Today we’d like to introduce you to Brea Williams.
Hi Brea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My paternal grandmother was a seamstress with whom I used to sew my doll clothes with. My maternal grandmother was known around town as a “Fashion Icon” in her own right; curating beautiful outfits using only items from thrift shops. She refused to spend high dollars on articles of clothing when she knew she could make a $10 outfit look like $1000. I spent the majority of my childhood around both of my grandmothers and that had a heavy influence on how I view clothing to this day. My mother kept all of her wardrobes from the 80s and 90s (which included some AMAZING pieces like genuine leather from Wilson’s Leather, Willy Smith, Perry Ellis, etc.) and because we did not have much money for me to buy outfits when I went out with friends in high school, I used to sew my own outfits and use pieces from her closet to create looks.
After college, I lived in Houston, TX for about two years. While there, my roommate/best friend and I lost all our belongings in Hurricane Harvey. It was very difficult to bounce back, so we ended up moving back to our hometown of Louisville, KY where a friend recommended me to a job as an Assistant Fashion Stylist. I went into the job with no expectations, but four years later with the company, I got to a point in my styling career and personal life where all signs were telling me to take a leap of faith and move to Atlanta to further my career. I received a job offer in Atlanta, GA and that same day I left my job. The next day I moved to Atlanta.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Career-wise, when I started doing test shoots to build my portfolio, it felt impossible to find reliable people who were willing to do photoshoots with me. I had absolutely no money but so many ideas that I wanted to execute. Finding a team who believed in me took so long. For years, I would not call myself a Fashion Stylist because I felt I did not deserve it,
When I moved here, I was at an all-time low in my personal life. I am still climbing my way out to this day.
It has been a very, very difficult road and still is.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Fashion Stylist. I specialize in Editorial and E-Commerce fashion. I love to take classic garments and mix them with other fashion styles. I do not focus too much on trends in my editorial work. My Ecommerce work will always be extremely clean and I do my research so it is geared to the specific clientele.
I am an artist as well, so I have a very artistic approach to styling. When putting together a look, I use art terminology to get the most from a look. In my free time, I like to study other Fashion Stylist’s work to sharpen my technique and eye.
I also style with my intuition; whatever feels right, I do. I have learned not to overthink what comes to me naturally. Not everything is a masterpiece, but I try everything and remain open to changes.
I am proud to finally feel beyond confident to call myself an Editorial Fashion Stylist. It took me so long to feel deserving of that title. But I have the work to prove it now and I could not be more proud of myself.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I do not believe in luck. I believe my path was already laid out before I ever set foot on it. Over the past five years, I have crossed paths with some of the most influential people in my life who were my friends before they made a tremendous impact on my career. People who saw me for the person I was and they acknowledged the gifts I possess. Then opportunities began to present themselves to me…
Luck cannot make that happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breawilliamsstyle.com/
- Instagram: brea.williams.styling
Image Credits
Feature Photo: Joe Mapp Darian Wright Isabel Gonzalez John Dierre Alex Hall Joe Mapp Darian Wright Vanity Teen Cover: Najah Mansur Narrative Mag Cover: Blake Ballard
