Style & Substance: The transition from college life to real world is tough, how have you continued to get your name out in the industry?
Networking and continuing to be hungry! Each time I meet someone in the industry exchanging contacts and actually following up with friendly emails that aren’t necessarily asking for anything. You really have to “stay humble stay low and blow like hootie”! Each job you do you have to act like your life depends on it whether it’s paid or not. Internships can lead to jobs if you play your cards correctly and you have good timing!

Style & Substance:What are your upcoming goals?
My next goals are to get into some teleprompting classes because I eventually see myself as a TV personality. I also am looking to get into a full-time job IN the industry.

 Style & Substance: Any new projects on the horizon?
Right now my biggest project is getting settled in Los Angeles – I’m investing some time in myself. I excel most when I have a stable home life so that’s my immediate focus! I also have a project called, Close to the Bottom. It’s a compilation of interviews with cool people who are doing their thing in creative fields.

Style & Substance:Your resume is full of experience from Essence Magazine, In Style Magazine, and BET what is one of your best memories on the job?
Oh man! I have a lot of great memories. Some of them include BET Awards 07 when I worked the red carpet. I hadn’t ever been around that many celebrities at once so it was cool to see some of my favorite artists up close. I also loved working as a direct intern for Stephen Hill during the first BET Honors. That man is such a visionary. Essence was also great! I loved working all the photo shoots and going on market appointments – I had a lot of Devil Wears Prada moments there. I learned so much at Essence and at In Style I worked for a fabulous editor, Sydney Bolden-Long. She consistently gave me words of wisdom.

Style & Substance: Describe a day in the life at your job?
Well, I’m a bridal specialist right now at a well-known shop in Beverly Hills so my job is to help brides find the gown of their dreams and to help with other aspects of their wedding parties needs. If you’ve seen “Say Yes to the Dress” on TLC then that’s pretty much what I do. Its fun and a nice environment most days so I like it but I’m definitely looking to get a full-time job in the industry but this works for the moment. 

Style &  Substance: Finding a job in the age of a bad recession can really dampen a recent grad’s spirit, how do you maintain such a positive outlook?
I’ve definitely had some post grad depression. I was in Atlanta for 9 months after I left NYC and had the hardest time finding a job! It was so bad my mom suggested I go to nursing school. But I just kept focused on getting to LA. I aligned my path to get here. I got into FIDM and got a job the first day I got here so I know that LA is where God wants me to be. The piece of hope that I keep is that my break will come. I’ve already planted the seeds through my work ethic and am watering them through my diligence and faith. So one of these days I’m going to see the fruits of my labor!

Style & Substance: What is your Style & Substance?
My Style & Substance is knowing that having style without any substance is worthless. I pride myself on knowing that fashion and entertainment doesn’t make the world go round but it is something that I’m passionate about. I make sure I volunteer my time with noble causes like Girl Scouts of America. I’m currently training to be a troop leader in Girl Scouts of Greater LA. At the end of the day it’s bigger than me!

Tomara Watkins is a woman of many talents. A recent graduate of Howard University, she found her  calling three years ago when she began to pursue her true talent of becoming a makeup artist. She started her career ”behind the counter” as a makeup artist at Macy’s for the Bobbi Brown line and also has honed her skill at MAC. Her goals have been elevated to overdrive and she has become a sought after make-up artist, transforming blank canvases into works of art on many different editorial and fashion photoshoots. Her days are spent traveling to NYC and adding many new works to her portfolio.  Last year she debuted her site, T Watkins Beauty to showcase her finished products. This is just chapter 1 in the story of Tomara. Who knew a chemistry major would blossom into a modern day Picasso?

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: When did you fall in love with cosmetics?
Tomara: I came out the womb with an L’Oreal Juicy tube in hand…lol. I always snuck and played with my mother’s makeup when she left the house. I would go and try to put her foundation on, especially. Then there’s the moment I stumbled upon Kevyn Aucoin’s book face forward, because I was looking for books on sewing in the library (I thought I was going to become a seamstress). And there are also the times when I would sit home on Friday nights and read Seventeen magazine, and I remember Ashanti saying that she wore MAC and Bobbi Brown lip-gloss. I clipped the article out, because I would be traveling to Houston for the summer (I lived in the Maybury of Florida) and I knew there would be one of those stores there. My cousin offered to purchase me some new lip-gloss while I was at The Galleria and I found myself in the MAC store. He said that I could get anything I wanted, and I left with clear lip glass (the sticky stuff…lol). I wore that lip glass and I thought I was the S#$%, until my guy friend innocently asked me if I had just ate some chicken, because my lips were so shiny….lol.

 STYLE & SUBSTANCE: You have worked hard on the sales floor in retail, “pushing beauty” what was the hardest part of the job?
Tomara: Convincing women that the things that they considered flaws weren’t as big of a deal as they thought. Also, just dispelling all of the beauty myths that are out there. For instance, I had a woman tell me that black womenshouldn’t wear red lipstick…and just showing her that she could…just find the right shade. And encouraging women to take care of their skin. Well, at first I didn’t find anything really difficult about the ob. I loved it!! When my counter wasn’t busy I would visit other counters to see if I couldfind new products that I hadn’t discovered. But eventually, I started to get bored, because I didn’t have a true creative outlet. I would always get excited when new products would launch because the visuals stimulated me so much creatively. I would say to myself that that is what I wanted todo, so once I realized that and started testing the hardest part became having to be there.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are the three products every person should have in their beauty arsenal?
Tomara: I’ll give you 6 (I’m an over achiever):
1. A great moisturizer (this is even for you oily girls)…really a great
skincare regimen.
2. Mascara
3. Undereye concealer ….this can take away all of those late nights, by making you looked rested. Don’t forget the eye cream
4. Bronzer….quick and easy way to give your skin a glow
5. A natural looking blush …
6. Semi Matte Lipstick …this is great when you need to lookprofessional….lip gloss can be a bit distracting in these situations.

STYLE& SUBSTANCE: What well-known makeup artist or model really personifies true beauty to you ?
Tomara: Iman. Even at 50, she still maintains herself and looks amazing. She is also very comfortable in her skin and encourages everyone else to be as well.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are the beauty “no-no’s” that you see women use, which just looks horrible!!??
Tomara: Soooo many….too much blush for daytime, wrong shade and formulation of foundation. Test foundation on your jaw line and blush should look natural….enhancements…

STYLE&SUBSTANCE: Your best work you have done to date? [Whether a photo shoot or you choose..
Tomara: Cover of Highlights Magazine (not the kiddie magazine…I get that a lot). It should be in bookstores now.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are your long-term goals?
Tomara: I would love to be a key makeup artist at Fashion Week, and to one day become the creative director of my own brand.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What have you learned the most as a budding artist in this business?
Tomara: Just because you have talent doesn’t mean that the jobs will come to you. If you have talent, you have to go out there and network with everyone.It’s a hustle!!!

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: The FASHION/BEAUTY industry is now beginning to see our beauty as an asset, do you think this new resurgence in the BLACK FACE OF BEAUTY will last?
Tomara: You know….I think black beauty has always been celebrated, but only in small numbers. For instance, back in 90’s there was only room for a few top black models and really only 2. If you ask the average person to name two famous black models, I am sure we all know what names would come up. I just hope that moving forward there is room for more and that every aspect of beauty is addressed, including Latinas, Indians, Asians, anyone that has been underrepresented in the world of beauty.

 STYLE & SUBSTANCE: In your own words describe what is style and substance? Tomara: Originality and Creativity at its best.
Classic.

Makeup Artist: T Watkins
Photography: GL Wood

Up and coming fashion journalist Fatima, has always been in love with the written word. Since, as long as she could remember writing has been her calling. A New Jersey native and current Pennsylvania State University student Fatima has been on a mission to become the next great writer in the publishing world. Her work has been featured in U4Umagazine, a student produced magazine created by Barnes & Nobles Booksellers specifically geared toward the college demographic. With a natural talent, she has found many ways to add clips to her portfolio.  Her creative spirt is fueled  by her self confidence and drive. Fatima: a name you soon won’t forget!

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: How long have you been pursuing your dream as a fashion journalist?
Let’s just say, I was born with a pen in my hand! But when we can’t find the words to express ourselves, fashion finds its way. Thinking back to my high school days, fashion had become the root of my expression, opening doors to: photography, style and makeup. The idea of combining the two (fashion and writing) just makes it more exciting!

 STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Please tell me your favorite magazine and favorite books?
I’m a lover of magazines and wouldn’t say I have a favorite. Growing up, I was always a big reader of Vibe and Essence magazines; they were sent to my house monthly. Today, you’ll still find me cutting out articles and pictures from Essence magazines on a daily basis.

 STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are the ways you continually get your name out to build your writing portfolio? The publishing industry can be so fickle and you have to have the goods to get to the top…where are you headed?
We’ve all heard the saying “it’s about who you know”. In some cases this may be true, but the method I have always chosen to stick to is how you APPLY yourself in life. I believe you get out what you put in, and the key is to explore! If that means sitting behind my laptop for hours and sending my work to editors who probably never check there e-mail than that’s just one of the risk I’ll choose to take. I don’t know where I’m going just yet, but I know with the decisions I ‘ve made and people I’ve chose to keep in my surroundings, I’m headed in the right direction.

 STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Do you have a mentor that has given you advice?
Yes. Graduating from high school, my mind was set on finding schools that were strong in the journalism area. As I was in the process of choosing these schools, Zandile Blay whom is a global style and culture writer, had not only been an inspiration to me, but she had gone down paths in her life that I still dream of following. You can check her out (www.zandileblay.com)

 STYLE & SUBSTANCE: As a burgeoning writer, you of course keep up on all the trends and news in the industry, what story from the past few weeks really had your attention?
I always find myself interested in news about Michelle Obama. And constantly the media is keeping up with all of her ensembles. I think it’s inspiring that along with her role as first lady, she’s showing woman all over that fashion is about expressing yourself regardless of what occupation you’re in! Recently, her new haircut has been all over the news and I think she looks amazing!

 STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are some new projects you are working on?
As of now, writing is my main focus. I’m still trying to put the pieces together myself, but let’s just say anyone who’s in love with their closet, will love this new article I have up my sleeves.

 STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Describe your Style & Substance?
My style and substance is a form of artistic expression, shaped and mold through originality. I see myself as artwork in motion: condensing style, essence, beauty, colors, textures, patterns, and accessories to paint the picture!

 Photography by George Caceres

Learn more about Fatima here.

The life of a celebrity fashion stylist is more than just playing dress up. Atlanta-based wardrobe stylist, Kim Maxwell has made a full time career by creating sought after looks for entertainers and TV personalities. This job is NOT for the faint of heart. It’s all about having a great eye and knowing what’s going to be hot today, tomorrow and next year for your client. Styling may sound glamorous on paper but it takes a long time to gain recognition for your work. There are many stylist that are household names: Mariel Haen (Rihanna), Rachel Zoe (Cameron Diaz) and of course Pat Field (Sex and the City). Kim is paving her own success story. She already is an accomplished writer, scribing a guide to styling called Career Diary of a Fashion Stylist while also teaching a on-line course about her craft as well. Her past list of clients include The Dream and Jagged Edge. There is no stopping this lady on the rise.

 STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What inspired you to pursue a career as a stylist in the music and fashion industries?

I have always loved fashion since a young child. Especially looking at movies and reading fashion magazines. I wanted to be that person who coordinated the wardrobe for the people in the magazines and on TV. Once I researched and discovered the title was a fashion stylist and that is person who did all of this, I decided that is was the career I wanted to pursue.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: When did you have that “a-ha” moment and you knew this was your calling to be a full-time image-maker?

Well it was a two part process for me once I did my research and read about the career and the careers of other fashion stylists like June Ambrose, Tameka Foster, Rachel Zoe, and Andrea Lieberman and the second part was once I did my first test photo shoot. I was like this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: You are based in Atlanta, why do you think that “the A” has become a recognized Mecca for all things hot in the entertainment business?

I think “the A” has been recognized Mecca for all things in entertainment business because of our Music Industry/Entertainment Industry here in “the A”. Some of the most popular people in entertainment are from or live here in Atlanta and rep Atlanta to the fullest. There are so many talented people here in music, art, fashion, makeup, and sports. It is like having a big melting pop full of some many talented people. “The A” is rich in music, entertainment, now movies are coming here, we are building a representation here for art and fashion also.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Have you had any setbacks or challenges in keeping your business thriving in such a tough field?

Yes, with any dream or business there are going to setbacks and challenges. I think this is what makes you a stronger person and a better businessperson. I’ve had financial set backs by being a” starving artist” and making sacrifices for a dream and career, let me elaborate I could go out and get a 9 to 5 job and have the car that I want and other luxuries or I can go into business for myself and work on accomplishing my goals, and drive the same car I had for years and live without luxuries to work on a dream that is more than a full time 9 to 5 job to me and the rewards at the end will be greater. There is nothing more like living your dreams, it is very hard, but nothing like it.I’ve had challenges of being in a market where most of the time it all about who you know and not really about your talent, and challenges of being in a recession where budgets are cut which means budgets for your rate and wardrobe are cut to. What I have done is made the best of out it, made a way out of no way, and been supported by GOD, my family, and friends who love and support me, which in return has given me the drive to continue and not give up on me or my career. I always say this career is 95% work and 5% glamour. I use to say 90% work and 10% glamour but that percentage has changed over time. Lol

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What was the motivation behind starting your on-line fashion styling course.

Well the motivation and the proposal of having my own course came from, Susan Cox, the owner of Cox Productions and Photostylingworkshops.com. Susan, who is a professional photo stylist and professor at Mesa College, came to me after she had her class read my book Career Diary of a Fashion Stylist. She liked my perspective on fashion styling, how I handled my business and career, and wanted me to teach a class online for her company. She took a change on me, saw something special in me, and not only humbled but appreciative of that.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What advice would you give to a budding fashionista who would like to become a stylist?

A Fashion stylist career is not only based on your talent, but also based on whom you know and the network of people you have met. You have to have thick skin and be ready for rejection. You will hear five no’s before you hear one yes. So Be prepared and ready for that. Having a great support system of family and friends around will help you through your hard and bad times.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Describe your typical day getting ready for a project or shoot?

Calling my assistants and getting them prepped on the project, contacting wardrobe vendors I will be using for the project, consult with the client, pull wardrobe for the shoot, a pre production meeting with the photographer, magazine editor, art director, artist management, client, or publicist. Researching fashion trends and prepping wardrobe- steaming clothes and coordinated wardrobe.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: What are the hottest trends that you know will be coveted this fall?

Distressed Denim, Lots of Color/Bright Colors and Prints, oversized jewelry and accessories.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: Where do you like to shop?

I LOVE, LOVE Forever 21! Ann Taylor, and H&M. Luxury Stores – Neiman Marcus, Vintage Stores- Lucky Exchange, and Local Boutiques- Cherry Bomb and Fabrik.

STYLE & SUBSTANCE: In your own words, describe your STYLE & SUBSTANCE?

My style is classy, sexy, sophisticated couple with a slight trend and classic pieces. My substance is GOD.

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