Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Johnson.
Sylvia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, fashion was my defense mechanism and personal escape. It was a way to create whatever reality I wanted at that given time. Of course, I didn’t have much budget to work with so I spent a lot of time in the thrift store. Once I had the pieces, the real work began. I had to make it ‘Sylv’. I mixed patterns, textures, and hues to create a new aesthetic. Although I wore uniforms my entire childhood, there was always my own twist in every look. I practically modeled myself after the Fresh Prince: I just had to be different! Being different became my thing.
Fast forward a few years later, I’m attending Tuskegee University pursuing a degree in Architecture. While studying, I missed fashion and being creative. The logical aspect of architecture somewhat stifled my uniqueness. To overcome that, I started making custom items for my friends and I. It was nothing serious until it got serious. Initially, I would make pieces by request because I needed the funds. One client turned into several: the phrase “All it takes is for one person to see your work” took on a new meaning. There I was, in the West commons taking over the entire living room trying to bleach, rip, or customize twenty hats, eighteen shirts, and twelve pairs of jeans before the big game that weekend. My brand Sheitbysylv formed over a weekend’s span.
Another outlet that aided in escaping the mundane life of architecture Was graphic design. I showed my friends what I had been working on and they hyped me up to release it. I calculated a small return on the production cost and dropped the shirt on Instagram and Twitter. I sold over 400 T-shirts in two weeks! I had little to no experience of keeping track of orders, distribution or what I was doing. I kept creating and finding my way through the brand I built but I was changing and therefore, it had to change.
Through experience, I realized I had to become well versed in all aspects of the brand and how it was marketed. I began to hone in on visual components but it went beyond visuals. I had to create an aura. In these various phases, I found success in selling a lifestyle through the optics. That’s when I was introduced to styling. I found a mentor and I’ve been learning all I can ever since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This ride has been everything but smooth. As you continue to grow in life so will your wants, desires, and goals for your influence or brand. One of my biggest bumps in the road was fear. I would second guess myself, my power, and how far I’ve traveled from at every turn. At first, I thought I wanted to do Streetwear, then wholesale, then I just wanted to style. I think we get so caught up in fitting into molds that we lose the love, passion, and joy to just do. 2020 I have vowed to just create. For young women who are starting their journey into fashion, a large piece of advice is to Do it Scared. Go beyond the opinions, critics, neigh sayers, norms, and barriers. “What will be will be.”
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Honestly it’s truly hard to say what I specialize in… I am an all-around creative. Social media&Marketing has become one of my greatest outlets. I am a fashion/personal stylist, “influencer”, and brand ambassador. What I’m most proud of are the moments when my experiences help someone else. A lot of creatives are their biggest critics, we often feel like we haven’t done enough. However, when I get a chance to help someone else find their spark, it is worth all the internal fights, unreleased content, and wins. What sets me apart from others humbly speaking is the simple fact that my design background and fashion expertise. I am aware of the pieces that come together to create a bodywork, how trends and fads fade and arise and what ingredients to incorporate to make each experience one of a kind. My approach to creating art is envisioned from different perspectives. The perspective of a designer, consumer, and artist.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources that help you do your best in life (at work or otherwise)?
I tend to gain a lot of my inspiration from other stylists, influencers, and creatives. It’s something about us sharing our REAL stories that guides me to go the extra mile. Some of my favorites are xoxoflossydot.com by Semaj “Flossy” Atkinson, TiasInterlude by Tia W, BeingMarrica an influencer and photographer, FashionedinFaith podcast by Ciara Chyanne, and Leticia Hunt well sis does it all! I enjoy these specific resources because each woman present embody a piece of myself. They’re all strong, creatives with styles and skills that are always evolving.
Contact Info:
- Email: sheitbysylv@gmail.com
- Instagram: sheitbysylv
Image Credit:
Deveja Webb
DrivenImage
CarloCatalanVisualz
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