Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatelyn Richardson.
Hi Tatelyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, my name is Tatelyn. I’m a 26 year old Gemini from Baldwin, Louisiana. A rural town that is part of the historic Acadiana region of South Louisiana. I grew up experiencing deep rich history of Louisiana while also being inspired by cities like New York, Milan and Los Angeles. I am one of 5 girls with one younger brother. I always had a creative mind, using scraps of fabric and random sewing materials to make new clothes for my barbies, writing songs, and performing at home with my sisters and cousins. I have always loved art in many forms but fashion was the one that was the closest to me. I relocated to Dallas in 2020, during the height of Covid-19, in search of a new life. I wanted more from myself than just the close knit community that I was used to. I spent many years in Dallas, attending fashion school and graduating last May and forming connections in the fashion community. I just recently took a hiatus from the city and came back to Louisiana for a brief break from the city after a traumatic event. I am currently in a “renaissance” phase in my life. Reconnecting with family, old friends, Louisiana’s rich culture and myself. Funny enough I will be 27 soon, and we all have heard of the Saturn Return that happens at that age. I’m so ready and prepared for those next stages in life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many people who didn’t grow up with a lot of resources, and who were naturally shy and uncertain about their path, my journey hasn’t been a smooth one. I’ve faced a number of personal struggles, including dealing with depression and anxiety, battling insecurity, and trying to figure out who I am and what I truly want to do with my life.
Those challenges made things feel unclear at times, but they also pushed me to grow. I had to learn how to build confidence within myself, stay grounded, and keep moving forward even when I didn’t have all the answers. Over time, those struggles became part of what shaped my perspective and drive.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is rooted in fashion, but more specifically in helping people build confidence and self-expression through their personal style. I actually started my college journey studying psychology, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding people, behavior, and identity. I later transitioned into studying fashion, where I developed my eye for styling and creativity. I also gained hands-on experience working in luxury retail, which taught me a lot about quality, presentation, and how to connect with clients on a deeper level.
Now, I’m stepping into a new chapter with fashion mentoring—where I combine both my psychology background and fashion experience to help others not just with how they dress, but how they see themselves. I’ve had the opportunity to speak at a few schools, and I’m currently building this into something bigger, with plans for community events and more structured mentorship opportunities.
On a personal level, I’ve always styled friends and family, which is where my passion really started. Seeing how style can shift someone’s confidence is what drives me. What I’m most proud of is turning my personal journey into something that can positively impact others. What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on appearance—I focus on confidence, identity, and helping people feel truly seen through their style.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was shy, creative, and curious. As the middle child, I was the one my parents didn’t really have to worry about and for the most part, I stayed out of trouble and spent a lot of time in my own world. From an early age, I was drawn to fashion, history, and music. At one point, I was convinced I was going to be a famous singer or actress. I would write music and design pieces for both womenswear and menswear collections, and I still have those sketchbooks to this day.
I was naturally curious, so I’d find myself watching the History Channel, wanting to understand more about the world and the stories behind it. When we went shopping, I would wander off from my mom and start “styling” the clothes on racks or mannequins, thinking to myself that if someone saw it this way, they’d want to buy it. I also loved shows like What Not to Wear and Project Runway, just soaking in all the creativity and passion. Looking back, those early moments really shaped how I see fashion today. I was also a big fan of Selena Gomez and Raven-Symoné, their characters on Disney and the way they expressed themselves through style inspired me a lot as well.
Looking back, it all makes sense now, those small moments of curiosity and creativity were the foundation for what I do today. They shaped not only my love for fashion, but my desire to help others express themselves, build confidence, and feel seen through their personal style.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yesitstate/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardsontate1
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yesitstate
