Hidden Gems: Meet Iyana M of The Only Fashionistas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iyana M.

Iyana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in New Jersey. My mother is from Trinidad and my father is from Jamaica. I watched my mother work hard to take care of my sister and I. I knew back then I didn’t want to work for someone and wanted to be a business owner. I didn’t know what type of business I wanted, I just knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I worked in the medical field for a long time. That’s actually how my business started. My company started out as a hobby. I would make jewelry and accessories for myself and everyone would ask where and how can they purchase. A lot of my coworkers would purchase my products and I knew that I now had a business. I started out with bracelets and began to add different accessories. I added necklaces, waist beads, Apple Watch bands, and anklets. Then I took it to another level when I added high-quality fedoras, purses and a wide variety of accessories for not only women and children but men and the lgbtq+ community. My business quickly grew when Yandy Smith purchased fedoras from me. I am also a rising talent agent.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a jewelry and accessories business owner has not been a smooth road. In this type of business which is very saturated, you have to stand out. You have to show and prove to customers that you are different. People want to know how are my products different. What makes us different is that my jewelry is all handmade by myself and my children. We take the time and effort to make each item.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Only Fashionistas LLC?
My company provides jewelry and accessories for the entire family. Most companies focus on women but we have things for women, men and children. We use high-quality stones and beads for our jewelry. I wanted to make things that I would actually wear. I stand behind my products because it’s all made with love. Each piece of jewelry is handmade by us. I also recently started a talent agency. My son Ka’zion Wilson is an actor/model and I wanted to make sure whoever represented him had his best interest at hand. I thought who other than me. I started digging to gather information about being a talent agent and in the process became a certified child labor coordinator as well. I have been able to get him booked on many productions with high-profile celebrities and actors. Make sure to follow him on ig @kazionwilson and also my business page @Theonlyfashionistasllc

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you want something go and get it. Put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to take a chance or risk. You never know what the outcome will be unless you take that leap. I would have never thought that I would be a business owner or a talent agent. I thought that it was all a fantasy. Have faith in yourself. Remember you are your biggest supporter!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Theonlyfashionistas.com

Image Credits
Asha Palmer Ka’zion Wilson