Today we’d like to introduce you to Xavier Cain.
Xavier, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
About 3 years ago, my best friend introduced me to a fashion app called Polyvore. Polyvore allows its users access to an enormous virtual fashion closet to create real-life looks. I became very fond of the app nonetheless, I began posting looks in which I curated to my Instagram account. I find Instagram to be great marketing tool if used as such. I reached out to Atlanta-based Stylist Kara Johnson via Instagram Direct Message, I would come as her assistant, allowing me the opportunity to work with music artists Dej Loaf, Lil Boosie, & Sevyn Streeter. After about a year I urged to build my own brand, beyond the shadow of Kara. I began reaching out to local photographers for trade work, the rest is history. I’ve built a rapport several photographers that reach out to me for projects.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth, the struggles that I’ve faced are obtaining clients, and learning how to pull clothes. Building relationships with designers, showrooms, and retailers are vital.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment so far would be my first publishing on Wilhelmina.com for work I’d done with track athlete and athletic model Monica Hargrove. This is the proudest moment because Wilhelmina is one of the biggest and most respected modeling agencies in the world. This was not only a huge honor but validated my position within the fashion world.
Every story has ups and downs. What were some of the downs others might not be aware of?
Every stylist has moments of struggle I believe. Styling isn’t a lucrative business venture right away. I still work a 9-5, styling has always been a side hustle for me. In saying this, I still have a full-time job in which I’m very much committed, I cannot dedicate the time that I’d like towards styling. There are times I’ve had to pass up styling jobs because of the work conflict. There are times I’ve had to pull looks in half a day. There are times I’ve had to stretch $200 for 3 looks. Most don’t understand that you have to pay for the clothes that you pull, if just a percentage. Having good credit and a major credit card is important, otherwise, you may experience some financial burdens.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a great place to start a career as a fashion stylist. For about the past decade Atlanta has owned the music scene. Currently, a lot a tv and movie production companies are moving to Atlanta for tax breaks/incentives, building our economy and creating job opportunities. It’s still to be noticed that Atlanta won’t have as many fashion opportunities as New York and Los Angeles, as these are our fashion capitals.
Contact Info:
- Website: xcainportfolio.weebly.com
- Phone: 6789006992
- Email: zaystylezatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: zaystylez
- Facebook: Xavier Cain
Image Credit:
Photography: Will Kennedy
Creative Direction: Chanan Kennedy
Wardrobe Stylist: Xavier Cain
Clothing Set: Polyvore, Curated by Xavier Cain
