Today we’d like to introduce you to Ileisha Honeycutt.
Hi Ileisha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Whew !! Honestly, god! I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana (9thward baby ) but grew up in Houston, Tx. I moved to Texas during Hurricane Katrina. A story most people can resonate with. Moving to Houston I felt like I had to found my new identity, find out who I was and what I was really into. I’ll tell you though, I wasn’t the most confident and very shy so it wasn’t easy figuring out life. After middle school /Highschool I discovered fashion and all things beauty. I had a fashion class that I loved, I was always making little skirts and dresses. ( It wasn’t the best but ya girl made it work.) We needed models to model our garments for the school fashion show but again I was too shy to approach anyone.
My friends at the time had this bright idea suggesting I model my own clothing. I really didn’t think too much into so I decided to just go for it. Hoping no one was going to be there. Well, the day came and it was time for me to walk. It was the most anxious but exhilarating thing I ever felt. I felt so alive, I felt so comfortable. It was like I was the only one there just walking to the beat of my own Drum. I knew then that I wanted to be a model. So I started doing my own research, trying to find the best schools but everything boiled down to money and support. Which I had neither at the time . But you know what they say before people support you they have to see you make it first. They don’t always see the vision. Although, That didn’t stop me! It only made me hungrier to keep chasing my dream and making a name for myself. What helped me is that I’ve reach out to so many photographers, did so many classes in Houston/New York, etc and I just networked my ass off. To get to a point of getting real recognition and people sending my info to others to work with me. I’ve been truly blessed but I say all of that to say without hard work theirs no room to grow. I’ve now been doing this for over 10 yrs and it has put me in the most beautiful places and also I’ve been able to meet so many people. My confidence since then has skyrocketed. During the years, I’ve learned that being kind to people can take you very far.. but in the modeling industry, you have to have tuff skin and passion !! If you know, you know. I grew so much during these years and throughout I’ve been passing my knowledge to other inspiring models. My journey continues but I’m also now putting my passion into fashion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all! It was a lot of sacrifices, family, jobs ..etc. losing jobs, opportunities and just being creatively drained. I remember having jobs that were so hard to keep I just kept searching for something that was more flexible. That’s how I got into being a bridal stylist (6 years now ) When I say I was dedicated, I did whatever it took to get to where I wanted. For a while, I was questioning if this was even my purpose. It just seemed like the road was getting longer and longer. I had to depend on someone, I just couldn’t do it on my own. That’s when I began to create a closer relationship with God. I’m telling you our relationship is Exquisite, that’s the homie. ❤️ He showed me things I would’ve never believed in. He showered me with so much, he protected me in places that were vulnerable. My faith is so strong because of him.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
So where do I begin.. I’m a print and runway model. Who also works in the bridal field, I’m a bridal stylist to be exact. I’ fell into bridal by accident but I quickly found out how good I was. I’ve helped over 100 brides find there “I do” gown. Being surrounded by love and receiving love in return is the best job I’ve ever done. It definitely has its downfalls though but I’m a tough cookie, the “bridezillas” were always my favorite. I’m most proud of how I’m able to adapt to every kind of human being I encountered, when you work with me, you had a friend you can trust to make sure you look beautiful. It helped me evolve in conversation and to be able to talk to anyone. During bridal, I was able to step into my fashion era! The girls know, I was not showing up without showing out. After a while, the brides and family’s were asking where I get my outfits, shoes, etc lol. They never could believe it was THRIFTED. I mean from earrings to shoes. I was definitively not a material girllll. I made thrift look expensive and chic. Which bought me to open my brand OOH HONEYY .. I’ve had a few soft openings but the official online launch is in March. This brand is so special to me because it’s a vibe I’ve created for others to find their voice but with clothing. To find their confidence. And to also feel good going into the world with how they express themselves. And for those who don’t know how to style but want to look good on a budget. You can get me as your personal stylist. I feel as though what sets me apart from others is the meaning behind the brand. This brand is for anyone who ever felt counted out. Who was too shy or lacked confidence to wear a certain outfit. This brand is for whoever wants to feel empowered. To feel like they are the statements in their own lives. This brand is going to give back but also give opportunities to women who were like me. Searching for a way out but didn’t have the proper support or guidance. It’s not just about clothing, it’s about freedom to feel like yourself in the comfort of your own control.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Aww, my favorite childhood memories were when all my cousins, siblings and I would sleep over by my grandma’s house. We would wake up to the smell of her cooking breakfast. Playing around on the floor looking at SpongeBob or other cartoons on the television until she said “the foods ready y’all”. It was always so special to me.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Oohhoneyy.co
- Instagram: @honeycutt___. | @oohhoneyy.co
- Facebook: Ileisha honeycutt
Image Credits:
@shotbytony
@pointandclickphotography
@demarcusadams
