Reflections On NYFW And Social Media Tips From A Successful Stylist

Exclusive Interview with Fashion Stylist, Devyni Alexis Hightower

With a following of over 8,000 on IG, Devyni says,“ if you’re influential, people will be inspired, so don’t stress about people copying you. Even if you give them the recipe, the sauce won’t taste the same. You are the secret ingredient!”

Deyni says that social media is a huge contributor to gaining clients and networking within the fashion industry to leverage her business, “In the realm of influencers, it has changed the game tremendously because it has created an outlet for income, which is major in any entrepreneur’s life.”

I sat down with Devyni to discuss how social media has helped her evolve as a stylist and reflect on her recent experience at NYFW.

Q. How has social media helped you evolve and gain new clients as a stylist? (any tips you can provide to upcoming/aspiring stylists)?

A. Social media has helped me evolve as a stylist by being my number one free platform to display my work. On social media I’m able to exhibit a portfolio of my work that is readily accessible to every single person in the world. There has never been a platform like that before and I am taking full advantage of it.

My tip for up-and-coming stylists, or people who aspire to be a stylist, or pretty much any kind of entrepreneur, would be to take advantage of this free platform. Put out as much of your work as possible and make sure that it’s the highest quality that you can produce, so that you can represent yourself to your future clients. And in return build their trust because they have a visual example of your work.

Q. Do you think social media is changing the game for stylists/influencers?

A. Absolutely! It is the number one social media platform in the world and it is readily accessible to every single person in the world. I see so many positive things in social media. As far as stylists are concerned, you can display your work on a platform that everyone is accessing every single day. So, the likelihood of someone coming across your work is very high. You can also use the platform for networking purposes, like connecting with models or photographers or agencies.

Q. How was your experience at NYFW this year, compared to previous years?

A. I would have to say that my experience this year at fashion week trumps all other years. I say this because I got the opportunity to spend Fashion week with a friend. And that just made all the difference. And years prior I did a lot of things alone. I’ve traveled to fashion shows and attended parties and things like that, but I did it all by myself which is great for networking but it’s nothing like having a like-minded friend with you along the way. Not only did I have an amazing friend, Alexis Bennett, who works in the fashion industry, but she is also the E-Commerce Editor for Instyle Magazine. Taking on fashion week with a fashion editor is just an entirely different world and it was great to see fashion week in another perspective.

Q. What inspired you to get started in the fashion industry?

A. What got me started in the fashion industry is that I have just always been that friend that my friends would come to and wanted my opinion on their style or their fashion choices. And from there it sprung into a career of styling and personal shopping. It always just felt like something that was made for me. I’ve always felt like fashion and style was my calling only because I figured out early on that this was something that came naturally to me, and others sought after my expertise.

Q. What is your daily motivation?

A. My daily motivation is one, my daughter, Zariah. I just want to be the type of woman and the type of mother that shows her that she can do ANYTHING in life. Literally anything! I want to show her that she doesn’t have to go with societies norms and that she can make her own way.

Q. How do you follow up after fashion week?

A. The way that I follow up after fashion week is to send a quick DM to the people that I exchanged Instagram with. I also send a follow-up email to the PR companies that allowed me to attend their shows and events. And I just stay connected with the people that I met so that we can work together in the future and create great opportunities for both of us.

“My key takeaway from fashion week this year was that you should sprint after your dreams and don’t allow time or society norms to regulate what your life will be. You can do ANYTHING! (In my Beyoncé voice)” says Devyni.

To learn more about how Devyni leverages social media to increase her brand and to see her personal style, follow her on IG @devynistyles. You can also check out her podcast, Seams Stylish Conversations.

How do you feel social media impacts our society today? We would love to hear your feedback. Comment below!