Stylist Spotlight: Anaya Ivy
Meet Anaya Ivy-chances are you’ve seen this social media superstar’s #OOTD’s all over Instagram. When she’s not giving us endless outfit inspo, she’s styling clients, running a business, and engaging with her over half a million social media followers. We caught up with Anaya to learn more about how she got started as a wardrobe stylist and what inspires her amazing style.
Tell us a little about yourself and your career so far? When did you realize you wanted to be a stylist?
My name is Anaya known as TheAnayal8ter on social media. I’m an entrepreneur (My brand is NayaVista), Youtube influencer, and I’m a wardrobe stylist. I do many things but they all tie in together. I realized I wanted to be a stylist around the age of 17; I was working in retail and I loved styling & putting looks together for customers in the store.
What inspired you to pursue styling as a career and how did you get your first gig?
It all started with my brand NayaVista. I was selling clothes and I would have to consistently update and add new items to my store so I had a bunch of clothes and accessories to be creative with. I would set up my own photo shoots and style the models for my boutique.
My first big gig was styling a music video for a female artist in the ATL area named Natasha Mosley. I never styled a music video before but it wasn’t hard at all once I got the concept. I had full control over her look, and it was fun working with her team.
Just by looking at your amazing style, we can tell you’re a very creative person. What inspires you?
Thank you, the youth inspires me. Kids are so fun and creative and have no worries. I feel the older we get we take things too serious in life and I like to have fun and express myself in a fashionable and creative way to stay relevant especially on social media. I find inspo in TV shows, cartoon characters, places, music, and just anything that can spark an idea.
Walk us through your typical fitting, tell us a bit about how you prep to how you keep everything in order while you're working.
First I take a deep breath, and meditate/pray everything works out as far as sizing and that the client I’m styling likes what I have pulled. I like to have everything organized by laying all the clothes and accessories out for me to see everything. Each outfit is already planned and prepped for the client and I like to be prepared for any styling mishaps because anything can happen. I always have pins, extra buttons, scissors, a steamer any tools that will help the fitting go smooth. I also hate working in silence so music helps to make the fitting or shoot fun and makes the client or model comfortable.
What's been your proudest moment as a stylist thus far?
I haven’t reached that moment yet, and I’m in no rush for it. I like to perfect my craft, gain more knowledge and apply it to my work. The day I’m published and my name is on a screen I will feel like I’ve accomplished something great lol that's just me, I need to see my name in black and white I just want my credit.
What would be your advice to those trying to break into fashion and styling? Especially those who may not live in a major fashion city like LA or NYC?
I would have to say NEVER rush your come up. The fashion industry isn’t an easy thing to break into but being original and creative will take you far.
Nothing happens overnight and you can’t get discouraged if your moment hasn’t come yet. I think many aspiring stylists think they have to live in a major city like LA & NYC to make it happen in fashion which I feel is false.
It’s all about who you know and networking is very important in this industry, make strong connections, and build relationships with everyone you meet. Anything is possible if you’re determined and have hustle in you.