We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Denise Elisabeth a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Denise, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Growing up, one of the biggest blessings in my life was having parents who fully supported my creative passions. My mom was always my partner in creativity, whether it was taking me to Hancock Fabrics to pick out materials or accompanying me to fashion shows to fuel my inspiration. My dad was equally encouraging, proudly sharing stories about how I once whipped up a dress overnight to wear to church or showcasing one of my designs to anyone who’d listen. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to keep going, even when the path wasn’t always clear.
One of the most important lessons they taught me was about perspective: people who are secure in their success will never tear you down. It’s often those who feel they’re falling behind who look for reasons to celebrate your missteps. That wisdom has stuck with me, reminding me to stay focused on my own journey and not let negativity dim my creative spark. Their unwavering support not only nurtured my talents but also gave me the foundation to pursue fashion as a career with confidence and purpose.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Right after graduating college, I decided to dream big and take risks. I began pitching myself to industry leaders I admired, knowing full well I might be met with silence or rejection. I was, many times. But with persistence, grit, and an unwavering belief in my vision, I’ve now had the honor of styling over 27 extraordinary individuals. From chart-topping musicians and celebrated actresses to the trendiest TikTok influencers, I’ve been lucky to help them shine in their biggest moments.
Breaking into this industry wasn’t easy, especially as a person of color. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to uplift POC talent, working to create opportunities for others in a space that often felt inaccessible to me. I may not have a full foot in the door just yet, but the journey so far has been nothing short of magical, and I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some truly inspiring people along the way.
A typical day in my life is anything but predictable. By day, I’m working my 9-to-5, curating pieces that align with my clients’ unique styles and personalities. By night, I shift gears updating my portfolio, styling for music video shoots, or fitting looks for a major tour. Every time I see my designs on stage or screen, it’s a surreal and humbling moment. Knowing that my work helped someone feel confident and radiant is the ultimate reward.
What sets me apart in this ever-changing industry is my approach. For me, styling isn’t just about clothes, it’s about connection. I take the time to understand my clients, to listen to what they need, and to craft looks that not only tell their story but make them feel completely at ease. It’s not about forcing trends or chasing fads; it’s about authenticity and building trust. Of course, styling has its glamorous moments, but what fuels me is the energy and excitement of collaborating with others. I bring a contagious enthusiasm to every project, making the process as fun and effortless as possible. Styling isn’t just a job for me….it’s my passion, my art, and my way of creating something meaningful.
From late nights on set to early mornings updating my mood boards, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. While there’s so much more I hope to achieve, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come and deeply grateful for every opportunity to do what I love.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Since I first began my journey into fashion, I’ve had to finesse my way into rooms and opportunities that most people in this field wouldn’t even think I had access to, simply because, at the time, I was a “nobody.” I didn’t have the connections, the title, or the instant credibility that others had. But despite all the odds stacked against me, I didn’t let that stop me from pursuing my dream. I’ve had to create my own lane, pushing through doors that were seemingly closed and finding opportunities that most wouldn’t have given me a second look.
Keke Palmer was a huge inspiration for me. I remember watching her on True Jackson, VP as a little girl, seeing a young, brown girl live her dreams in fashion, and it left an indelible mark on me. It wasn’t just the character she played—it was the fact that I could see someone who looked like me, achieving the kind of success I thought was out of reach. Along with her, icons like Michael Costello, Jeannie Mai, Joan Rivers, Law Roach, and the team at E! News all played pivotal roles in fueling my passion for fashion. Their journeys, their ability to carve out their own space in an industry that is hard to break into, gave me the strength to keep going, even when I felt like I was nowhere near where I wanted to be.
The feeling I got watching Keke Palmer achieve her dreams as a little girl is the same feeling I carry with me today as I continue my own fashion journey. I want to be the person that others, especially women, can look to for inspiration. I want to build a platform where women can have access to a fashion mentor at arm’s reach—whether it’s advice on how to navigate the industry or assistance with an emergency pull for a client. In many ways, I want to create a safe space for women who are just as passionate about fashion but don’t have the resources or the connections to get started.
One of my main goals is to build a fashion line for the people who work tirelessly in the background—the assistants, the stylists, the behind-the-scenes warriors whose work is often overlooked. These are the people who hold the industry together, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. I want to create a line of clothes that not only empowers women but also helps them feel confident and free, no matter their role or status. Fashion shouldn’t just be for the celebrities or the front-runners; it should be for everyone who is a part of the process, from the designers to the assistants, to the photographers, and beyond.
I’ve worked countless non-glamorous jobs to get to where I am today—nannying, being a personal assistant, working as a stylist, and more. I’ve learned the value of hard work, dedication, and persistence through every job I’ve had. Each role I’ve taken on, no matter how small it seemed at the time, taught me invaluable lessons about the industry, about people, and about myself. It gave me the experience and the grit needed to pursue my dream of not only styling but also creating a space where women feel seen, heard, and understood in the fashion world.
Fashion is about more than just clothes; it’s about expression, empowerment, and freedom. My dream is to create a fashion line where women feel not only confident but free to express who they truly are. Whether it’s for a client’s big moment or for a woman looking for something that makes her feel beautiful on an ordinary day, I want my work to help women embrace their individuality and step into the world with strength. Through my designs, my mentorship, and my dedication, I want to create a lasting impact—a legacy where fashion is accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Choosing a creative career like fashion styling or design can feel like stepping into a world where not everyone “gets it.” While traditional jobs like doctor or teacher often come with clear paths and built-in respect, artistic pursuits can sometimes be seen as impractical or even frivolous by those outside the creative bubble. Let’s set the record straight, creative careers are anything but trivial.
Take fashion, for example. It’s a multi-billion-dollar industry where top stylists and designers can rake in six or seven figures. Sure, it’s not all red carpets and runway shows…success requires talent, hard work, and a sharp business mind. However, the payoff? Totally worth it for those who love what they do.
Of course, it’s not all glamor. Fashion stylists are the unsung heroes of “fashion emergencies,” working sleepless nights to save the day with last-minute looks and perfect fittings. Think of it as high-stakes problem-solving—with sequins.
Building trust with clients is another challenge. A great stylist doesn’t just pick outfits, they shape identities, personalities, and public images. It’s all about nailing the balance between what looks amazing and what feels authentic to the client.
Let’s not forget networking, the lifeblood of the industry. Breaking into fashion means showing up, standing out, and shaking the right hands. It’s equal parts talent, perseverance, and a sprinkle of luck. But once you get that big break? Pure magic.
Creative careers might not have the same outline as traditional ones, but they’re every bit as rewarding for those willing to hustle, dream big, and embrace the chaos.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Denise_Elisabeth
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Images #1, #4 & #5 – Carter Maggipinto
Images #3 & #6 – One Twenty-Nine Photography / Talent – Mia Passon
Images #7 – Riley Mau / Talent – Christie Walls & Ashley Walls