Meet Amani Sharifah’ of ‘distressed MANI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amani Sharifah’.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Amani. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Fashion has always been my ‘first love’ in fact, during my mother’s pregnancy with me; she studied fashion in NY. So I guess you can say it was in-betted in me as a little girl! I started out dressing myself, every day getting ‘glammed’(dressed) head to toe… my outfits were so unique & trendy that it caught the eye of many, and I began being asked to style people for special events etc. until one day, I was on a phone call with my brother Kareem and I asked him..” I’m thinking about pursuing fashion; starting my own wardrobe styling business.. what do you think?” He immediately said “YES do it! You’re the flyest girl I know.. go for it”.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit… I was very nervous; because deep down, I am a private kind of individual when it comes to my personal life. I’ve always been that way, and I knew stepping into the Industry would mean, I would naturally have to begin to open up more… but I didn’t allow my fear to stop me! I started a wardrobe styling business back in August 2015 and never looked back… I primarily used myself to market my brand, business and overall personality to obtain new clientele. And I must say, the old saying is true “you are your best advertisement”!

I started being booked for personal styling services, virtual styling services, fashion shows, video shoots, photo shoots, event hosting and more. Years later, in addition to my wardrobe styling business; I now have my own distress clothing line called “distressed MANI” which is sold from my online clothing boutique that sells dope, trendy, eye-catching distressed clothing for women! (and we’re even thinking about expanding for a men’s line soon) the success keeps heightening and I keep grinding!

Since I’ve pursued my fashion career, by default I became a ‘Socialite’ in Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC area… where I host fashion events and parties… I plan on continuing to grow my business and brand!

Has it been a smooth road?
Well, whenever you’re pursuing your passion… it’s never ‘easy’ lol. I have faced many obstacles such as, “juggling everything all at once” just trying to keep up with everything at the beginning of my career… and I’ll be honest, dealing with a lot of jealousy from women… though I’m in an industry that caters towards women… Sometimes women can be very judgmental of the kind of woman I am because I’m so well put together on the outside… They assume “oh she’s probably stuck up, or rude” but when they begin to get to know me.

I’m always told “Amani you’re the biggest sweetheart” lol, so sometimes you gotta show people love even when they respond negatively towards you… I always remain professional in any business interaction I face, and never back down from any opportunity that I believe that can benefit myself and my business! Another obstacle I would say would be me ‘putting myself out there’ in the beginning, it was a struggle!

By me being a Wardrobe Stylist the dressing up part was easy, lol but what was a struggle was learning how to ‘open up more’ however, as time went on and I began to grow more successful and confident in what I do! Immediately I became very comfortable with the industry and lifestyle.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Amani Sharifah’ story. Tell us more about the business.

Amani Sharifah’ is the business name I go by, for Wardrobe styling; ‘distressed MANI is the business name, for my distressed clothing line I sell through my online boutique page. I am the owner of a Wardrobe Styling business, Distress Clothing Designer, Online Boutique Owner and Event Socialite. I currently offer a variety of styling services; such as personal styling, where I would style my clients with their own wardrobe in their closet, virtual styling services where anyone across the country can book me online; for an upcoming event, trip or personal look (once the look is put together, I then send the client all the merchandise) other services such as ‘event or on set’ rather if I am booked on set, or a fashion show I provide the clothing for my clients.

What sets me aside for every other fashion stylist? I truly find my clients style while yet, still adding a bit of  “ Amani Sharifah’ ” meaning, I always listen and observe very well my clients likes and dislikes… based off the things I have gathered determines my clients look… now with that being said, I always go for “eye-catching looks” aka “Amani Sharifah’” lol.. even when I have a client that tend to be more reserved with their dressing. I’ll throw in a pop of color that will ‘shake it up’ a bit.. and still allow my client to stand out.

My “ ‘distressed MANI “ clothing line is very unique, trendy and DOPE. The detail on these pieces will blow your mind away and funky colors are to die for! And the great thing about my clothing; ALL designs are versatile meaning, you can rock the front as a back or the back as a front… This clothing line isn’t like any other distress clothing you’ll see nowadays; I’ve been featured in local fashion shows and have even been recently asked to be apart of a fashion week down in SC! So the business, and brand continues to grow! And I’m up for more opportunities.

Due to my clothing line being so unique, I was featured in Online Magazine blog websites; describing how amazing my pieces are… and also, have recently been blessed to collaborate with a well-known rapper based out of NC for a Male limited edition, distressed Clothing line (stay tuned for that). The Rapper name is ‘Numeral 3’ formally known as ‘S DUB’ in the music industry; and have also, been featured as the winning contestant on BET’S hit TV show “One Shot”.

Because my fashion career has been so successful thus far, I’ve become a socialite… where I am constantly being invited to different networking events, fashion events; and events/parties I’m booked to host.

How do you, personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc?
I define success by first, keeping Allah (God) first, keeping God at the forefront of any and everything I do!

Remaining humble… growing up, I didn’t have a lot… when I turned 13 years old I got my first job, and by the grace of God.. I worked for any and everything back then.. and I have applied that same ‘hustle mentality’ to the businesses I have now! Stay Confident! In the fashion Industry, the best style you can wear is your confidence and remaining focused.

Now this touches home for me… because staying focused is easier said than done, but the only way you will see results is by working hard consistently for what you desire as your dream and keeping God at the forefront of everything!

• Contact Info:
  • Website: www.iamamanisharifah.com
  • Other: www.iamamanisharifah.com/distressedmani and www.iamamanisharifah.com/contact  
  • Instagram: @the_amanisharifah & @shop_distressedmani

Image Credit:
Zaire’ Views

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