Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimmy Lola Cunningham.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My mother always jokes that, ‘ever since my water broke in the mall, I knew you’d be into clothing’ and I always joke back that, ‘I’m sorry mom but I would have gladly been born in the mall; I would have done better than a pink bow’. Getting dressed up and expressing myself has always been a part of my life. It was kind of one of those things that I just grew up doing for fun not actually realizing how passionate I was about it.
College was helpful. I learned how to be self reliant when a financial crisis forced me to withdraw and support myself for two years until I could afford to finance the final years of my education. This experience helped me realize what a bachelor degree meant and also that I had absolutely no interest in my major anymore. During that time, I faced hardships and the growing pains of adulthood, but I also became more creatively inclined and self confident, realizing how much I loved piecing together outfits. During those years, clothing and styling quickly became more than just a hobby.
During this period in my life, I was working full time in the restaurant industry, and had the luxury of going to work during the afternoons. It never mattered to me if the outfit I was wearing before work was going to be seen later on that night after I changed out of my uniform. The simple act of getting dressed up everyday in accordance to my mood became this blissful adventure where I’d gain insight into my dispositions and preferences and how to creatively express them. Once I returned to school, I was still working full-time and trying to wear fun outfits to school as well. I decided then on a fateful, sunny September day back in 2016, that I wanted to document my style via Instagram. I was living with my boyfriend in an apartment complex that had the most magnificent natural lighting on the top floor and I decided this would be my new studio. Each morning I would dress up, lug my tripod and camera to the top floor and take pictures, documenting the details of my outfit. I grew some followers (mostly my friends and acquaintances – thanks everyone) but I wasn’t expecting anything mind-blowing to happen overnight. My goal was really to just make more connections in the fashion industry and eventually have a ballin’ portfolio of what I felt I was good at and loved.
As I improve and refine my skills, I hope to find new and creative outlets to help others express themselves while continuing to grow and change my own look(s). I have met some of my best friends through Instagram, varying from models to photographers to other inspiring people who have helped me along this strange, social media journey, and now I can happily say that my styling and my photographs have expanded outside of my little hallway. Nowadays, I strive to continue to build my portfolio, work with local businesses and style my friends along the way while photographing as many moments as possible. The part I enjoy most is reaching out to local businesses such as thrift and vintage stores like Thrive Exchange in Somerville and Great Eastern Trading Company in Cambridge. Having the privilege of working with each store and their unique, curated clothing keeps my spontaneity going and the creative juices endlessly flow for future projects I have in mind.
Please tell us about your art.
I’m a fashion blogger who’s enthusiastic about bright colors and pattern mixing. I’m also a stylist on the rise. I model and help coordinate and style other models and friends for various photoshoots often using clothing from local thrift stores. My goal is to eventually work independently and make styling my full time job both on photography sets and helping individuals express themselves through the art of clothing.
I always hope that people stumble upon my blog and feel inspired to be unapologetically themselves. We live in a world that is constantly telling us what to do, who to be and how to act, but with fashion there is always a way to let a bit of yourself shine through. For example, I have worked jobs with strict dress codes and still found ways to express myself while appealing to the corporate environment, whether through funky earrings or the use of colors, layering, and those little details that make a big difference. In your free time, there aren’t limitations on what you can dress up as unless you decide to put restrictions on yourself, so you may as well have fun when you can!
Most recently, I’ve been really drawn to bright colors and wild prints because it generally cultivates a feeling of happiness all around and personally makes me feel confident to be who I am. I generally want my viewers and future clients to feel amazing in what they wear and have the mentality that they can get up in the morning and choose an outfit that best expresses who they are on any given day. It is my goal for my personal style to push myself beyond defined trends and piece together items that someone would look at individually and not be able to conceptualize how it could work. I want my clients, my viewers, and my prospective contributors to be able to go beyond what the fashion industry advertises to the world.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Dive headfirst into what your passionate about and don’t look back. Everything take time, but if you work hard, are have confident in who you are what you want to achieve, you will get there – I’m still on my way too, but I have infinite faith in myself that I’ll get to where I want to be, and that is something you must always remind yourself of.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can support me by following my fashion blog via instragram! My handle is @holalalalola.
Additionally, if you’re a model, photographer, brand, local business or someone simply just wanting to learn more about fashion and desire to revamp your style, please contact me by e-mail. You can also access my website for more information.
Contact Info:
- Website: holalolastyle.com
- Phone: Available upon request
- Email: kimmylolastyle@gmail.com
- Instagram: @holalalalola
Image Credit:
David Morales, Grace Drinkwater, Mae Horak, Gail Coogan
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.
