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

Alright, Syeidah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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.

How did you learn to do what you do?

It has been said, “that some things just can’t be taught or learned”. I’ve truly been blessed with a gift of raw talent to have an “eye” for fashion, styling and the silhouettes that enhance and look best on various body types. Fashion comes to me naturally and I can usually create a memorable and stylish outfit within seconds of looking at various elements and pieces.

So, although I did not get started in fashion by “traditional” means (such as going to a fashion school), I most definitely honed my talent and sharpened my skills throughout the last seven years by doing what I love to do. My passion and love is fashion. It comes to me second nature.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

Knowing what I know now, I could have sped up the learning process in several ways. I think the business aspect of the Fashion Industry, is something that new stylist don’t initially think about because the creative side for many is effortless, fun, fast paced and exciting. However, the business side is where you can learn a lot of hard lessons. I have a Masters Degree in Business (from Union Graduate College) and also a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law (from Albany Law School), and both have served me well when it comes to navigating the business side of the fashion industry.

This is just one aspect of fashion, but it is very important that stylist understand all of the business, insurance and legal aspects that come with the territory if you are building your styling business from the ground up. A strong foundation is important.

“The Business Of Styling” is one of the many segments that I teach in my Master Class “You Can Buy Experience: Sy’s Wardrobe Styling 101,”which I conduct once a year.

What skills do you think were most essential?

Some of the skills that are essential are organizational skills such as: time management, being detail oriented, good communication skills (both written and verbal), being able to work well under pressure, being able to improvise and change direction at the drop of a dime, planning and being a leader (especially to your team of assistants).

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

There are many obstacles that may stand in your way when trying to grow in the field of fashion. Sometimes you won’t know about certain resources or have knowledge about industry related things because you didn’t go to a traditional school for Fashion or Wardrobe Styling like FIT or Parsons. Therefore, you learn through your own experiences “baptism by fire.”You also learn that certain jobs and positions are “gate keeped” in the industry, meaning, you have to know someone on the inside of a company or project in order to be hired for a certain position.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself.

My name is Syeidah McBride and my business is Styled By Sy LLC, I am a Wardrobe Stylist/Creative Director who specializes in:

1. Advertising/Commercial Styling
2. Celebrity Styling
3. Editorial Styling
4. Network Styling
5. Runway Styling
6. Personal Shopping

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I have a Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree, and a Law Degree, however, fashion has always been my passion and I got my “official start” and credits in the industry by a photographer pulling me in on an editorial project that got picked up by Ellements magazine in 2016.

What problems do you solve for your clients?

I have proven to be quick and efficient in solving client’s problems and needs, whether it’s a time crunch, special event, or a Look Book for their brand.

I enjoy cultivating unique looks for each project. To do this, I pay great attention to detail, allowing me to manifest my client’s vision.

What do you think sets you apart from others?

My professionalism and my integrity are what sets me apart from others. In addition, I’m always on time. I take time to learn exactly what is required. I bring ideas and solutions to the table, and my attitude remains positive even when curve balls are thrown. I am especially fortunate to have an extensive inventory of clothing, jewelry and accessories that have contributed to pulling off polished looks for clients and various fashion projects.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of being published in over 50 publications and shooting campaigns for some of the biggest international brands in the world.

What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.?

Without a doubt, my goal for my art and business is to expand the: concepts, boundaries, and traditional ideas of fashion by creating extraordinary moments that go beyond the universally accepted ideas of styling.

My goal is always to create fashion that my clients love. I want my clients to be thrilled about the way they look, feel and move in the looks that we have created, selected or purchased.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Some of the biggest misconceptions and struggles non-creatives have understanding the Wardrobe Styling journey are:

1. Success is not an overnight journey. Sometimes it takes YEARS to hone your craft, for the dots to START to connect, and for you to get your BIG break. It usually takes time for you to plant the seeds and to eventually enjoy the fruits of your labor. Don’t get discouraged because things aren’t happening as fast as you think they should. Be patient, everyone’s journey is different.

2. Everything is NOT about MONEY. Nothing is more priceless and valuable than your Network. I’ve met some of my biggest connections and secured the biggest projects of my career from the referrals of people I connected with on projects I did as a collaboration without requiring a fee.

3. It is easier and a lot less stressful to work a job (even if it’s part-time) and fund your passion and dreams. Then to try and push your business from 0-100 quickly without back up financial resources.

Having a stable and consistent income gives you the financial cushion and breathing room to go through the many trials, tribulations and seasons of being an entrepreneur who is figuring things out. You have to spend money to make money. And if you don’t have the capital to get things going, you can create a lot of unnecessary debt instead of scaling your business while having another income.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Some of the resources I wish I knew about earlier in my creative journey are:

1. Creative Agencies are something I found out about later in my career. I had always known about modeling agencies but I had no idea that there were both boutique and big reputable agencies (i.e.- The Wall Group) that represent creatives. I did not know that there were certain jobs you could never secure as a Wardrobe Stylist unless you were signed with an agency.

2. There are different unions that represent Wardrobe Stylists. I didn’t know the field was so organized and had representation on such a large scale. I learned that most Wardrobe Styling/Costume Design positions are Union Jobs for film and TV.

3. Studio Services is a resource within department stores. I found out that some department stores will allow you to purchase and return clothing without any issues, however, your client is required to purchase and keep 20-30% of the merchandise.

4. Fashion Groups are another type of resource. One that I find particularly helpful is “Last Looks”. Fashion Groups such as Last Looks share information, updated brand contacts, resources and post jobs. It is a GOLD MINE of wealth and knowledge to be part of a community of over 3,000 creatives in the same industry . It’s an extremely rewarding, informative, inspirational, network building and collaborative experience.

5. Showrooms. When I initially began I was reaching out to independent designers directly with hopes to pull garments. I learned later that Showrooms were a “One Stop Shop” for multiple designers (clothing and accessories) in one location. In my business, I work with both Showrooms, Boutiques, and Independent Designers.

Contact Info:

• Website: Syeidahmcbride.com
• Instagram: @styledby_sy
• Facebook: Styled By Sy
• Linkedin: Styled By Sy LLC