Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Porter.
Hi Leah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Creative, fun, chic, bold, edgy, sexy, energetic and versatile are words I have taken pride in when myself and others describe my work. My aesthetic is edgy chic. Inspired by family and big name stylists, designers and fashion icons, I became motivated to pursue my calling and passion to begin working in the fashion industry in 2010. I worked at Saks Fifth Avenue and BCBG Max Azria part-time doing retail sales, visual merchandising and styling.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, I was influenced by fashion being surrounded by a family that embraced it. My aunt was a designer and that was one of the main components that added fuel to the fire for me. I graduated from Finneytown High School in 1999 and went on to attend college at The University of Cincinnati majoring in Clinical Psychology and Early Childhood Education. In 2011 I started FashionYellow, LLC while working full time in the non for profit sector and styling part time. I work with various designers, models, photographers and makeup artists on different projects, photo shoots and events. I am passionate about what I do and you can see it through my work.
Fashion- The outer definition of your inner being.
Yellow – Easy to see, very bright, creative and fun energy. Yellow also symbolizes clarity and awareness which is what I want to leave with all who experience my work.
In 2020, I began doing business as ‘Styled By Leah Michelle’, a refreshment to the brand and business. ‘Being Style Conscious’ and the concept of ‘You Are What You Wear’ are the brand concepts now. With a recent relocation to Houston, Texas, I will gain a bigger platform and be able to network with more creatives.
My favorite quote is “You can give up on a dream.. but a calling will follow you all the days of your life”~ anonymous.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth sailing. I really want to pursue styling full time. It can be very frustrating when you don’t have the clientele built up to do so. I haven’t felt supported at times and we know how sad and hurtful that can make a person feel.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a stylist and personal shopper, I work with teams or solo to style models and people like you for editorials, events and you can think of in between. My work has been featured in local and national magazines, websites. I am most proud of the fashion show competition I won in 2016. It was the year my father passed away and he was able to see my work and my win. I felt that he stayed alive long enough to witness it. What sets me apart from others is my versatility. I don’t just have one type of look I stick to.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is the power to keep going in the face of adversity until you get to where you want to be or the desire you want to achieve.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styledbyleahmichelle/
