Meet Amia Serrano | Fashion Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amia Serrano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amia, how do you think about risk?
I risked my job security as a Department of Justice employee by resigning and pursuing a career as a freelance fashion stylist with zero job security. That has been the biggest risk I’ve taken in my career to date! Although it’s been a rollercoaster of a journey, I don’t regret making that decision. If I didn’t, I would be stuck with a huge ‘what if’ over my head and stayed playing it safe. Of course think about the risk before taking it, but we all have to take at least one in our lives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the beginning of my career as a fashion stylist I was actually working a full-time job for the Department of Justice. I would use my vacation and sick leave and when that ran out I would use leave without pay just to style projects during the week and normal business hours or try and style some on the weekends when I was off of work. These projects weren’t paid either. I even interned for a stylist that I found on Craigslist, which was also for free and for the experience. A lot of sacrifice of time and money on my end.

Eventually, I got was contacted on LinkedIn by a tv producer to style their tv host and, of course, I took it. I then started getting so busy with the show and my schedule becoming more sporadic with multiple shoot days every week, I had to either resign from my full time job or go part-time and show up on days I’m supposed to be there. I decided to resign. It was a very hard and emotional decision I was leaving job security while living in NYC. I don’t regret it because that was when I was forced to learn the “freelance” side of working: owing taxes at the end of the year, needing to find work all the time, budgeting personal finances so I don’t go broke (which happened multiple times). It’s been a continued learning experience going through different seasons as a stylist.

My experience since consist of brand campaigns, editorials, music videos, press/red carpet, commercials, even personal styling. As of the new year, I started a YouTube channel to help aspiring stylists by sharing ‘What’s in my kit?’ and answering ‘How Do I..?’ questions regarding styling. What’s also cool is that I have an Amazon storefront that has everything and similar to what I share in my kit for convenience to those interested in buying items for themselves. I did all of this because not only do I get these questions asked a lot, but I didn’t get the help I needed when I first became a stylist. A lot of it was self-taught and learned along the way. Now, I want to help others with that. No gatekeeping here!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Without Him there would be no me or my career. The opportunities and people he’s placed in my path I’m super grateful for.

My parents Benny and Dawn Serrano who have always supported me in every possible way they can even through my bad decision making.

My old bosses for approving my time off to take on styling gigs during business hours even last minute ones.

My friends who stood by me all these years applauding me in the beginning and at the bottom.

Colleagues from every project I’ve worked on because it’s always a team effort including the brands I use – couldn’t style an outfit without them.

And the stylists I’ve assisted for; taking a chance on me, teaching me, and putting me on some really cool projects – Basia Richard, Zoe Costello, Virginia, and Christopher Campbell.

And my sister’s in Christ who I’ve grown close in every season along the way – that support is unmatched and truly a blessing.

Website: https://www.amiaserrano.com

Instagram: @amiaserrano

Linkedin: LinkedIn/Amia Serrano

Youtube: YouTube/AmiaSerrano

Image Credits
Donald Pliner
Griffin Santopietro for XMAG