BJ Wingfield of Cleveland on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to BJ Wingfield. Check out our conversation below.

BJ, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Self-love & Balance. Being able to create a safe space for myself to learn and grow. Unfolding my true self while still learning new things about me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is BJ Wingfield. A fashion designer & stylist from Cleveland, OH. We would be here all day if I explained how much fashion means to me. I started my first clothing line “L.A.M.E” in 2013 while a senior in high school. I’m now 30 years old & is still “Living As Me Everyday” with now a new revamped brand “BWJ21”.

I am currently the Brand Ambassador for Burberry & the DEI spokesman at Saks Fifth Avenue here in Cleveland, OH..

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My family! They poured affirmations and confirmations into myself at a young age. From sports to fashion, they knew whatever it was that I wanted to do in life, I’ll accomplish it.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I believe experiencing the death of close friends at a young age created wounds that I’m still trying to heal. Growing up in urban communities, in a city you thought was so big but is oh so small… gun violence destroyed some childhood memories and continued as an adult.

We become numb before the healing process even starts. It honestly just taught me to live my life to the fullest in the most peaceful way possible. Complete the mission & make everyone proud!

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
My first clothing line was called “Living As Me Everyday”, I try my best to be my authentic self no matter what. Although we all have personal experiences the public doesn’t see, being the real me in public only molds the interactions and relationships I build out in the world.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Definitely doing what I am born to do. Finding a space where I can be extremely creative, have fun while doing it & watching the results speak for itself on satisfied customers… well worth any journey.

Waking up excited to create more contributions to fashion, let’s me know I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @styledbybj_s5a

Image Credits
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