Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Davis.
Hi Imani, 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?
I’ve been a fashion trendsetter since middle school I’ve always wanted to stand out & be different. My family is originally from Brooklyn, NY & I would look forward to the summers we would visit so I can get the new hottest trends because they wouldn’t have it in the south yet. I took a liking to sketch & styling when I came across Project Runway as a teenager, I even designed my Junior Prom dress it was so 80s retro. I just always wanted to be unique I didn’t want to look like everybody else. The corniest thing ever me & one of my old closest friends called each other PGT (Polo Gucci Twins) you couldn’t tell us we wasn’t fashionistas. Five years later, I applied for The Art Institute at 22 & was blown away with the fashion industry. I was given my first real opportunity as a freshmen to Intern with celebrity stylist Nadia Durham that will be an opportunity I will always appreciate she gave me a reality on what my passion really was & to never limit myself. I started my blog Mannish Society in 2015 my goal at that time was to be a fashion journalist & it progressed into a clothing brand in 2017; I did my first launch & was so shocked at the demand people really support me! I learned what not to do going forward & took a break in 2018 you know I had bills. Within my break, I started a Go Fund me & had the opportunity to go to New York Fashion Week Fall 2020 by far the best moment in my life. I cried because I never thought I would have that experience, what was even more dope the people that supported me the most was my classmates & strangers. Fast toward 2022, I have a new collection & now just at the step of getting those designs made. I will soon be a graduate with a degree in Fashion Marketing Management.
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?
It was definitely not a smooth road, my school was doing away with housing & I was a full intern with no job & had to move back home! I tell people all of the time I know this is my calling, I came to Atlanta at the least 3 times a week to class in Sandy Springs,Ga & 2 to 3 times to Marietta,Ga for my internship; I just don’t know how I made it happen, but eventually, I had to pause school because I was an adult that had responsibilities. I started losing my passion because I just didn’t think the finances through just out here living! I slowly started losing myself when my first love was murdered due to gun violence & I just changed I didn’t care to do anything I was literally empty & just started being reckless. A little after that, I went through depression in 2019 from my job & some other personal things moved back in with my Mom, but I did eventually start school back, that was the only thing that spoke life into me fashion. I would create designs & ideas, but never had a game plan because I thought everything had to be perfect instead of just doing it! 2021 my Father had a stroke & I’ve just been trying to accept my new reality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a separate brand Imà Jo Revamp that specializes in branding & marketing along with closet restoration & styling! Within that, I help emerging creatives figure out their niche & help them brand from making their logo, business cards, hang tags & get control over their social influence! One of my strengths from college was my branding skills & how to revamp companies. I love closet restoration & helping clients figure out how to work with what they have & far as styling I’ve been a personal stylist since I was 19 I typically did birthday shoots, but that just wasn’t my passion as so I thought. I am known for owning a room & being that person that will try that hair color or wear that dress no one else would even thought of wearing! I feel what sets me apart from others is my determination & passion for what I do, I am the happiest & most at peace when I’m designing the thought of being able to make someone’s day by changing their image is golden. I am most proud of me for not giving up, despite going through a lot I will be successful & I truly know I deserve what’s coming.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
• Being passionate!
• Being persistent!
• Growing within a company that wants me to learn & excel!
• Seeing the bigger picture I never can give a average!
• Being humble yet fearless.
• Dedication!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mannishsociety?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrapCarrieBradshaw/
Image Credits
Hawk Media
