Today we’d like to introduce you to Edwina LaShan.
Hi Edwina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, we are Edwina LaShan! We are sisters, born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Marquita Edwina, and Al’leta LaShan Ector. The name “Edwina LaShan” originated from our middle names.
Nine years ago, we created “Edwina LaShan Fashion Blog” to bring attention to shopping under a budget and still being stylish. With a huge lack of fashion and diversity within our community, we wanted to show our supporters that fashion is obtainable, where ever you reside.
We wanted to spark conversation about fashion and bring awareness that fashion does exist in Chattanooga. We started off just by taking photos of ourselves to share our style. We would take photos around town in super bright and bold-colored outfits, in front of super-cool colorful art murals.
As time went on, we started to meet other fashion influencers who were also interested in fashion. We would later expand and invite fashion influencers, from all over, to share their platform on our pages. We have highlighted fashion bloggers, fashion stylists, fashion designers, models, MUA, hair stylists, celebrity styles, and the list goes on…
Over the last nine years, we have hosted fashion shows, worked as models and staff for Chattanooga Fashion Week, styled for photo shoots, and hosted events. We also host our own event, “Unwine in Style” highlighting Fashion Designers and boutiques from surrounding areas. Our next event will be on July 16, 2022.
Al’leta LaShan studied Sociology and Criminology at Middle Tennessee State University, she has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Double Minor in Criminology and Paralegal Studies.
Marquita Edwina Ector studied Fashion Design and Speech Communications at Tennessee State University, she has a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
We believe the road to success is not easy, but in the end… it pays off!
People may not support or get what you have going on at first, but keep going. Maybe they will eventually wake up and understand. If not… that’s on them.
You have to work hard, to get to where you want to be. Invest in yourself. Believe in yourself. Eventually, the right people, the right investments, will come along to open the doors to get you to where you want to go.
“Some people are never going to clap for you, keep winning!” -Viola Davis.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are known for our fashion blogging and fashion styling. We have pretty unique styles. We are not afraid of color, prints, bright colors, or nude colors. We honestly play around in all colors. We believe fashion and style are about having fun and going outside the norm.
Trying new things. Colors are so much fun. You can stack color or add a pop of color. If you don’t feel comfortable with color, start with a nude piece and begin to add color. Over time add more and more color. We love wearing head wraps and turbans. Colorful earrings.
We love to switch up our hairstyles, big afros, braids, and straight hair. The list goes on… We are not afraid to be ourselves, we try to encourage others to do the same… if you like it, wear it!
Don’t worry about what others think. Do you! Style it to your liking. It’s not about what you wear, but how you wear it! Be confident! Many people worry about someone being at events and wearing the same look as them, someone can have the exact same outfit you have on… but what it ultimately comes down to, is the way you both uniquely style the look.
Style yourself to your own liking. Sometimes it helps to create a style board. Less is definitely more! But more can sometimes be fun! It’s all about balance. If you are going to stack necklaces, where a stud earring. If you are going to wear big earrings, don’t wear a necklace.
What makes you happy?
Just living life, makes us happy! God makes us happy! His creations. Having the full ability to create our own happy life, and do what we love!
The beach is definitely a happy place. The serenity that comes from God’s peaceful creation. The blue ocean and waves. Sand in between our toes. Hearing the birds chirp. Just being free and away from the everyday stress of life. We love to travel and meet new people!
Our family also makes us happy! We love to spend time with our family. Family time is everything! Fashion makes us happy. Wearing the clothing/pieces that create “happiness and freedom” makes us happy.
- Website: www.edwinalashan.com
- Instagram: @edwinalashan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edwinalashan/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/KBfNLtvzCvA
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unwine-in-style-tickets-333265063777
Image Credits
Casey Yoshida
