We recently connected with Shemicka Johnson AkA Meeka Starr “Your Favorite Stylist” and have shared our conversation below.
Shemicka Johnson, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
When my parents separated, I moved to California, and we didn’t have much money. I loved clothes and fashion, but since I only got new clothes twice a year, I would upcycle my old clothes into new items, from new outfits to bags. I even made doll clothes for my baby dolls and Barbies, and started creating dolls out of my old clothes. My grandma taught me how to hand sew, so we made blankets from scrap fabrics. Growing up, I always received compliments on my styles and had a natural ability to put looks together and make them look expensive. My best friend then suggested I go to school to study fashion.
Straight out of high school, I enrolled at the Academy of Art College. At that time, my family was no longer struggling financially, but even though I was living on my own, I was still considered a dependent. This meant financial aid didn’t cover much, and I had to pay out of pocket because I didn’t want to take out any loans. I completed only one term before dropping out due to the cost. I had to put my dreams of becoming a fashion designer on hold.
It wasn’t until the pandemic that I had time to sit still and started tapping back into my creativity. Making decorative weed stash boxes reminded me of my passion for creating things. At that moment, I knew I needed to return to school and finish my education. I didn’t want to give up on my dreams.
I wish I had sought out more mentors and networking opportunities earlier to speed up my learning process. Practical experience and industry connections are invaluable. My most essential skills have been creativity, perseverance, and the ability to adapt and innovate with limited resources. Financial constraints and balancing work with education were significant obstacles, but they also taught me resilience and resourcefulness
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started managing Seminary Tiff under my brand, Meeka Starr Management, in the music industry. Once she got signed to FOD/Empire, I returned to school to pursue an Apparel Design and Merchandising degree. I graduated with high honors, achieving a 3.74 GPA and earning a Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society membership.
While going to school to pursue my degree, I got hired by WellCraft Events as the Runway Show Coordinator, where I organized their 2023 Empress Emergence Runway Show. This role sparked the creation of my brand, Styled by Meeka Starr. Subsequently, I became involved with San Francisco Fashion Week, initially as a stylist for several shows. My contributions led to an expanded role on the planning committee as their fashion coordinator for the 2023-2024 season.
My work caught Fashion Community Week’s attention, and they invited me to be an influencer for their 18th Fashion Week season. This collaboration further developed into a position as their Production Manager for season 18. I am the event coordinator for The Next Bay Area Runway Show’s Season 3 Hot Summer Nights Fashion Show, headlined by Adrian Marcel.
Beyond fashion shows, I actively contribute to the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District, assisting with their fundraising initiatives. I am particularly excited about organizing a Drag and Fashion Show Brunch on August 3 at Lake Chalet in Oakland, CA, where I will present my designs on the runway for the first time.
Starting a new business comes with challenges, especially in establishing my name in the Bay Area’s small fashion industry. However, I am eager to expand my business beyond this region. What sets me apart is that I am a living billboard for my brand. My unique style, encompassing hair, makeup, and accessories, creates a ‘wow’ factor that draws people in and makes them curious about me and my work.
I am Meeka Starr, your favorite stylist. My brand, Styled by Meeka Starr, showcases the best version of yourself through styling and design. When it comes to the runway, my goal is to organize the show and captivate the audience. Styled by Meeka Starr, it offers comprehensive fashion solutions, from personal styling to brand development.
I am incredibly proud of my rapid accomplishments. I graduated in May 2024 and have already established a busy career in the fashion industry. With my degree, I am ready to take my brand to a global audience.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Being a parent and wanting to be the role model my kids look up to has driven me to follow my dreams, pursue my career in the fashion industry, and earn my degree. I often encouraged them about the importance of education and chasing their dreams. One day, I realized that to inspire them truly, I needed to lead by example.
I told them it’s never too late to chase your dreams, and that realization brought tears to my eyes. My heart was joyful when they saw me walk the stage to receive my degree and witnessed my involvement in fashion shows, photoshoots, styling, and coordinating events.
Every time I come home from work, they eagerly ask me about my day and want to see pictures and videos of my work. Hearing them say they are proud of me and seeing how my journey has influenced them to love school and pursue higher education is incredibly fulfilling. This experience has strengthened my resolve and shown my children the power of perseverance and dedication.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by a multifaceted mission that blends ambition, creativity, and a desire to make a significant impact in the fashion industry. One of my primary goals is to travel worldwide, engaging in fashion styling and runway show coordination. I believe that experiencing diverse cultures and fashion trends globally will enhance my skills and broaden my creative perspective.
Ultimately, I aspire to work with a renowned fashion house as their creative director. This role would allow me to shape and innovate within an established brand, bringing fresh and unique visions to life on a grand scale. I am passionate about merging my personal style with a prestigious fashion house’s legacy, creating something groundbreaking.
Additionally, I aim to collaborate with leading designers and celebrities, incorporating my designs into high-profile projects. This includes venturing into the film industry, where I can apply my talents to wardrobe and costume design. Creating iconic looks for films and working on sets would be a dream come true, as it combines my love for fashion with storytelling.
My mission is not only about personal achievement but also about inspiring others. I want to show aspiring designers and stylists that they can reach their highest potential with dedication and resilience. By sharing my journey and successes, I hope to motivate others to pursue their dreams relentlessly and understand that the fashion industry offers endless opportunities for creativity and innovation.
In summary, I aim to become a global influencer in fashion, collaborating with top-tier talent, leading major fashion houses, and contributing to the cinematic arts. Through these endeavors, I aim to leave a lasting legacy that inspires future creatives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://styledbymeekastarr.my.canva.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meekastarrofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shemicka.johnson.3
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shemicka-johnson-124228103/
Image Credits
MADV
Crystal Nan
(the kids in the photos are my kids, and I give permission to use those photos to publish )