Today we’d like to introduce you to Myia Milner.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved playing dress up and picking out my school clothes the night before. I was a shy girl so I loved being able to express myself through what I would wear. After high school, I applied to Art Institute of Atlanta where a woman by the name of Prakruti Merchant helped me realize my hidden love for fashion. I applied and wrote a long essay about my love of style and wanting to travel the world. I got accepted but did not attend due to financial circumstances. This was a big let down for me, so then I decided I would make my own way into the fashion industry school or no school.
My journey got started when I worked at Wish ATL back in 2015. I previously always worked in retail with apparel and shoes, but Wish was where I got introduced to the culture of streetwear and sneakers. Besides the long line wrapped around the building for the newest sneaker release every Saturday morning, working at Wish was interesting. Robert Downey Jr., Usher, Kristen Noel Crawley, Don C, or Andre 3000 could walk in the store and shop with you at any given moment. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many talented creatives and gain friendships that I still have till this day.
During my time at Wish, I got inspired to start my own blog. In 2016, Closet Rebelle was born as a personal style blog. This was my creative outlet to express my love for style, document travel experiences, and anything else I wanted to create.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The blogging industry is difficult because there is no direction or teacher besides the internet to tell you how to blog or how to make money. It requires a lot of free work. You play many roles such as the stylist, photographer, writer, PR, make-up artist, etc. My struggles have mostly been battling with myself. With time management, consistency, and authenticity. Being an influencer or yourself, in general, requires you to open up to the world and be honest. I know it sounds odd, but as a private person sharing myself online has been a challenge for me.
My advice to any women starting is to just START. The fear may always be there, but do it anyway! Create work that you are genuinely proud of. Care more about what you think of yourself rather than what others think. The beauty of it all is the journey to becoming more of yourself by doing what you love.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Over on closetrebelle.com I share all things style. What to wear, how to style, and reconstruct looks you already own and where to buy these products. I also offer a lifestyle aspect with my travel experiences, food, and art. I once personal shopped for clients, although I’m no stylist, doing editorial styled shoots is awesome.
I am extremely proud of starting my blog simply because I love to create and be able to inspire those around me to do the same. What sets me apart is my willingness to try things in confidence that I can pull it off. This creates a response from my female audience to feel comfortable reading my blog and builds there trust within me.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I was raised by my Grandmother who was an entrepreneur and very passionate about her work. Growing up, I watched her do a lot of heart work and hustle nonstop to get what she deserved. From watching her at a young age, I always knew I wanted to work for myself. She will forever be my inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.closetrebelle.com
- Email: myia@closetrebelle.com
- Instagram: closetrebelle
- Facebook: closetrebelle
- Twitter: closet_rebelle
Image Credit:
Kaye McCoy, Elijah Davis
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
