Today we’d like to introduce you to Diavante Nelson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Although the Mississippi Delta is not widely renowned for fashion, I was surrounded by it. Fashion runs deep in my blood. Unlike most young boys who spent their free time playing sports, I was out shopping with my hometown’s top fashionistas–my mom and my aunt! We spent hours and hours shopping in local department stores, but I was never bored or impatient. Instead, I was intrigued by the garments that highlighted their best assets and the accessories that made a bold statement and completed the look. It started by me simply giving my input to later being commissioned to put together complete looks all on my own. For me, fashion became more than just wearing a nice shoe or shirt. It became a significant part of who I was and a catalyst for who I would become, a personal wardrobe stylist. After much prayer and consideration, I decided to use my God-given talents to help others build their confidence by building their wardrobe. I decided to start my own company to represent my brand name, Javari Styling Company. The name for my brand is actually my middle name. I wanted my brand to represent me in a unique way. When you think of most high designer brands today like Teflar, Gucci, Fendi, Prada.. it has a unique sound to it down to the pronunciation. Javari will be the new Gucci or Teflar. Since starting my own company, I have styled numerous amount of people over the last 3 years. I have been able to express myself and my vision through styling Men and Women of all age groups with the latest fashion trends from high to low end fashion. Coming from a town called Yazoo City, MS as a beginner stylist, my business could only grow so much being in a town where the population is very small. I wanted to reach levels that I could not imagine at the time. I decided to expand my business by relocating to Houston, TX. I knew that I would gain an adequate amount of exposure in a city where it’s so many ways to network. Relocating to Houston has been the biggest yet greatest transition of my life. I’m still new to the City of Houston and I’m ready to embark my journey as a fashion stylist. With God being the head of my life, I’m a firm believer in what you put out in the atmosphere is what you will receive. So with that being said with hard work & determination, I aspire to be the next J Bolin or Kollin Karter who are both well-known celebrity fashion stylists.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a wardrobe stylist can sometimes be very difficult and stressful. It’s also what you make out of it. For me, fashion is a passion of mine. I highly believe in doing something you love while being great at it. Because I love fashion so much, that takes the weight off my shoulders when dealing with the disadvantages of being a stylist. When you’re passionate about something, that makes it fun. The challenges are there as well. You have to cater to your clients’ needs in so many ways. I have had really good clients that were not hard to cater to and I’ve had some that were hard to cater to. That comes with the job of a stylist. You will face disappointments in this industry. Being a stylist, you have to consider budget, sizing, styles, body type, trends, and so forth. You also have to consider timing if there is an event you have to prepare a client for. While virtual styling , I have had to rush shipping on items to get back in time for events and on a not-so-positive note, things can get lost in shipping or even be delayed. Due to covid, there is so much you have to be prepared for. The next thing to consider is backup plans In case something does not work. So yes being a wardrobe stylist can be very challenging but the beautiful part of it all for me, is that I love what I feel I was put on Earth to do. I will make a way to meet my client’s needs all while perfecting the vision. Overall, my journey has been pretty smooth. I’m also prepared for the many challenges that I may face in the future.
As you know, we’re big fans of Javari Styling Co. . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business is called Javari Styling Co. catering to men, women, and kids. I cater to a variety of body types and ages. I style for any event from weddings, parties, photo shoots, etc.
What stands out the most about me and my business is quite interesting and I believe very different from most stylists. Most stylist in today’s society starts out interning through different agencies or styling positions at some of most well-known high-end designer stores such as Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and the list goes on. Javari Styling Co. has its own LLC. I Diavante Javari Nelson, didn’t start my stylist journey the most common way. Instead, I started from the bottom in Mississippi. That makes me so proud because one day I will be able to look and say that I built this from nothing.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Becoming a wardrobe stylist was not an overnight decision for me. It wasn’t something that I instantly decided to do. Fashion had been instilled in me from my surroundings and family. Throughout my college career, I struggled finding my niche. I did not really know my career path. As an Alumnus student from the University of Southern Mississippi, I didn’t plan to be a stylist. I was asked by fellow classmates and friends often about being a fashion major because of my style. I had no intentions on being big on dressing or styling people but I often was the go to person for a lot of my friends’ and family members’ style decisions. I graduated and received my bachelor’s degree in May 2016 but wasn’t really happy working in many of the fields I’ve worked in. One day I came to my realization and knew after just styling people on my own time that I had a talent that could one day become a career. The excitement was at an all-time high from that point on. I learned I could utilize my talents and make money while doing so.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Javari.styles
- Facebook: Diavante’ Nelson
