Meet Braxton Holme: Model & Stylist

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

Hi Braxton, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to pursue a creative/artistic career so that I could create a world for myself where I felt normal. I wanted to create a world where I could let all my wild ideas fly and transform myself and others into individuals of their own personal liking – regardless of the thoughts and concerns of anyone else.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art has always been something that I held close to my heart. It started as a way to escape for me from the sheltered world – in a town in Michigan. I began my journey in the art world as a painter/sketcher. I spent my grade school years dedicating hours volunteering in local art museums and taking art classes. Eventually I fell into the world of fashion where art and creativity became something even more valuable. It became a source of self expression and a way to armor myself against the world. Putting together unique, print mixing looks each day was a way for me to stand out and stand against the world I was pressured to confirm to. I went onto college where I began designing collections for a demographic I felt would understand the feeling of being different and who weren’t afraid of showing it and to be BOLD. Fast forward to current day – I continue to style for clients who are searching for their own identities and helping them build confidence. In addition, I have taken on a career in modeling as a way to display a different look that isn’t often seen – attempting to provide a light and hope for others that have been shamed for their individuality and uniqueness. Throughout my life I went thru the usual challenges and rejections you would expect for a young black gay male. Family disownment and the struggle to make it through life on your own forces one to grow up quickly. You learn to understand the power of oneself. What I would like the world to take from my story is that you too can do it. You can break free from the chains of normality and nose dive into a world of individuality. Be yourself and make a dedication to win but win understand the mask of your skin – no one else’s.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA or LALA land I like to call it, is filled with so much wonder and inspiration. I like to pop around each of the different pockets in the city and surround areas to experience different looks and styles. Santa Monica is a great place to experience the beauty of the sun set off the cliffs leading into Malibu. Make your way to Venice where the board walk and scene is filled with visual art from street art, vendors, performers, and skateboard culture. The east side of town has great community and has a sense of authenticity. Having a cocktail a Cliff’s Edge or dining at Black Cat or Stella’s Cafe, West Hollywood is alive starting on Thursdays where I frequent the Den on sunset, bar hopping on Santa Monica or having a nice, eclectic dinner at Laurel Hardware. Dive into the weekend hitting Downtown – day shopping at Dover street Market. Check out vendors in Santee Alley. I like to spend my nights at bars and clubs like The Lash on Fridays. Pregame at the precinct on Saturday’s before a dj show at The Exchange. Sunday’s are for brunch at Perch or The Commissary.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to take this opportunity to shout out everyone who told me I couldn’t do it. I would like to point the eyes to everyone who says that being different is weird or there’s no way to be successful unless you confirm to what society thinks you should be. I would like to shoutout this group because if it weren’t for you, I probably wouldn’t have worked so hard in attempt just to prove you wrong. Your negativity is what lit a fire inside me to prosper and create my own world – in an unapologetic fashion.

Website: www.braxtonjholme.com

Instagram: @braxtonjholme

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braxtonholme

Image Credits
Louis Pei Jordan Service Tyler Hollingsworth Keion LeMar Hayes Keegan Attlee Tom Cocking