Meet Trailblazer Mo McKenzie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mo McKenzie.

Mo, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a fashion stylist and fashion influencer. I’m 36 years old and I’m from Trenton, NJ. I’ve always had a love and passion for fashion, but it wasn’t until about 2011/2012 that I started taking it seriously. In 2012, I started a t-shirt titled style or die! And it immediately took off. A lot of celebrities and celebrity wardrobe stylist supported it and it still lives on as of today. While the shirt brand was doing great, I expressed interests to a friend of mine who was a PR for the Philadelphia Eagles. After expressing my interest to her, she introduced me to an established celebrity stylist out of NYC by the name of Mia Quinn, who then allowed me to intern for her, and immediately after that, I got exposed to the real world of fashion and what it was like to be a wardrobe stylist. While interning, I got the opportunities to assist and work with celebrity clients such as Jim Jones, Melyssa Ford, Keyshia Cole, and Plan B. That’s just to name a few. After a tragic change of events took place in my life, I had to take a break as the assistant.

Once things started getting better, I started wardrobe styling on my own. I got clients such as Comedian/actress Sommore, R&B Singer Lil Mo, Girl Group Good Girl, Dondria Ni’Cole, and more. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on reality TV projects such as Love & Hip Hop Reunion ATL and Sisterhood of Hip Hop. My resume also includes creative director/wardrobe stylist for Showtime and TV One for two of Sommore’s standup comedy special. I also had the opportunity to work New York Fashion week as a Co-Key Stylist for Fashion Eyewear Designer Stevie Boi. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on BET comic view production. I moved to Atlanta in 2015 and started connecting with the people of Atlanta, and landed wardrobe styling opportunities with Lira Galore, Rapper Issa, Rapper Miss Mullatto, Dondria Nicole, Tweet and more. I’m also the creator/founder of the well known All Things Fashion & Beauty Networking Mixer started here in Atlanta and New Jersey.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I work in an industry where it takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Sometimes, you feel unappreciated and sometimes you feel the need to give up, but the beauty of it is when people love the service you provide and continue to use your services. My advice would be to learn your craft and know your worth. Fully educate yourself on whatever it is you decide to do.

Alright – so let’s talk about your work – what should we know?
I’m mostly known for my styling for the comedian Sommore and I’m also known by my t-shirt line Style Or Die! And Be The Shit. The thing that sets me apart from others is that I don’t follow trends, I set them and I don’t ever look to fit in.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Vogue, Harper Bazaar, Essence magazines are my everyday go to when it comes to fashion.

Pricing:

• The Style Or Die! T-Shirt is $25.00

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.momckenziestyles.bigcartel.com
• Email: mo.mckenzie9@gmail.com
• Instagram: Momckenziestyles
• Facebook: Mo McKenzie
• Twitter: Mckenzie_styles

                                            Image Credit:
Photographer Aisha A Photographer, Location My Fair Sweets (Atlanta)

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