Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a Cincinnati, Ohio-based multifaceted wardrobe stylist and I have been honing my compilation of crafts for over a decade. I’m an alumna of the legendary School for Creative and Performing Arts (now the Erich Kunzel Center for Arts and Education) and attended both the University of Cincinnati and the Art Institute of Ohio-Cincinnati. I’m an artist at my core and have traveled numerous avenues of creative self-expression and will continue to do so. Fashion has always had a special place in my heart long before I could articulate it.
Junior year of high school was when I made the decision to devote the rest of my life to fashion. I went from having dreams of trend forecasting to finally finding my purpose in styling. I specialize in vintage, retro and secondhand apparel and am insistent on building the most unique and timeless looks.
As a plus sized black woman, I prioritize body liberation and positivity for myself and my clients. No matter the age, body type or gender identity, I strive to instill confidence in anyone who trusts me with their outward appearance. Although my journey has been lengthy and meandering, I am fortunate to have creatively directed the images of some of this city’s movers, shakers and tastemakers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My road has been anything but smooth. Fashion is a notoriously difficult industry to penetrate. In addition, Cincinnati is a place that I feel has yet revered wardrobe styling as important as hair styling or makeup artistry. Although strides have been made, there is still a long way to go. I have had numerous personal circumstances that have derailed me from traveling a straight and narrow path to success. I’ve struggled with crippling depression and social anxiety and have had to manually assemble a toolkit of self-care skills. I have been fired, generalized, underestimated and discriminated against but ultimately, whatever was meant for me has always made its way to me one way or another. There have been periods in my career where I’ve had to slow down or pause completely, but at no point in time have I ever made the decision to quit.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Styling is my life’s work. My purpose is to create beauty and my favorite way to execute that is using clothing, shoes and accessories. I paint with people. I am known for my bold and cohesive looks. I have spent the better part of the last decade in thrift stores hunting the most unique and exclusive pieces. I don’t limit myself to using new or used items because my goal is to curate a look that is simultaneously well fitting and visually captivating for the wearer and whoever has the privilege of encountering them. I’m not afraid to take risks and that is what sets me apart. My inspiration comes from within, and I have no desire to duplicate the work of my peers. I am proud of my archive of personal looks, fashion show that I’ve produced and participated in, personal projects and the overall evolution of my creative process. I am most proud of the lives that I have touched. The moment I give someone the chance to be pleasantly surprised by their own appearance is absolutely priceless.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One may view styling as merely a choice of clothing, but I take a more empathetic and holistic approach. We are all visual beings, and my job is to assist others with crafting the images of their true selves. That work begins from the inside and it radiates outward. I am available for both personal and editorial styling and consultations can be scheduled via email. I am also in the process of re-establishing my brand, so be on the lookout for upcoming projects.
Pricing:
- Consultations: $100
- Services: $150+
Contact Info:
- Email: StyledByImaniS@Gmail.com
- Website: ImaniSmith.FolioHD.com
- Instagram: Hey_Imani
Image Credits
Erikka Gray
Pixxel Designs
Brooke Ashcroft
Brandon Brown
Imani Smith
Stephanie Rhoad
Elizabeth Mason
Brandon Brown
Shanghai Imaging
Raven Hill
Christina Garrett
