’d like to introduce you to AK Brown.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The best way to describe how I got started was, I was at a place of finding myself (cliche and corny, I know). I just moved back home from college after having my daughter and wanted to figure out a way to still be involved in the fashion industry while changing my life around in order to adjust to my new role as a mother. In 2013, I started my first fashion blog, Mind of a Fashionista, and the journey has continued since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road has been the most bumpy, pothole-filled road, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. The biggest struggle, which may be a struggle I was having with myself, was balancing doing everything I wanted to do business-wise while being a mother. There were many times that I felt guilty for not spending as much time with my daughter. Most people don’t know that while I was building the business and brand that they know today, I was still in school getting three degrees, and being a young mother all at the same time (I had her at 20). It’s hard to find that balance, and you constantly beat yourself up about it. But I know that my daughter is proud of me, she verbalizes it and I see it in her actions. She tries to mimic what I do when it comes to fashion or has taken on her own creative interests such as wanting to start her own YouTube channel. As a black woman, especially in today’s society, I want to show her that she can do whatever she sets her heart on, no matter what the obstacles may be, and I just hope my journey inspires her.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
AK Brown, as people know me, is an influencer and personal & editorial stylist. I’ve been fashion blogging on and off for the better part of seven years, involved in some of the more notable fashion groups in the St. Louis industry. I transitioned over to the styling niche of fashion about two years ago, specializing in personal style and editorial style. For those that follow me on Instagram know that I am a body-positive versatile fashion icon in the making who tries to wear anything essentially and rock my authenticity with it. With that comes my loyal style clients. I show people how they can be proud of “imperfections” or “flaws” that most people would try to cover up and instead dress them up to build confidence.
I am also a PR rep who owns a boutique fashion pr agency called HautePressPR. We specialize in influencer marketing and development, brand consulting and resources, pr for creatives, and event coordination for fashion and creative events. Last but certainly not least, I am in the process of launching my new brand, AK Brown Studios. My goal is to build a fashion house/collaborative style studio that will house my brands/business, be home to my own fashion line LA.1962, and provide a space for other fashion professionals, such as designers and stylists, to come to collaborate.
What were you like growing up?
Contrary to belief, I was very “shy” and somewhat scared of people and social interactions. I was definitely into fashion and anything creative, but being social with people literally scared me. When I began to blog, I had to force myself to attend networking events, many times by myself, which helped me conquer my fear of anxiety in social settings.
Pricing:
- Styling ($100 booking fee + $60 an hour)
- PR ($150 retainer fee + $40 an hour)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.akbrownstl.com
- Email: akbrownstl@outlook.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/akbrownstl
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/akbrownstl
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/akbrownstl
Image Credit:
Mar’vette Gee
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