For this weeks Style Spotlight I would like to shine a light on a very influential figure to me, my good friend and mentor Dayna L Hamer. I promise you it is worth taking the time to read this article just to get the slightest glimpse into her life that I can provide to you, because her name is one-hundred-percent worth remembering. She is certainly taking on the fashion industry by storm and big things are coming from her - There is no doubt in my mind.
I met Dayna just a year ago at a fashion show casting in Johnson and Wales University. I simply wanted to watch the models try out, transfixed by these types of occasions, however not having the interest myself, or rather the confidence, to participate. She was a stranger to me and I to her, but none-the-less a beautiful and life transforming gesture took place that day. This stranger - exactly that a stranger- encouraged me to take a chance and put myself out there. I tried out, made the show, and have been in love with doing runway ever since. The thing, however, that I found myself reflecting on about this point in time, was the reason why this stranger nudged me to engage this experience and secondly why did I listen to her. It wasn't long before Dayna no longer was a stranger to me and became an influential figure and practically a big sister. In getting to know her better I learned the answer to both of my questions. I am not over exaggerating when I say that Dayna is a person who exemplifies and harnesses the beauty that humanity assumes the potential to have. Dayna has the tendency to bring out the very best in people when they sometimes faulter to do it themselves. She invests her wisdom and guidance in others, whether it is with intention or not, and inspires them to dedicate themselves to their cause and shine at whatever it is that they want to do. The single most valuable lesson I took away from meeting her that day was not to be reserved in taking risks because you never know where these fleeting moments will take you. A conversation with her will really get you thinking, especially hearing the passion in her voice when she talks about fashion.
At just nine years old, Dayna's love for fashion began. This was the first time she had the freedom to pick out whatever she wanted to dress herself in. Her unique sense of style began to develop and she started to become more"in tune" with her own particular fashion sense. Attending a Berkeley fashion workshop in high school was a pivotal experience that transformed her perspective of the fashion industry and it that it became clear to her that it is the very field in which she wanted to pursue a career.
On an average day you can catch her in a chic, minimal ensemble with "a splash of edginess". The thing that I notice about Daynas wardrobe selection from day to day, is that it is versatile and always makes a statement- a fabulous one at that. She is a master of mixing prints and utilizes color elegantly. On any given day, her wardrobe will reflect her mood in a very clean, distinct, and well put together look. Think again if you thought you could catch her ever slumming around in sweatpants because even her casual outfits are laced with an impeccable swagg.
Dayna identifies fashion as a tool that is used to communicate ones sense of self to the world without any limitations or boundaries; it is a "creative outlet for people to engage themselves in". Fashion is not just an art she describes, but it is an embodiment of characteristics such as confidence and self empowerment. She has worked for years in many different positions and taking on various roles including retial sales, event coordinating, fashion show production, styling, merchandise marketing,... and the list goes on! With such a well reounded inventory of experience, Dana possesses a very articulate and full range of skills.
So what can we expect this young, ambitious, capable, and above all talented individual to have in store? She is constantly working on new projects and seeking out new experiences to further diversify her perspective of the industry. Sure a job is a high priority but through her work her true message is to "create beautiful images through fashion and tell a story, to empower the men and women of this world". As you can see she is a remarkable human being and I am thankful and gracious that I met her at this point and time and I have the unique opportunity to watch her grow and achieve her dreams as for the rest... you'll just have to visit the Fashionistas Village for that. Have a fab day dolls!
xoxo
-Miss Anon Fabulous
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