Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasmine Kenawi.
Yasmine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m an Egyptian style blogger, stylist, and fashion addict. About five years ago, I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, majoring in Fashion Business. While living there, I interned for many fashion brands like LANVIN and attended many events that helped me establish enough connections in the fashion industry. During my second year of college, I started my blog as a hobby hoping to inspire many women with my unique sense of style. The idea was triggered by the number of girls that would come up to me asking where my outfit was from. Once I graduated, I decided to pursue it as a career and transform it into my very own styling business. Also, I decided to branch out into creative direction and styling photoshoots for many brands, rather than just sticking to my blog. Since then, I’ve been based between Egypt, New York, and Houston. It’s really been quite a journey but with patience and hard work, I was finally able to land super exciting brand deals. About a year ago, I got featured on a highway bill board with Coca Cola Egypt, as well as collaborating with brands like VALENTINO, Coach, and Daniel Wellington.
Great, 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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! Every entrepreneur in any industry has to face many challenges in order to become successful. I actually think that these struggles are what make us the best. Being a fashion blogger is harder than what many people think it is. In the beginning, there were many rejections or simply no replies from many brands. It can be super stressful balancing between social media and real life. That’s something I’m working on right now. There are days where I can be super down because I’m always thinking about how my numbers are doing on social media or what my followers think about my brand as a whole. It can be very draining! I’m sure any blogger or influencer can relate to that. I think it’s really important to keep your phone away from you for at least an hour of your day to destress. Also, fashion blogging has become extremely competitive and being able to stand out to brands can be a huge struggle. However, my advice is to always stay authentic and just be yourself. It’s really important to never compare yourself with any other fashion blogger/influencer on Instagram or even just in general. NEVER compare. Building your own style, aesthetic and a story is what will truly make you excel. If I can do it, then you can too!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Yasmine Kenawi – what should we know?
I’m a full-time blogger and stylist. I’m known for having a very fun and cool sense of style. Also, I like to keep my Instagram feed very editorial inspired, rather than just a regular street style shot. All my photos will always have a story where my followers can personally relate to. I believe this is what sets me apart from many other influencers or bloggers in the industry. It’s very important to find something that makes you unique and build your brand around it. Recently, I started creative directing and styling photo shoots for brands because that’s always been something I’m super passionate about and I’ve always wanted to branch out my business to more than just blogging. I’m hoping I’ll start a fashion line soon as well. The one thing I love most about my brand is that it constantly inspires many young women. I want them to know that if you put your mind to it, it’s possible to succeed. Also, the most important thing is that they know who I really am and that everyone goes through many life obstacles, and there’s always a way to overcome them. Plus I love giving out outfit advice.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I love listening to The Influencer Podcast by Julie Soloman. It provides many great tips from many entrepreneurs, bloggers, and editors in the industry. I’m also reading this book called “The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck” and I love it. It’s super eye-opening and helps me stay grounded in such a tough an industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yasminekenawi.com
- Phone: +1-832-533-1624
- Email: yasminekenawi1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminekenawi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaskenawi/
Image Credit:
Photographer: Reham El Sheimy, MUA: Sharif Tanyous, Photographer: Baher Khairy, Art Direction: Salma El Fawal, Model: Tibyan El Fateh, Photographer: Mohsen Othman, Art Direction: Radical, MUA: Passant Ahmed, Photographer: Ehab Azab, Production: Kira Productions, MUA: Mai El Tarzi, Model: Riyana El Khatib, Photographer: Maryam Nafie, Art Direction: Radical, Stylist: Yasmine Kenawi
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