Meet Alan Michael.: Wardrobe Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alan Michael. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alan, why did you pursue a creative career?
The opportunity of being able to create; just imagine having something in your mind that only you can conceive and then one day you’re living in the present of that thought. That’s magic; that’s manifestation and it’s the reason I chose to pursue an artistic/creative career. I tried every avenue that was considered a “road to success” to the standards of the world but it didn’t work. Going through certain things made me realize my true purpose and then I started building from there.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Freelance Stylist specializing in wardrobe styling, creative direction, and creative strategizing. I wanted to do more than just run a successful business. My vision of telling stories through style would convey a message of self-empowerment, abstract thoughts, and powerful ideas. These principles would allow me to build success. At the same time, the AMExperience is a culmination of the past infused with the present. This focus allows for preparing clients for the future. By promoting individuality, as the correct banner for those considered to be “different”. AME will excel by providing exceptional clothing selections and brilliant ideas. There’s no blueprint for me to go off so I’m going off instinct and knowing what’s my end goal. Most wardrobe/fashion stylists are represented by an agency which handles all their placements and job opportunities. Which gives them the luxury to focus on the styling and networking. I’m in an area where there’s not many agencies looking for wardrobe/fashion stylists at the moment so that leaves me to DO FOR SELF!. So emailing publications, creating storylines for the editorials, contacting models/photographers for the shoot, gathering the clothing and finding location, networking/marketing, etc. It’s all done by me at the moment; so I’m always busy but I make time for the important things. Many long nights and early mornings but it’ll be all worth it at the end. My mantra is “BELIEVE IN ME THE WAY I DO IN YOU!” The thing I’m most proud of is how the masses gravitate to what I have going. It’s all authentic and it shows not only in the work and product but when we actually meet. It all makes sense when we’re face to face building. Don’t get me wrong, all the opportunities have been cool and I’m forever grateful but when preparation meets opportunity, that’s what supposed to happen. Still have some ways to go but far from where I started. It won’t be long; just have to keep it going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I’ll bring them by the Galleria so they could get a feel of what the City has to offer. Depending on what season it is we’ll get some crawfish and snowballs. Check out a couple local boutiques; also visit the art museum. Visit the Turkey Leg Hut and Breakfast Club for the best meal in the City. We’ll end the week off at Seaside Lounge for a good time, food, and drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Other than God; I’ll have to say my mentor and a couple friends. It’s been a long road but the God I believe in will never give you more than you could handle. I’m four years in so I’m at a point of no return it comes naturally, so this is me. Folks that I love doubted and treated me like the scum of the earth because I decided to venture off in this field of work. I don’t think it was out of hate but fear; if you never seen something like this you wouldn’t know what to expect. Everyone says, they just want the best for you but I want the same for myself. I have to look this man in the mirror day to day; so you can’t possibly want more for me than I want for myself. It’s still love; my mentor, a couple friends, and anyone I come across encourages me to keep going. Through it all, I never lost who “Alan Michael” was during this process and that’s the beauty of everything.

Instagram: instagram.com/alanchronicles

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alan-harding-70538/

Twitter: twitter.com/alanchronicles

Image Credits
Photographers: Shabazz Varnado and Juwan James Art: Alan Michael, Nosa Osagie, Ashley Marshall, & Dwayne Bell