#Celebrating AK Brown: Meet The Fashionista That's Preserving The Black Fashion Community in St. Louis
Throughout the month of March, we are highlighting women who are change-makers, innovators and all around bad-a** girl bosses! We recently had the chance to chat with St. Louis native AK Brown about her community efforts, how she got her start in fashion and more.
Meet AK Brown
Fashion Connector | Brand Stylist
As a former product developer turned "fashion connector" AK craved a community that included all Black fashion creatives. After being in the shadows for so long, she decided to create her own seat at the table by creating an inclusive space for Black fashion creatives that all bring something unique to the industry, thus Black in St. Louis Fashion was born. Check out the Q&A below to learn more about her:
What makes you Rare?
My confidence & my aura easily make me rare. I’ve been told many times that “I’m a vibe”, you just aren’t going to get another AK. But, to that point, everyone is rare and has unique qualities about themself. For me, I’m just more open about those qualities.
How did you get your start in fashion?
I started blogging over 9 years ago while getting my degrees from Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts. From there my brand expanded and evolved while I also was working on the corporate side of fashion as a product developer.
What’s your ultimate goal?
To wake up and do what I love - fashion. Whether that’s commentating on fashion, styling, blogging, etc - my ultimate goal is to do all of it and more full-time.
What inspired you to create Black in St. Louis Fashion?
Photo credit: Kuro Blackk
First, the lack of visibility and celebration for Black fashion professionals and creatives in St. Louis. Second, all Black fashion creatives need to be represented - not just ones whose brand aligns with what is acceptable in mainstream fashion. My mission with Blac in St. Louis Fashion is to close that gap and build a community where we all can thrive.
Who are some of your personal faves in fashion?
My personal favorite is Juliette Fox. I just love how she takes anything, mixes and matches to create her own style. I resonate with that so much because I personally don't identify with one specific style.
What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far?
I don’t think I can say one thing. If anything - being able to create an authentic brand that people seek out is the biggest, and within that brand, there are so many other small accomplishments and victories, it’s hard to say or point out just one. But being able to do what I love and for people, complete strangers at that, to seek me out about information I post or an outfit I wore and they classify me as an authority in this field is truly everything to me.
How does being a stylist help you express yourself as a woman?
As a stylist, I teach women and men how to use personal style to express themselves, especially when it relates to their brand. As entrepreneurs and creatives, we are the first point of contact for our brand, and whether we know it or not, what we wear is a direct reflection of our authority in our niche, even on our worst days. I show people how to express that brand through the power of clothes.
What advice would you give someone trying to tap into their personal style?
I would first say you have to address anything on the inside. A lot of times we dress up the outside so we don’t have to face our internal struggles but without addressing what’s on the inside, you aren’t going to be confident enough to really rock the clothes you have. Second - understanding your body type is easily how to fix why certain outfits don’t look good on you. A lot of people wear things that don’t flatter their body, and by simply researching what goes with their body type, they understand exactly what to wear to always look on point.
For many people, fashion is a form of expression. How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Experimental, unapologetic, and confident
What’s next for you?
The focus this year is to expand the brand and become more of a “household” name. I am currently working on a TV Pilot as well as a book, and launching my coaching business full time for fashion professionals, specifically stylish.
To learn more about AK Brown please visit www.akbrownstl.com. To learn more about Black in STL Fashion please visit www.instagram.com/blackinstlfashion.