What inspires you to be a stylist? I knew from a very early age that I waned to work in the fashion industry. A long time ago, I was introduced to a wardrobe styling and costume design class in college and loved it! I did everything I possibly could to gain experience by interning, fashion shows, networking events, everything anything I possibly could. I graduated on Wednesday and moved to NYC on the following Friday to pursue a stylist career… Let’s just say I was very determined!
How did you get your start?
I got my start as a stylist while taking a film and tv production course at Clark University, I discovered that you can make a career as a wardrobe stylist/costume designers and that’s when I took control. I’ve always loved fashion, but never thought I could make the kind of $$$ I wanted to make in that field, I originally wanted to be a video editor which is still one of my passions thereafter, I began persistently calling stylists in a production book that one of my professors gave me.
Finally someone responded and they referred me to a stylist by the name of Derek Khan. At the time, he was styling Xscape and Monica so he frequently came to Atlanta where I was attending school. He hired me for my first internship on Monica’s “The Boy is Mine” album cover photo shoot. From the moment I stepped foot on set I knew this was my destiny, my career, my life, and my passion.
Immediately after graduating college I moved to New York City to pursue my career. After assisting for about two years I began getting booked on my own jobs as a key stylist. My career took off quickly therefore the influx of jobs became very overwhelming for me to handle on my own. At this point I couldn’t handle playing the role as both agent and stylist so I convinced one of my best friends Brandi Simpkins to leaver her corporate marketing job and come represent me as an agent. Shortly after we started The Blynn Group and I was her first client on our our roster.
Who was your first celebrity client and was your reaction?
My first big client was Jay-Z… He was like a big brother to me and taught me a lot. He has always pushed me to be a better person and to learn the business of the industry.
What is your personal approach to style as it seems to be effortless as a stylist?
In my ten years of styling I have definitely evolved and created my own niche. My style is very timeless, classic and polished. My goal is to always help my client achieve their fullest potential in their own personal style. I always tell my clients “you should be able to look at your photos 10 yrs from now and not say what the hell was I wearing”. It should be timeless. My goal is to always please my client and make sure they are comfortable with what they are wearing. Nothing is ever forced. I tell them “I can bring you the clothes but YOU have to own the look.”
My personal style is structured but feminine, dark yet glamorous, classic yet forward…Parisian chic.
What intimates you about the fashion industry?
The fashion industry is so temperamental. It’s an on-going task just to remain relevant. I believe in hard work and I try to remain grounded, innovative and eager. It is a mix of those ingredients that has opened many doors for me. Anything is possible you just have to believe.
If you had the chance to collaborate with a celebrity on a clothing line venture who would it be?
Drew Barrymore… She’s my favorite Covergirl, and I love how her style transforms from hippie to haute so effortlessly.
Take us through a typical day for you?
Wake up with meditation and prayer. Then spend time with my daughter Lyra. Morning’s are my favorite time to spend with her…I love to see her smile when she first wakes up…we cuddle and watch Sesame Street together. She makes my heart smile. Next off to Starbucks for my daily fix – grande soy latte. Then I’m off to the gym for an hour. I enjoy working out and make it apart of my
lifestyle. If not on a photo shoot, my work day starts around Noon. Shopping on Fifth Ave to LES, meetings with new clients, jewelry meetings, and I’m usually home by 8pm to kiss my daughter goodnight.
How do you balance as a mother and entrepreneur? How do you manage your time?
My daughter is my first priority… Most of my free time is spent with her. I rarely work on weekends as that is our time together. I only travel when absolutely necessary and if so I’m usually in and out. I have a great support system but it is very hard balancing family and work. When my life is balanced…I’m my most happiest.
What advice would you give those trying to break in the industry?
Assist, assist, assist. It allows you to make mistakes on someone else’s job.
Who is your top celebrity client? Right now Usher… But I’ve worked with everyone from Jay Z, Will Smith, Rhianna, Ciara, Jamie Foxx etc..
What is your favorite social media tool and why?
I love Twitter…it took a minute to grow on me but I use it to speak the viewers of House of Glam. I also use it as a marketing tool for myself as a Stylist and my own jewelry line LYRALOVESTAR which will be launching for Holiday 2010. www.lyralovestar.com.
Watch Crystal on her new show “House of Glam” on www.oxygen.com or send her a tweet @crystyles
