By Saneeta Harris
At first glance, Stacey Jordan may seem like your ordinary New York City stylist. She got her start working at H&M on 5th. Ave as a sales associate. Within 2 months after being recognized for her unique style, with no formal schooling or training in fashion,she was asked to be a part of H&M’s Visual Merchandising team ,creating window displays and styling mannequins. After several years of climbing the ranks thoughout the company, Jordan kept on hearing a voice say “leap and the net will appear”. After 7 years of working at H&M, Jordan listened to the voice. Without knowing where her next check or job would come from, she left to start Divine Styling International, a small company that specializes in wardrobe styling ,image consulting and personal shopping.
Her ambitious leap of faith has led to styling models and artists in numerous commercials, films, campaigns, music videos over a three-year span, including Busta Rhymes , Q-tip , Nas and even Three 6 Mafia.
Despite her success over the past three years, Jordan contends she’s far from ordinary. Jordan says, “There’s really a purpose in what I do. Its not just about clothes. It’s always about people first, it’s about energy. Energy plus people equals human interaction!”
From the outside looking in, the styling industry can appear glamorous. Jordan acknowledges her job has its perks, but says the choices she makes on her projects can affect her and the people who look up to her. “I just have a passion for art. I have a passion for people,” Jordan says. “I Take the Power of Influence very seriously. Everything that I do has to be of quality. I need to feel good about it, and be able to show my kids, my family and my mentees.”
That means using her discriminating taste when selecting projects.
“I will pass up on a check if I feel as though the project is not one in integrity,” Jordan says.
Stacey Jordan doing what she does!
A Free Agent and an Entrepreneur
Any freelance agent can testify that having a steady stream job one month, to sitting on your laurels the following month waiting for the next job can be nerve-racking, but Jordan says she’s fortunate to have wonderful,supportive friends and has developed unwavering Faith. “What I need always shows up right when I need it!
“A lot of people in the industry as in everyday life are dramatic, high-strung and speak to people in a very nasty manner. It’s unfortunate sometimes people feel as though you have to be this way to get respected,” Jordan says. “I feel the opposite. You treat people with respect, and they respect you. Everyone has something going on. Often when people are nasty or disrespectful, they’re hurting. With that understanding I know no matter that positive energy nine times out of 10 can change any climate!”
Even though success cannot always be measured monetarily, Jordan gives credits to her openness and reliability and tries to pay it forward. “Somebody else saw the talent in me, and I hope to return that to someone else,” referring to her Jersey City-based mentoring program Metamorphosis Mentoring [Unlimited]. “I try to bring as many students as I can on set with me so they can get hands-on experience and kind of see how these videos, commercials and photo shoots work. I’m a humanitarian first, fashion stylist second.”
Success cannot always be measured monetarily. “I feel extremely successful when I look at the opportunities I’ve had since taking my leap of faith.” Jordan gives credit to her openness and reliability. “In all that I do, I aim to pay it forward. Somebody saw the talent in me before I did, and I hope to return that to someone else,” referring to her Jersey City-based mentoring program Metamorphosis Mentoring [Unlimited].
“I try to bring as many students and young adults as I can on set with me so they can get hands-on experience and see how these videos, commercials and photo shoots work,” Jordan says. “I have quite a few community based projects and initiatives in the works.”
When Jordan looks back at the ups and even the downs of her career she’s is pleased. “I wouldnt change a thing!” She thanks her best friend, family and team for encouragement when she was afraid to take a leap out on faith and continues to acknowledge the people who have put her on the right track. “As I evolve in my career, more importantly I evolve as a human being,” Jordan says. “I’m a humanitarian first, fashion stylist second.”