We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daisha Bates a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Daisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project of my career so far as a Wardrobe Stylist has been working with R&B singer and songwriter, Nikki Hayes. I recently styled Nikki for a Pre- Grammy performance and after- party, and if someone told me even 6 months ago that I would have that experience so soon I wouldn’t have believed them but it was so special and meaningful for me. I began styling Nikki a few months ago, and the journey has been nothing short of incredible. As the first stylist she has ever worked with, we built her signature look from the ground up—establishing her color palette, defining her most flattering silhouettes, and refining her overall brand image as an artist. Our goal has been to ensure she shows up as her most confident, authentic, and empowered self in interviews, performances, and shows.

Working with Nikki has been a unique experience for me, pushing me outside of my comfort zone and introducing me to a different demographic than I was used to. It has been both a challenge and an incredibly fulfilling journey—one that has deepened my passion for styling and creative direction.

I’m grateful to Nikki for showing me that finding your niche as a creative can be challenging, but once you do, the shift happens quickly because that spark is reignited, and you’re ready for everything ahead.

Daisha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a business and service, DaishaJabarri caters to a diverse clientele and has recently found its niche in styling emerging talent in the entertainment industry. I studied fashion in college, and upon earning my degree, I realized that styling was the path that truly ignited my passion and sense of purpose. It became clear to me that this was the career I was meant to pursue, and ever since, I’ve been dedicated to helping clients bring their unique style and vision to life.

Just as I worked with Nikki Hayes from the ground up, my true passion lies in helping singers and songwriters discover their unique style. As their stylist, I collaborate with them to create cohesive and versatile looks, allowing them to focus on their craft while I focus on mine—ensuring they always show up feeling confident, authentic, and ready to perform.

As your stylist, my top priority is establishing your brand identity and image, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for whatever your next endeavor may be.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative and making it my full-time career is the fact that every day I am following what was once just a dream of mine and is now my reality. On a personal level, I have gave it my all to get to where I am today in my styling career and to see my hard work start to pay off is something that I can’t even begin to describe.

On a clienteling level, bringing a Vision to Life – whether it’s curating a look for a photoshoot, event, or branding moment, seeing your creative ideas come to life is so satisfying .
Making Personal Connections – Getting to build strong relationships with clients, learning their stories, and helping them showcase their personality through style, empowering them, and helping them to own their presence is rewarding on all levels.
Every client is different, and you get to use your creativity to find solutions that fit their body, lifestyle, and aspirations.
Finding that perfect piece, whether vintage, high fashion, or an unexpected gem, can feel like striking gold for a stylist and lastly really seeing my work in the world – Whether it’s a performance, a published editorial, or a client’s everyday life, knowing your styling made an impact is deeply rewarding.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey and this mission I am on is driven by my desire to create and build a life for myself that I never had. I want to look back at my career and have no regrets and to know that I want after everything I wanted, to be grateful to know that no stone was untouched and to feel completely fulfilled in the life that I built because of the experiences, places, and people that my career led me to. I’m excited for each new day, knowing that in this industry, the future is always full of surprises. I welcome every opportunity that aligns with my journey, embracing it with an open heart and gratitude. A toast to all my fellow creatives—following your dreams is no easy feat, but we’ve come this far. Keep pushing ahead!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daishajabarri_?igsh=MTU1a2J0ZzA2YnBpbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/daisha-bates-b16976149

Image Credits

Credit for all of the images of Nikki Hayes: @_shotbyjoey (Instagram handle)