Stylin’ On: Yanni J

Upcoming wardrobe stylist Yanni J, may be new to the game, but her talent and work ethic is what will separate her from the bunch. The budding young stylist, and sometime personal shopper, had a launch party for her new website. The Queens native, with Caribbean parents (Mother, Cuban and Puerto Rican; Father, Haitian), she always had an affinity for fashion.

Yannique Joseph graduated from Hostra University with a degree bachelor’s degree Entrepreneurship and like many college students, she was uncertain about her career path. Ultimately following her dreams lead her to career in styling. Driven to succeed like some of the best in the business, Yanni is focused on building her career through the quality of her work. I got a chance to speak with the talented, yet humble stylist right before her launch party.

Style & Vibes: Give a background on how you started in styling.

Yanni J: I’ve always been into clothes. Since I was a little kid a whether it be dolls or clothes on me, I just love dressing up. I got accepted to Hofstra University after high school and I was an entrepreneurship major. In those years I was really confused trying to figure out what I really wanted to do. I couldn’t picture myself in the board room. My last year in college I did an internship in a showroom Cinzia Rocca I did a little of everything from assisting the buyers to whatever else needed to be done.  I also worked as an Assistant Manager at an accessories store. When I graduated is when I got my first job in fashion as a merchandiser for denim company, Mavi, but got laid off due to the downturn in the market. It was during the layoff that I decided to do styling. I started a portfolio using the resources I had around me. I had a friend who was a photographer, a cousin who was a makeup artist and as time went on I was able to grow, building my portfolio and getting into other projects eventually lead me to my first client, Hip Hop Artist Eric Sosa.

(Picture from Eric Sosa Profile in 21-7 Magazine, styled by Yanni J Style Credits: Jacket: Sabit, Jeans: Reco, Necklaces: 48, Watch: Flud, Shirt & Boots: Eric’s own)

S&V: What would you says is the best part of being a stylist and the most difficult?

Yanni J: So many people doing it, once you’re in that field you realize how many people are doing it the most diff part is to separate myself and that’s the main reason I wanted this launch, everyone operates differently some people have more luck right out the box they get a famous client.  I don’t have a name for myself (yet), but I do attend a lot of events. I’m always supportive of other people’s projects so I decided to do this launch party and so many people have been responsive. It shows that I’m serious, I feel like people come out and say they do this, but I’m really working to separate myself and do something big.

The best part is the clothes! It’s great for my imagination to see my visions come to life. That’s what I really want to do this year, I have so many ideas as far as photo shoots,  seeing those ideas come true is the best part.

S&V: What some of your favorite brands?

Yanni J: Since I’m new I have had access to the top showrooms yet, but I’ve come across a few upcoming designers like Culture Flyy, a great woman’s wear designer, her dresses are fabulous and iHeart  another creative woman’s wear line.

S&V: Tell me about developing your client relationship.

Yanni J: The main thing about clients is making them feel comfortable. I tell them to trust my judgement, I wouldn’t put them in anything they’re not comfortable with. I tell them not to be scared to try something new. If it’s something completely out of their element then I won’t do it, because that messes up the relationship. When I took on Eric, he was amazing client. I don’t know if I’ll get that again cause he really trusted my judgement and listens to my opinion.

S&V: From a business perspective how do you plan on attracting and maintain your clients?

Yanni J: It’s all about building contacts and not burning bridges. You can’t do it on your own. The actually dressing part is me, but I need models, photographers, makeup artist so it’s all about building great contacts.  You want to work with people you feel comfortable with and people you know will make you’re work look good as well.

In the future I’d like to get into major projects, creative directing. Since I’ve started it’s almost like I’m building a brand so you have to keep that in mind —my styling, my name. I really want my name to be known and associated with the styles I put together. There are a lot of great stylists, but people don’t know their name, so I want to be associated with the styles themselves.

S&V: Has social media helped with branding yourself?

Yanni J: It’s helped so much, I’m actually really new to twitter, when it first came out I was totally against it, but if you use it correctly it can be a really great tool. I’ve met models, designers other stylists. A stylist that I met through a friend, I actually kept in contact and did business with her through twitter.

S&V: What can we expect in the future?

Yanni J: The site will have my portfolio of past clients, it won’t be flooded with work. I’m interested in showcasing  quality versus quantity. Working on the blogging as well,  so people can keep up with my projects, events, Fashion Week coverage etc.

S&V: What advice would you give to people wanting to get into styling or the fashion industry in general?

Yanni J: Intern! That’s how I met people, learned the business and got to take part and attend events like Fashion Week, events! So intern regardless of industry.

S&V: Any last words?

Yanni J: I’m not an expert or guru, but I live and breathe fashion, I’m honored that people ask me my opinion on things, but I still have a lot of growing to do.

Yanni J (with black dress and pink leopard boots) and friends celebrate her website launch (Photo Credit: Nobody Beats the Liz)

Keep up with Yanni J and her career on her new website and twitter. I didn’t get to attend the launch party but check out some pictures and video of the launch. Fabulous people having a great time.

YANNI J LAUNCH PARTY from Emiliano Styles™ on Vimeo.