What Is Your Passion?

Ok. It's obvious if you're on this blog, your passion is fashion, but what is it about fashion that you are so passionate about? Most of us claim to have a passion for fashion, but in reality, they don't have that deep rooted passion. Let me explain a little better...Deep rooted passion will cause you to make sacrifices and compromises you may not otherwise consider for any other career or interest. My deep rooted passion for the fashion world began in May 2001 when I was laid off from Vanguarde Media, Inc., then publishers of fashion & style magazine Honey, health & lifestyle editorial Heart & Soul, and the men's business & lifestyle magazine Savoy.

Being laid off was a blessing for me, because it lead me into my career as a freelance fashion stylist. When I was working at Vanguarde Media, my interest in going into fashion full-time came to life! Prior to my lay-off, a former co-worker of mine asked me what I would want to do if I weren't working in Marketing & Events...to my surprise I quickly said I would want to be a fashion stylist. An even bigger surprise was her response...She said, "I know a fashion stylist and I will introduce you two at our event, if you can get away from the door for a few minutes." I made it a point to get far away from that door that evening of our Honey magazine re-launch party to find my co-worker and her stylist friend. I had no idea at the time that stylist would soon be my "boss," for lack of a better word. Exactly one week after I was laid off, I called the stylist and my first fashion assistant job was a cover shoot with the "Neo-Soul" artist, Bilal, for One World magazine. I had no idea if being a stylist would be lucrative for me, I didn't care. I just wanted to do it, and work for myself. It was a risk...a HUGE risk, and I wouldn't change my decision for anything.

I experienced so many emotions that day, but it was a turning point in my life...I immediately knew that day while being driven in a Lincoln Towncar in Manhattan from boutique to boutique, that I wanted to be a fashion stylist and nothing else. I was so nervous and my new "boss" knew it, but she put me at ease and told me that I would be fine, because "you get it." Which translates to..I have the fashion AND business sense to be successful. Not only those two points, but also determination, PASSION, flexibility, creativity and the gift of gab (which I quickly learned is VERY important in this business).

Now, after over 7 years in the game, I have worked with some wonderful talent...Mary J. Blige, Usher, Nas, Joi, Johnta Austin, Rob Thomas, Ginuwine, En Vogue, Chris Tucker and the one and only, Patti LaBelle. I also worked with some fabulous models...Kimora Lee Simmons, who I truly, truly admire for her business savvy and down-to-earth attitude. Other models and entertainers I worked with were not well known, but great to work with all the same. What I learned quickly is that I like to enhance a person's style by adding a bit of my own touch. I don't like to take away from a client's style or personality, because it will not be believable to their audience, peers, etc., and they will not truly be comfortable in the look. I remember one client I worked with, a rapper out of Sacramento, California, had a different personality and look about him. It wasn't "hot" but you could tell that with some professional help, his look had potential to be "hot." But he was influenced by his manager and independent label to look a certain way. I was trying to explain to them that it would be best for me to work around his existing look and personality, because it will read better on film/camera. He was insistent on having this hardcore image, when it wasn't him at all. I saw him more like a Pharrell, but he wasn't with that and the video looked a mess, in my opinion. The styling was great, but he looked crazy, because he was trying to portray an image that wasn't him at all. I was upset, because I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my work, and I was so happy that video was never aired, only because he looked corny and phony and my name was on the line. One wrong move can potentially hurt your ability to work again in this business. It was my first video, which was filmed in Los Angeles, and I was happy about that but it was his look I wasn't pleased with. I knew from that day on that I was going to put my foot down about my ideas and professional opinions when it comes to my client's look and image.

Every project/job I have done has been an experience, good or bad, and I have learned so much over the years. Each one has made me a better stylist, entrepreneur and expert at my craft. I have put a lot of blood, sweat, tears and debt into making this my career and it has been worth the struggle and obstacles! It's what I LOVE, it is my passion. I have made it a business and put a lot of time and effort and sacrifice into my business, and that is why it is my passion. I truly found a career that I am passionate about! My company is Fashion Luv Joenz, which I started in December 2001. I have produced and hosted workshops for people interested in becoming fashion stylists, and plan to have more seminars in the future.

Check out some of my work at www.fashionluvjoenz.com, www.flawlesscalendar.com and www.myspace.com/fashionluvjoenz.