This Lovely lady is someone that I met while I was in college. She always had such a sweet yet daring spirit about her and when I saw her leap into the fashion world I knew  I had to interview her. I thank her so much for her time and words of wisdom from her heart.

Let’s take a look at what Ms.Fashionista has to say:

What do you do to motivate yourself? How do you stay motivated to what your passion is when times get tough? I motivate myself by continuously thinking of my goal and by seeing where I am, where I was, and where I am trying to go. My son is a definite motivation; he keeps me grounded and sane for the most part. Staying motivated has been pretty simple for me, when I set my mind to do something I go for it and although I may drift away from it occasionally it never means I am quitting, I am just revamping and come back stronger than ever.

What motivated you to step into the fashion world? My motivation came from my beloved Boyfriend and surrounding family and friends who believed that I could make it in the fashion industry. Fashion has always been my passion since high school. I adored styling my friends and family. My cousins use to always talk about me because I was a real nerdy kid and fashion was not a priority as a young girl but I grew out of the stage when I went into high school. I then enjoyed putting pieces together because in my hometown everyone shopped at the same places, so I had to find a way to stand out of the crowd. So I stepped out to the world of fashion after losing my corporate job due to lay off in the company and I had time to put in myself, so I sat and though about what I really wanted and what I truly wanted to do with my life. Although I am not where I want to be, I am far from where I use to be and I must say I am enjoying every single journey of my fashion business venture.

What brings you peace when you are stressed? Honestly, taking a run/walk or working out gives me peace. It releases all the stress I may have but of course shopping is stress relief for me as well, whether it is for a client, me, my son, or my significant other.

How do you not lose your identity in being a mom? How do you find balance between working and motherhood? It was challenging for me at first. I lost all confidence and poured my life into being a full time mom and girlfriend. I lost myself but gained it back during the time I lost my job. I have been able to regain my identity and improve it as mother. Being a mom should never be a burden or should never be the reason you give up on life and your dreams and goals. You honestly just have to find a balance to do it all. Mothers are superheroes and when you find your super power you will find that you can do anything.  Finding a balance between work and motherhood can be hard but for me  I make sure to set time aside time from when I get off my 9-5 by coming home and focusing on my sons education and getting my household together, then it is back to the drawing board of fashion.
What is one incident, thing or moment that you knew for sure you were being true to your calling? After my first magazine shoot, I had lunch with a client and she expressed how my eye for fashion was amazing and a gift. I was in shock but extremely happy she said it.

What is one piece of advice you received from someone that has helped you? I was told that although there may be millions of people wanting to be a wardrobe stylist, find your niche that makes you stand out. I started off by naming my business Allure Styling and after a few months I met someone and he advised me that I should brand myself, so I then named my business Leimamo Styles. Leimamo is my middle name, it is pretty unique and it gives a bit of me and you know what it sticks with people and they love it.

What piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to follow their passion but is afraid? Being afraid is just the beginning. If it is something you really want talk with those who are successful and see what you can learn from them. Do not be afraid to hear no, the more you hear no the closer you are to receiving that 1 yes that can change your life.

What do you think your legacy will be?
My legacy will be positive and influential to those that know me or know of me. I hope to leave knowing that I had a positive impact on someone to change and understand that because you are of this race, ethnicity, or came from a certain surrounding that anything you put your mind to you can get there. I want my son to be proud to say my mom was awesome, she cared, she loved, and she gave back.