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

Hi Joiee, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

I pursued a creative career because from a young age I began expressing myself through style and clothing. I grew up loving how pop culture. music and art influenced Fashion. As soon as I realized that I could have a career that encompassed style, traveling, and connecting with people socially, I was determined to have it. I started my career as an intern at Marie Claire magazine and for over fifteen years I have worked full time and freelanced, in fashion editorial, at magazines such as GQ, Teen People, People, People StyleWatch, InStyle, Real Simple, Essence. In 2018 I began my career as an independent fashion stylist and it’s been a journey of continuous personal growth, overcoming challenges and awesome opportunities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Getting into fashion editorial at a magazine was not easy because it was a hush-hush job and at the time diversity wasn’t really prevalent. My first internship was at Marie Claire Magazine in the fashion department. It was a very challenging experience because I didn’t know the industry at all and I had to learn everything the hard way, I made a ton of mistakes and had to learn fast. Being extremely determined, I finally landed a job as accessories assistant editor role at Teen People magazine. Teen People was an amazing start to my career because it was diverse, young, exciting and I got to work with a slew of celebrities. I have worked at several magazines, styled celebrities for covers, fashion shoots and independently. I have appeared on national and local shows as a style expert. I have corporate clients and have styled commercials and clothing campaigns. I have always had an eye for style but I think what sets me apart is that… Being fashion stylist is a business and I understand the logistics that goes along with that. Having a strong fashion editorial background prepared me for the politics of becoming a freelance stylist. I wish every job was always glamorous and perfectly curated by me but different clients have certain demands and it can be challenging at times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love going out! I love a great cocktail bar and a dive bar at the same time. I have so many bar favs that are awesome and it;’s really hard to choose but I like the Garret West Village, Bowery Hotel Bar, Temple Bar, Ray’s, Barely Disfigured in Brooklyn and I definitely bar hop in Williamsburg. My instagram @drinkspleeze is how to express how much fun I have, while drinking an awesome cocktail in fun bars. And of course after a few drinks late night karaoke is a must! Sorting out my favorite restaurants is very difficult because I attend so many events with dinners you can get spoiled and overlook things. I do love Alice NYC, Lucali Pizza in Brooklyn, Blue Ribbon sushi and I’ll never turn down a great omakase. I’m going to pinch myself because I always forget some places I love. I try to get to places before TikTok because then it becomes a tourist attraction LOL.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First my stylish Mother Frances Thorpe who passed down her impeccable style to me. My brother Andre Thorpe who connected me with my first editorial job at Teen people Magazine. Alva Polinsky (the Accessories Editor for Teen People) before me…she hired me as her first assistant and I will always be grateful. Hayley Hill (Fashion Director at Teen People) who always made us push the envelope, which has given me the exceptional skills I have today.

Website: https://www.joieestyled.com/

Instagram: @The_Joiee /@Joieestyled/ @drinkspleeze

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

Image Credits
Image 5.:Photographer Joshua Kissi Insta: @joshuakissi Celebrity: Zazie Beetz Image 6: Photographer Yachin Parham studio Insta: @yachinparhamstudio Celebrity: Laura Harrier Image 1, 7 and 8 : Photographer Nancy Schuster Insta: @thenanimal

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.