We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamila Williams . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamila below.

Hi Jamila , thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Taking risks can be scary at times, but they force you out of your comfort zone. The biggest risk I’ve decided to take is betting on myself. When I decided to put myself out there more, be more consistent and get out of my own way, doors began to open and more opportunities presented themselves. When I started blogging over 12 years ago, I never would’ve imagined that I’d be doing celebrity interviews and hosting my own styling events at a national department store. Something that was once a hobby has opened up a new career path for me. Right now I’m currently the lead stylist for Polo & Pretty Women.

Last year I decided to start my own social media management company. I was nervous and scared, but I took a risk and did it anyway. I enjoy creating content and with my marketing background, I decided to help others build an online presence for their business.

I’ve doubted myself countless times, I’ve put off taking my ideas seriously and I’ve also thought I wasn’t good enough to do this. Fear is something that can prevent you from reaching your goals. It’s ok to be scared, but don’t let that stop you. It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be scary. The thing about taking risks is you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Like my mom once told me, feel the fear and do it anyway.

Jamila , 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?

After graduating from college with a degree in apparel textiles and merchandising and marketing I had a hard time finding a job in my field. I knew I wanted to design clothes, but there weren’t too many jobs in my field in Michigan at the time. I started my blog as a way to keep my foot in the fashion world while I worked a job that wasn’t fashion related.

From there I started Fashion Style Detroit, a blog about my love for fashion. After publishing my blog, new opportunities came. I started getting invites to local and out of state fashion events, opportunities to interview industry people and then the fashion week invites started rolling in. I had no idea my blog would have brought me so many great opportunities.

I definitely took breaks and time off. I struggled with consistency for a long time. Every time I felt like quitting, I always received a sign that I needed to keep going.

I did luck up when I worked for a company that gave me experience with online marketing and creating online advertising for business owners. It has helped me to this day with my own business.

I enjoy working with small businesses looking to create an online presence and tell their brand’s story through social media. While still creating my own fashion content for my brand.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

For me personally, I would have to say word of mouth. Going out and networking with new people is a great way to gain new clients. When I’m out, people ask what I do and I tell them. It’s easier to speak face to face with people sometimes and that way it allows them to ask questions and understand what it is I do and how I can better assist them and their needs. I pass out business cards and follow up via email.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I got laid off from my 9-5, it actually happened twice. I found myself scrambling to find another job, but I felt like maybe this was a sign that I needed to do my own thing.

So, decided that I wanted to focus on getting back to doing something fashion related so I spent time working jobs that were in my field to get more experience. I worked part time doing visual merchandising and I spent more time building my brand.

Sometimes things happen in life to put you in a new position that will lead you to a path.   

Contact Info:

• Website: FashionStyleDetroit.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/FashionStyleDetroit
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/FashionStyleDetroit
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FashionStyleDet
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@FashionStyleDetroit

Image Credits
Dele Nguyen https://instagram.com/delenguyen?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==