Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaylon Rachad.
Jaylon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began about 6 years ago. As a younger teen, I would always dress myself and my sister, but I didn’t get serious about fashion until the age of 21. The funny part is I really tried to run away from it. I just didn’t think a career in fashion was for me until I received confirmation from a mentor of mine, Latasha Henderon of Von-Ray Designs. Latasha was hosting a fashion exhibition in the city of Shreveport, Louisiana, and was in search of an on-set assistant. To be 100% honest, I did NOT want to do it. I tried to get out of it numerous times, but it was one of those things that I could not escape. I consider it pretty much divine timing! I vividly remember her pulling me to the side at the official meeting/ casting call, and these were her words verbatim, “You are destined for this. Something about your spirit draws me so close to you, and I know talent when I see it.”
Those words have lived with me since that encounter. That experience is when I decided to get a bit more serious about my craft. As I was pursuing my degree in business administration, I accepted clients on campus as well as back home in Shreveport, LA. As most businesses do, mine started slow and small but has eventually grown through the years. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family, specifically my mother, Tiffany, and sister, Brea.
My business really skyrocketed after I styled one of the most influential news reporters in Shreveport, LA, Mrs. Dominique Benn. That is when my name started to get more traction within the state of Louisiana. And after working with her, I was able to book some of my most impactful clients – Miss Southern University A&M College (BR), Dutchess Lattimore of Black Ink Crew, and Marquel Sennet, Director of Communications for the city of Shreveport being a few of them! I have also had the opportunity to style and assist in several fashion shows during NYFW, be a personal buyer for several boutique storefronts, and I have had my work published internationally in Africa. As the years go on, many opportunities present themselves and I can only be grateful to God for these opportunities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Trust me, the life of a wardrobe stylist is not the easiest. It requires perseverance, ambition, talent, and time. There isn’t a handbook on how to be successful in the fashion industry. It is ever-changing, and no one’s journey is the same. I believe my biggest struggle, in the beginning, was actually believing in myself. I asked myself countless times – Is this the right path for me? How do I stand out amongst a forever-changing market & industry? I think these are questions that all of us ask ourselves when working in our craft because we do not want to fail.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an image architect (wardrobe stylist). I could tell you that I just pull garments and create art, but that would be a lie. What I truly do is build confidence and help people overcome their insecurities. So much goes into being a wardrobe stylist. I am not there just to dress you and send you on your way. In that moment, I am your listening ear, confidant, and so much more. I specialize in not only creating art with clothes, but I also help others see themselves in a different light. If I had to say what I believe truly sets me apart, it would be my eye for small details and the overall experience of getting to work with me. I am a firm believer that if the small details are taken care of, then the bigger picture always comes perfectly to life.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Ha! That is a good question. As I stated earlier, the fashion industry is always evolving and experiencing major shifts, but within the next 5-10 years, I believe fashion is going to be like no other fashion era we’ve seen before. I believe everyone will be in a space to love and accept themselves, and what better way to express that than with their clothing choices? Personally, I think fashion will take over the world, and I’m here for it!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjaylonrachad/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaylonrachad
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjaylonrachad
Image Credits
Antwoin Gilbert
Trebreh Baaheth
