We were lucky to catch up with Jamellia Kidd recently and have shared our conversation below.

JaMellia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I first realized I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally about a year ago. The journey startec when I separated from the U.S. Navy in 2021 and took a job as an insurance adjuster a few months later. Adjusting was demanding-long hours, high stress, and little work-life balance. But coming from the military, I was used to 12+ hour days. My schedule was relentless: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and often staying late until 6 or 7. Finding time for myself was a struggle, but there was one part of my day that I looked forward to-getting dressed.

Despite the stress, my job paid well, and one small joy kept me going: the freedom to express myself through fashion. Thanks to my supervisor being a little lax on the dress code, I embraced the opportunity to show my personality in my outfits every day. I’ve always liked to dress well, but I never thought of styling as a talent-it just felt natural. Over time, l became more intentional about my personal style, experimenting with different looks, studying what worked, and unknowingly stepping into the world of fashion.

People started asking me, How do you put your outfits together? The truth? As a Gemini, my mind is always racing with ideas, and my style reflects that.
There’s no single formula-my outfits are a reflection of my mood, my creativity in the moment. And, well, I also have a habit of collecting (too many) clothes!

By late 2024, I knew it was time for a change. I decided to leave adjusting and dedicate the next three years to investing myself. I didn’t just want to style outfits-I wanted to understand clothing on a deeper level. How are garments made? How do fabrics move? How can a stylist also be a problem solver, capable of altering hems or fixing last-minute wardrobe malfunctions? These questions pushed me to expand beyond styling and into sewing, pattern making, and the technical side of fashion.

Now, here I am-a 23-year-old woman carving out her place in the fashion industry. With a mentor guiding me, I’m learning the craft from the inside out.
I’m sewing, creating patterns, building my own website, and developing skills to make my vision a reality. This is just the beginning-watch as I transform my passion into something extraordinary.

JaMellia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not know me, l’m JaMellia (JAH-MEAL-yuh) Kidd, a fashion stylist, creative, and aspiring designer with a passion for helping people express themselves through clothing. My personal brand is MelliaMoreFits. My journey into fashion wasn’t traditional-it was shaped by my experiences in the U.S. Navy, a career in insurance adjusting, and ultimately, a deep love for personal style that led me to where I am today.

After serving in the Navy, I transitioned into the corporate world as an insurance adjuster. It was a demanding job with long hours, but one thing remained constant: my love for getting dressed every day. My ability to put together outfits became a daily creative outlet, and before long, people started noticing. Friends, coworkers, and even strangers would ask me how I styled my looks so effortlessly.

That’s when I realized-this was more than just a passion; it was a talent.

I specialize in fashion styling, helping individuals curate looks that enhance their confidence and reflect their personality. Whether it’s personal styling for everyday wear, special events, or content creation, I work to bring out the best in my clients’ wardrobes. But my journey doesn’t stop there. I’ve also dived into sewing, pattern making, and garment construction because I believe a great stylist should have a deep understanding of clothing beyond just how it looks-how it fits, moves, and can be altered to perfection.
My business offers:
• Personal Styling: Helping clients build a wardrobe that fits their lifestyle, personality, and body shape.
• Event Styling: Curating statement-making outfits for special occasions.
• Content Creation & Fashion Education: Sharing beginner-friendly sewing tutorials, styling tips, and insights into the fashion industry.
• Tailoring & Alterations (in the works!): Ensuring clothes fit flawlessly, giving clients a polished, custom look.

What makes my approach unique is my multidimensional perspective on fashion. I don’t just style outfits—I understand the craftsmanship behind them. My background in the military and corporate world has also instilled in me a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and adaptability. I approach styling with a problem-solving mindset, ensuring my clients not only look good but feel good in what they wear.

I’m proud of taking the leap to invest in myself and pursue my passion full-time. Stepping into the fashion industry has been a journey of learning, growth, and creativity. With a mentor guiding me, I’m constantly expanding my skill set-from sewing and alterations to website building and branding.

More than anything, I want people to know that my work is about more than just clothes-it’s about empowerment. Fashion should be a tool for self-expression, confidence, and storytelling. Whether through styling, creating, or teaching, I’m here to help others feel their best in what they wear.

This is just the beginning of my journey, and I’m excited to continue evolving, learning, and making my mark in the fashion world. Stay tuned-there’s so much more to come!

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom to express myself and help others do the same. Fashion is more than just clothing-it’s a form of storytelling, confidence, and self-discovery. I also love the process of learning and evolving within my craft. Stepping into the fashion industry wasn’t just about styling; it was about understanding the construction of clothing, perfecting my skills in sewing and alterations, and embracing every layer of creativity that comes with it. Knowing that I’m constantly growing-whether through mentorship, hands-on experience, or trial and error-keeps me inspired every day.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The goal that drives me is the desire for financial freedom-for myself and my family-and the journey of discovering my true purpose. In high school, I always dreaded being asked, Where do you see yourself in five to ten years? or What career do you want to pursue? While some people had a clear dream job, I was never certain. At different points, I considered culinary arts, law, and forensic science. But the thought of spending years in school (and paying for it) didn’t appeal to me.
That’s one of the reasons I joined the military right after high school-it provided structure and an opportunity to explore my options.

Through every career shift, one thing remained constant: my mother’s unwavering support. She has always believed in me, even when I wasn’t sure of my own path. Her faith in me is one of my biggest motivators. She knows I’m destined for greatness, and I want to prove her right.

Fashion has become the creative outlet where I feel most aligned with my purpose. My mission is to master my craft, build a business that allows me to thrive, and create a legacy that reflects both my passion and my dedication to growth.

At the end of the day, my goal is to design a life where I can wake up everyday doing what I love, without limitations-both for myself and for those who believe in me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Melliamorefits

Image Credits

Kandon Kyser