A wardrobe stylist and producer at Google. Simone is based in Austin, TX with roots in New Orleans and New York, fierce with the one, two, cross, and a Max Effort Training alum.
Balance is the most important thing. I've learned to listen to my body and honor how I'm feeling. What works for someone else may not be the thing that works for me, so I've been focusing on just doing me and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Small acts of self-love. Whether that be a solo art gallery day, a nice bath, or taking a long walk in the middle of the workday. Protecting and nurturing my energy is something that I've learned to prioritize and has made all the difference in my quality of life!
The energy everywhere in the city is palpable right now. My favorite spots to visit are Washington Square Park for people-watching, Savant Vision in Bed-Stuy for shopping, and Cafe Select for a curbside cocktail.
By making others feel seen and heard. I try to lead with vulnerability and openness and encourage people to do the same.
In the case of my styling services, my ethos and core goal is to put minority-owned, female-owned, and sustainable brands at the forefront whenever possible.
I feel like historically, especially for women, we're taught to compare and compete with one another. I've been very lucky to be surrounded by women who support and uplift each other without ego or expectations. Ultimately, it's about encouraging one another to go for your dreams, no matter how out of reach or outlandish they seem. That's where the real magic begins.
The pandemic was a pivotal moment of reflection. It allowed me to look inwards, and take stock of how people and environments made me feel. It gave me the space to let go of things that weren't serving me and to cultivate new passions. I consider this time a blessing in the form of a re-set. It gave me the space to think critically about what brought me joy. I was able to remove myself from toxic situations. I started to make time for the things that really mater. I reconnected and disconnected. I started my styling businesses. I would not be where I am today if I didn't have this forced pause that changed my life for the better.
The most exciting thing about my community is how they show up for me. Take my styling business, Monafide Studios, for example. The fact that it's become a sustainable business primarily through word-of-mouth is a testament to how amazing my community is.
A moment that stands out is my website photoshoot. It was a magical day this summer in New Orleans. I intentionally chose an entire team of Black women across makeup, hair, photography, and design to help bring the vision to life. As fun as it was to get glammed up (I had never done anything like that for myself before) it was so rewarding to share the experience with, and invest in these women. Whenever I look at my website now it makes me smile because of the community of women who made it possible. We did that. I cannot wait to share their talent with the world.
I'm expanding the business to include creative direction and consulting for photoshoot concepts and set design. On the styling side, I'm building a roster of talented, emerging designers in New Orleans to create custom 1-of-1 custom pieces for artists and musicians. I'm excited to give a platform to emerging designers from my hometown, and to have an opportunity to be more involved in the creative process.
I've also launched my new website. Check it out!
monafidestudios.com
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