Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasey Steward.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been a creative & multi passionate visionary. I knew I was going to work in the fashion industry probably since I was 6 years old drawing terrible stick figure models and my mom losing me in the shoe department only to find me fifteen minutes later, entranced by the heels in the women’s section. I loved fashion ever since I could remember; I designed probably from the age of 6 though high school, and fell in love with photography during high school which is now one of my biggest passions. When I went to college I continued pursuing photography and studied fashion merchandising & retail marketing at Johnson & Wales University. During my time in college I also got into modeling through opportunities at the school and also shows in Rhode Island’s growing fashion culture and had the opportunity to walk in New York Fashion Week last November which was really exciting. I also started blogging and working behind the scenes of fashion show production while I was in college, and also now that I have graduated so here I am today! Hahaha I love being able to experience the fashion industry from so many different angles it is fascinating. My whole life I have always been drawn to artistic expression through fashion, and the power of sharing ideas and storytelling through visual medium. I use my blog and my photography projects as a way to channel my inspiration and express my perspective on culture and the human experience.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Certainly not. I am grateful that my parents have always been supportive of my career path (although for me there was just never any other option hahaha I was quite an sassy, energetic, and assertive seven year old). But the “limiting factors” of my potential success may be those cast onto me by society because I am black or because I am a woman. Fashion is simultaneously an expressive and oppressive arena for women. I choose not to focus on the box that others try to put me in or the scale they try to rate me on, I know that I do not have control of the way anyone collectively thinks, feels, or behaves except myself so that is where I focus all of my energy.
I am strong believer that you are the architect of your reality and subsequently no one will experience your life except you. And here is my message to young woman: It’s important to channel positive energy and realize the power you have in designing your life in the choices you make big and small every day. The content that we consume in our lives (online and in person) is the energy that feeds our souls and drives us. If we constantly take in the negativity of others than we can expect to omit that same frequency back out and ultimately not get very far in our self-growth. I reject negativity and be try to be my own sunshine as much as possible to see things through a positive and progressive lens because why the heck not, be happy! When you live this way nothing can stand between you and what you want to do in life except self-doubt.
What should we know about Beauty Brains & Boldness? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a jack of many trades I would say. I have a kind of quirky creative flair that I think people can appreciate and I am a people person I loooove working with people so I find a great deal of fulfillment in settings where I can meet and collaborate with others; like in delivering an experience such as a fashion show, or doing branding through photoshoots where I get to work one on one and help someone to draw out their vision. I have been focusing the majority of my time and energy into my photography lately; I do fashion photography, product shots/image styling, events, and independent projects.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
YES. I am glad you asked. I am OBSESSED with Cara Alwill Leyba she is a life coach and the ultimate girl boss role model. She offers nuggets of wisdom in balancing every aspect of life between career, health/fitness, happiness, self-awareness and life goals. I relisten to her podcast “Style Your Mind” nearly every day. She just has a way with words and something about her just makes you feel like you can take on the world and reminds you that anything you want to do is possible. She sets my soul on fire I swear.
My biggest fashion inspiration would defiantly be Anaya Roderick [the anayal8ter on Instagram]. She is an iconic New York stylist with a lot of personality. She is so funny and she keeps it real and raw. In the closet, she is a creative genius. You can’t help but respect her style it’s so outrageous and she pushes the envelope but yet it’s so effortlessly chic and it just WORKS. She’s fabulous.
My biggest life inspiration is my mom. She is an angel on this earth. I always tell her this and she laughs but I swear I have never seen her be mean to anyone ever. She has endless patience and is the sweetest most loving and caring soul on this earth. She is such a strong and admired woman and forged her way to a successful career trajectory with a kind heart and good intentions ALWAYS. She is assertive but not aggressive. Through the way she lives her life she taught me that you can do whatever you want if you are willing to work hard enough for it and you don’t have to do it in an evil, manipulative, or malicious way. Being a good person and helping/supporting others whenever you can, is the path to elevation. I hope one day I can be HALF the woman she is I have some big shoes to fill!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stewardkasey.wixsite.com/bbbphotography
- Email: beautybrainsandboldness@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybrainsandboldness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautybrainsandboldness/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/beauTbrainsbold
- Other: http://stewardkasey.wixsite.com/beautybrainsboldness
Image Credit:
Alexa Dumont, Brianna Shanice, Ijhani Jacobs, Sasha Bahirwani, Joanna Petit-Frere
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
