Growing up, Mimi of Style By Mi didn’t have an older sister to show her the ropes in terms of styling herself. Not that she would have needed much guidance; style has always been an innate thing for her. The desire to always look different long-served as the budding stylist’s guide. She recalls being asked all the time by onlookers why she always looked dressed up. What was “dressed up” to them was actually her “everyday style”.
Her constant experimentation with clothes and looks did not go unobserved. Friends knocked on her door for fashion tips and outfit suggestions, knowing that she’s an avid reader of fashion blogs.
Kreyolicious reached out to the fledgling stylist to get to know her and her Connecticut-based business better.
Kreyolicious: What’s the best way to put an outfit together?
You need to think of the event or place that you’re going. Is this appropriate? Will I be comfortable in this? What will the weather be like on that day? Those are things that I think about when getting dressed.
Kreyolicious: Which celebrities’ style do you most admire?
If you know me or follow me on Instagram you’d know that I am in love with Rihanna! She is so stunning and it seems like she can literally make anything look good. I love that she takes risks with her hair and style. She exudes confidence and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. She does what she wants.
Kreyolicious: Sometimes if you seem to be pursuing a career that’s not in the hard sciences or in the medical field, parents tend to shake their heads. What’s been your parents’ reaction in regards to your being a stylist?
Not only do I want to pursue a career in styling, but I also want a position at a national magazine. My parents realized a long time ago that I wasn’t the nursing type, so they finally let it go. I have gone to college, got my degree, and told them what I wanted to do. They support me because I’m determined to be successful.
Kreyolicious: What do you do when a client approaches you but don’t know what they want?
The only clients that I’ve had so far were my friends so it was easy to talk to them. Whether it was a friend or not, I just ask her what is it that she wants to go for exactly? Whose style is she obsessed with? I proceed to ask more questions about the individual that will give me some insight and will help them figure out what they want.
Kreyolicious: Your words advice to some of Kreyolicious’ readers who are having a hard time developing their own style?
Don’t compare yourself to others. It is also important to have confidence—so go with what works for you. What’s most flattering on you [is what] makes you feel comfortable. Know your body type. If anything, you can come to me for a consultation. [Laughter] But most importantly, have fun with it!
Kreyolicious: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I hope to be a part of one of my favorite magazines—Seventeen, Cosmo, or Ebony preferably—as an editor. I see my blog really taking off and my styling clientele expanding. I also hope to do a whole lot of traveling.
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