Today we’d like to introduce you to Baraka McCann.
Hi Baraka, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Most people have a general idea of what they like to do when growing up, or even a passion that they like. Fashion was my idea, and passion, and even further, I was fascinated with it. Not just in a general sense, but more in tune with the history, and emotion behind fashion. I became the best dressed at my high school, and never looked back! I started taking an interest in fashion more seriously when I got to college.
In the second to last semester of undergrad, I decided to graduate and get a second degree in fashion merchandising. My first degree is in psychology and something in my body told me to do fashion, do something I love to do, not what makes me money. As soon as I graduated in May of 2016 that is when my journey in fashion started.
I attended the Art Institute and was only there for a quarter. But, I learned so much and worked with celebrity stylists, and worked as a dresser for runway shows. I even started my fashion blog and business SheSimplyChic. I left and started attending Houston Community College, where I graduated with my Associate in Fashion Merchandising. I also received certificates in Visual merchandising, and fashion image merchandising.
That was where my happiness and boldness came from. Doing something I am genuinely interested in and what I love to do. Thinking that I couldn’t do anymore, I also graduated with my Master’s in global Retailing from the University of Houston. This is where I took the leap of faith to even get invited to go to places like NYFW, meeting all kinds of important people.
We all have certain mini goals of what we are passionate about. A stylist was for one, becoming a model which I did in 2010, becoming a production stylist, and of course, having my fashion line. But these things were huge to get into, and very slim chance. I was just at the beginning of my journey.
My main goal is to become a mogul in the fashion industry. I will do just that. I already became a model at the age of 15 and became a production assistant at the age of 27. I have a couple more goals to go and I won’t give up!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My Goodness, of course not! Even right now to be transparent, this year has not been one of my good years. With social media blowing up “influencers”, the market became very very saturated. When I started posting online of just my outfits, I was getting somewhere. But now, you have to do a lot to keep your viewers on their toes. But I consider myself a lookbook. Not a day-to-day influencer. I am more into art, the way of expression.
Money can be a hardship because nobody funds you but you. So having real-life problems and trying to do what you love can be a challenge. Especially the older you get.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a plus-size fashion blogger and a production stylist. I love editorial work, it is so free and expressive, that’s all I want to feel and do! It is a lot of work, but if it’s your passion, you won’t feel like you are doing a job. I am known as the classy and chic plus-size girl who knows how to switch up in each category! I am so behind and proud of myself, my education, and my business. I would have never even dreamed or imagined where I have been thus far if I didn’t believe in myself.
The fact that I have graduated from school 5 times and 4 of them dealing with fashion is mind-blowing. 7-year-old Baraka who used to play styling games on the computer would have never even fathomed where I am today.
I wanted to learn how to draw fashion, and even became part of the production side. Which is something I mainly wanted to do. Having a job and implying that into my own business was scary but it is a thrill! So beyond proud of the things I love to do I became!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I learned and still do to this day is discipline and consistency. Those two words are huge in anything you do. Even to this day, it is hard, but being dedicated to your passion every day is a must! At least 30 minutes of research. You always have to be in the know of your industry.
Pricing:
- Production styling package $250
- Consultation styling for a photoshoot $100
- How to become a fashion model Ebook $25
- Photoshoot Moodboard $50
- Line sheet of plus size stores to shop from $15
Contact Info:
- Website:www.shesimplychic.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
SheSimplyChic - Facebook: www.facebook.com/shesimplychic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/BarakaMcCann
Image Credits
brionnecdunham
Warren B Creating
shop12twentytwo
