Meet Lavonne Grady | Stylist & Photographer

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

Hi LaVonne, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I find inspiration in a multitude of areas, particularly photography, fashion, style, art, and architecture.

Photography has always captivated me with its ability to capture fleeting moments and evoke emotions. The way light, color, and composition can tell a story or convey a feeling is endlessly fascinating. It has been my favorite way of expressing myself by inviting viewers to see the world through a different lens. Rather it be nature or fashion.

Fashion and style inspire me through their ever-evolving nature and the creativity they embody. The ability to express individuality and cultural narratives through clothing is powerful. I love how fashion can reflect societal changes and personal identity, blending historical influences with contemporary trends. The artistry in fashion design, from intricate textiles to innovative silhouettes, continually sparks my imagination. Also through vintage and thrifting sourcing there’s a high of the find and bringing creativity with my own sense of style.

Art, in all its forms, serves as a profound source of inspiration. Whether it’s painting, sculpture, or digital art, the diverse expressions of human experience and emotion resonate deeply. I appreciate how art can challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and foster connection among people. The nuances of color, texture, and form in an artwork can evoke a wide range of feelings and interpretations.

Architecture fascinates me with its blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The way structures interact with their environment, community, and history is remarkable. I am inspired by innovative designs that push boundaries and create harmonious living spaces while also reflecting cultural values. The interplay of light, space, and materials in architecture can create an emotional response and influence how we experience our surroundings. Which through this medium inspires my photographic eye mixed with styling to come up with interesting editorial concepts.

Together, these elements of creativity and expression weave a rich tapestry that continually inspires me to explore new ideas and perspectives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Cali Girl is about a fusion of storytelling and style, capturing the essence of vintage and thrifted fashion through editorial-style photography. What sets me apart is my commitment to sustainability and the unique narratives behind each piece I feature. I believe that every thrifted garment has a story, a history that deserves to be shared. My work not only highlights fashion but also promotes conscious consumerism, encouraging others to embrace the beauty of pre-loved items.

I take immense pride in my ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Each photoshoot becomes an adventure where I curate outfits that embody both vintage charm and modern aesthetics. I’m particularly excited about the community I’ve built around my passion. Collaborating with other creatives—stylists, models, and fellow photographers—has enriched my work and allowed for diverse interpretations of style. My recent project, which showcased a collection of thrifted outfits styled for different decades, was particularly fulfilling as it combined historical context with contemporary fashion trends.

My journey into the world of content creation and photography wasn’t a straightforward path. Initially, I work as a paraprofessional and decided that I needed to get back to being creative again. I have been active in photography for years and took a step back during COVID. Through the time I had been out of work till the time I went back I felt I needed to get back into creating content about thrifting and finding trends on a budget. That’s when I started an eBay account to dabble in selling vintage and designer pieces.

Transitioning back into content creating while still working as a paraprofessional involved numerous challenges, managing time and including finding my unique voice in a saturated market. There were times when self-doubt crept in, especially when facing rejection or when my work didn’t receive the recognition I hoped for. However, I learned to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. I sought feedback from mentors and peers, invested time in honing my photography and video skills, and continued to explore new concepts and styles.

### Lessons Learned
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and adaptability. The creative landscape is constantly changing, and being open to new ideas and collaborations has allowed me to evolve my work. I also realized that authenticity resonates deeply with audiences; sharing my personal experiences and the stories behind my creations helped forge genuine connections with my followers.

Additionally, I learned the value of community. Engaging with other artists and fashion enthusiasts helps in building a better sense of self and being true to myself and not caring about age.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it stands for more than just fashion; it embodies a lifestyle of sustainability, creativity, and storytelling. I aim to inspire others to see the beauty in vintage and thrifted clothing, encouraging them to explore their unique style while being mindful of their impact on the environment. My work is a celebration of individuality and the power of fashion as a form of self-expression.

Through my editorial-style photography, I strive to create visually compelling narratives that draw viewers into a world where every outfit tells a story. Ultimately, I hope to empower others to embrace their unique style journeys, reminding them that fashion can be both a form of creativity and a means of expressing values that matter.

In summary, my artistic journey is a reflection of passion, resilience, and a commitment to sustainability, all woven together through the captivating lens of vintage fashion and photography.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a born and raised Angeleno now living in Ventura County, there are a few places I would take them. We definitely would need a week.

In LA I would definitely have to go to DTLA. We would start the day at Aquarela for coffee. Then check out The Last Bookstore before we head out to the Broad. We would definitely have to end the night for a rooftop experience at the Golden Hour. We might have to do a couple of days because my bestie would have to visit Chinatown and peruse the arts district. For some photo ops St. Vincent Court is a must.

Next would be West Hollywood. We could do brunch at the Arden and walk along Sunset for some shopping and end the night at the Viper Room for some Hollywood nostalgia.

Santa Monica is definitely on the list. We would check out Abbot Kinney for the cool shops and splurge a little. Have lunch at Brixton for the best hamburgers. Of course hit up Venice canals for a tiny stroll through the neighborhood. We would hit the pier on our roller blades along the boardwalk. I would end the night at The Room for a Cocktail.

Another beach experience would be Malibu Cross Creek for some more shops and eat Greek cuisine at Taverna Tony’s. We would take a beautiful drive along the coast and see the coastal sites along the way.

Ventura would be the last stop where we would do most of the vintage shopping along Main Street. For dinner we would hit up Rocks and Drams.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I like to shoutout my sister, Deanna. She and I both have a flair for style and design. Together we love to encourage each other on our endeavors. She always encourages me to keep going and not to let anything or anyone stop me because of age, race, or background. She is truly a partner in this journey.

Image Credits
Self Portrait