We were lucky to catch up with Tamala Clarice recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tamala, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Fashion was always a side hobby for me. It was fun, refreshing and a creative outlet. I first realized that I wanted professionally pursue Fashion Styling as career is when I got cut from three different NBA dance teams. While moving to California I was a dancer attending attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Dance was my plan A, while Fashion was my plan B.

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?

Born and raised in Jackson, MS, my discerning eye and love for fashion developed at a young age. I would always dress to impress for any occasion and study fashion magazines every week such as Vogue, Harper Bazar, and Check the Tag. After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Jackson State University and Visual Communications Degree from FIDM, I decided to take my creativity to another level by entering the fashion world and setting career sights as a fashion stylist and Fashion Blogger.

My role as a stylist is to develop and style wardrobe of clients for red carpets appearances, press interviews, photo shoots, music videos and public events. My job is to obtain clothing samples from designers and procure complete outfits and accessories from showrooms. I Plan and implement different looks to highlight main features of clients. I oversee and improve hairstyle, makeup and overall appearance of clients. I develop and maintain profitable business relationships with all clients.

My versatility and risk-taking style are what sets me aside from others. To be able to overcome so many obstacles and failures while maintaining a positive mind-frame and conquering many projects is what I am most proud of today. I look even more forward to continuing my fashion-forward journey and seeing what else is in store.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Im currently pivoting my career as we speak. Although I am a great full time lead stylist I have now taken on more full-time assistant styling roles. When covid took place I went back to working a for fashion corporate company by the name of Farfetch which consists of a 9-5 shift because business had gotten so slow in the entertainment industry. Multiple employees in the US were laid off from Farfetch August 2023. Instead of applying to another fashion corporate job, I have decided to take on fashion styling and assistant fashion styling full time. This gives me the opportunity to learn from A-list stylist who have paved the way before me, further insight and to also build those key relationships. This pivot was very risky yet necessary.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

For a long time, I had so much pride that I was afraid to reveal my struggles. I have refrained from many interviews of talking about my story that is still actually being written. Today, I can honestly say that this has not been a smooth road at all. It has included a lot of hurt, failures, and sacrifices. I’ve worked many 9 to 5’s to fund my dream, some I was fired from and many I’ve quit and have been laid off from. I’ve moved to three different cities which in the end didn’t work out for me to chase my dream.

I’ve experienced lawsuits from not being paid for certain gigs and opportunities. I’ve been disrespected and cheated by many artists and designers in this industry. I’ve been promised many job opportunities that were never accurate or successful. I’ve lost close friends, loved ones, peers, and coworkers while chasing this dream. But through it all, those obstacles have been experiences that I am truly grateful for because many lessons were taught. Rough patches has helped me define my character and illustrate my resilience. The journey makes you so much stronger, wiser, and humble.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tamalaclarice.com
• Instagram: @tamalaclarice
• Facebook: styledbytamalaclarice
• Linkedin: tamalaclarice
• Twitter: tamalaclarice
• TikTok: @tamalaclarice

Image Credits
Actress Gail Bean, Artist FoggieRaw, Actress Amanda Michelle, Photographer Tosin, Photograhper Brandon