Today we’d like to introduce you to Leanna Long.
Leanna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Born & raised in SouthSide of Houston, TX, you do not see wardrobe stylist, or anyone talking about fashion. Everyone just stays fresh in the latest sneakers. Sports was popular for kids in my hood so, of course, I played sports. I thought I would be playing sports in college but God had other plans for me. My brand came from just me brainstorming about my future. God told me my purpose and I’ve been following it since. I knew I would be a Wardrobe Stylist and a Fashion Consultant because of the Barbie/BRATZ games I use to play. Dressing them up, my friends asking me to go shopping with them and find their outfits, etc. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t know the specific name for it when I was younger, I just knew I wanted to style people for whatever event it is. I use to have one of those digital cameras that was popular from 2008-2012 or so and I use to come up with crazy styles I knew I wouldn’t wear in public, take pictures. Kinda weird but I was maddddd fly.
Don’t sleep.
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?
The road has definitely been bumpy. Very bumpy. I could tell you about the lack of resources I’ve had when it came to me starting my own business, building my brand, what and how to get my DBA, etc. Where I’m from, you don’t have Wardrobe Stylist or anyone in the fashion business at all, coming back and saying how successful they’ve been. So, it was new to me but I had a relentless attitude towards it. Once God gave me the “yes”, that this is for me, I was on go. Meaning, I was determined to succeed at becoming a Stylist, building my brand, and nothing was going to stop me until I was self-satisfied. Some major struggles I encounter were the comparison. I’d compare my situation to others and I learned the hard way, that’s never the way to go. Comparison breeds discontentment. Another major problem was money. I wasn’t using it wisely. God had already given me the tools I needed, I just needed to learn how to utilize them.
My advice to other women and younger women would be to be perseverance, know your purpose and why you’re doing what you’re doing, believe in yourself no matter the odds, be consistent, and if they hating, let them hate. Never belittle who you are for the comfort of others, and have faith. Have faith in not only the man above but yourself.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a Wardrobe Stylist, Fashion Consultant, and lastly, a Photographer. I make you look way better than what you already do, yet on a budget. I style for events, no matter how big or small. I go and find clothes that will make you look great also. I’ll help you step out your comfort zone and I also take pictures of you looking great.
With my brand, I’m proud of the different services it brings. It’s only the warmup of much more great services. I know what I’m bringing is different because I can style you in any price range. I have a great eye for things and would not steer anyone wrong when it comes to styling.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Yes, definitely. There are many jobs, things, that women are more than qualified for, and even black women who have to work 5x harder just to get a seat at the table. There’s the lack of giving the opportunity to women where the problem falls into place and that’s the disgusting part. It’s 2019 and women are still fighting for things that should be given without hesitation.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 832-622-1673
- Email: leethestylist@gmail.com
- Instagram: leethestylist_
- Facebook: LeannaLong
- Twitter: leethestylist_
- Other: youtube.com – LeeTheStylist
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
