Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenil Askew
Hi JeNil, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been passionate about fashion since I was a young girl. Sketching and reading fashion magazines was my favorite past time. I think the first time I truly trusted myself to get into my passion was registering for classes at The University of Memphis for Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. I started styling girls at the UofM and eventually was the Co-chair of the University of Memphis Black Student Association fashion show. I became a flight attendant for 9 years and moved to Newark NJ. I used that time to see the world and get inspired. During the pandemic, the aviation industry was crazy, so i took some months off and hooked up with Angelique with Shop1of1 by Jolie and started styling and creative directing her denim brand. I usually just style my clients, but this opportunity opened other avenues to my creativity. I ended up picking up a camera and began photographing her campaigns. At first, it was soo hard to get the hang of it , but once I learned the settings, I found out my distinct taste and style for my works of art. Once I got confident in my craft, other clients like Kei with Pretty Girls Get Waxed came into my life. I decided to move back to Memphis permanently in June 2022. I took this time to collab with the art scene in Memphis and create amazing projects with new & existing artist . I hooked up with Andrea with Denim by LLA and we founded a art space in the Arrow Creatives studio . One of my dreams was to have a studio space of my own that felt creative and bright when you walk in. And Studio.Duo feels like confidence and passion and makes everyone smile when they enter. Now, I have moved to Atlanta Georgia in 09/09/2024 to get a Luxury Brand Management Master’s from SCAD and hope to be finished by the end of 2025. My goal is to be creative director/ art director for a major luxury brand.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been a smooth one, but it has smooth times. I had to realize the harsh reality of the industry I want to get in, especially while not having mentors to help guide me. I made plenty of mistakes and trusted the wrong people in my career journey. One of the struggles is finding like minded people who wants the whole team to shine. It is hard enough navigating life on its own. Relying on clients for income to survive and invest back in your business was also a huge struggle. Mentally I knew the statistics of small business in the first years. They call me ” The hidden Gem” because I do not have a website and I have made it this far with word of mouth and social media referrals. I have a certain type of client I look for because many creatives get burnt out mentally, so I make sure it is a client that is passionate and goal driven as well. Keeping a strong relationship with God is the reason why I am still motivated today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multifaceted creative. I do photography, wardrobe styling, set build, and creative direction. I am most known for my creative wardrobe styling and creative direction. What sets me apart is that I have a small team that gives brands the option for a full brand package, which takes care of Hair, makeup, nails, photography and wardrobe. My love for fashion and marketing helps me make the brands I work for desirable because I can shoot, style, and creative direct a campaign that makes the consumer have to have it. What I am most proud of is staying consistent with my art and not giving up.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned that when you slow down and listen, God will talk to you loud and clear. Also to live your life to the fullest because everyday is a blessing.
Pricing:
- Full Brand Package $2,500
- Photography only 1 look $300
- 2 Look Photography $500
- Set Design & Photography with Makeup $1,000
Contact Info:
- Email: Schedule a consultation through Jraskew22@icloud.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/did_iaskew/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/public/JeNil-Rae-Askew/
