We had the good fortune of connecting with Sydney “Juno” Flanagan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sydney “Juno”, how do you think about risk?
When I think about risk the thought of danger never crosses my mind. I believe taking a risk is anything that may be a challenge in one’s life that one fears to accomplish. The biggest risk I’ve taken was buying a one-way flight to Los Angeles, in the middle of a pandemic, to follow my dreams. I had no idea what I was truly signing myself up for. After constant thoughts, indecisiveness, and fear of the possible what if…I did it! I had no real plan. I reached out to an employer and she gave me a chance. Little ole me from Washington, D.C. was going to LA. This was the push I needed. Although working with her didn’t last very long, everything skyrocketed once we parted ways. I was able to be an assistant stylist on so many amazing sets and sometimes I’m still in awe. Needless to say, take that risk! You never know what God has in store for you.
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.
Being a wardrobe stylist is not for the weak, especially being an assistant a lot of times. There are long set days, long prep days, and constant ripping and running. The fashion industry is extremely cut-throat and I hate to say it but anything is possible. What I mean by that, is you can be here today and gone tomorrow. While only being in LA for two years, I have had many ‘no’s”. Instead of falling short and losing hope, I used that fuel to keep pushing. I knew that going home wasn’t an option for me and that I’d do anything in my power to get where I needed to be.
What I’m most proud of is my strength. My ability to keep going. I believe that sets me apart from others. I am the queen of “shooting my shot” and my mindset is “if I want it, I will get it”. I have sent numerous emails, dm’s, etc to all kinds of artists and major stylists in the industry. Some may respond and some may not but either way, I kept going. The opportunities that I did create, I made sure I nailed them every time. Everything wasn’t always smooth sailing but the experience and knowledge I gained made it all worthwhile.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there is always room for growth, there is never too much knowledge, and I am always a student first. I have worked with some amazing artists and I gain a new perspective on this industry.
I want the world to know that I am coming! I am nowhere near where I wanna be but I am a talented young woman who is destined for greatness and I believe I soon can be one of the best stylists in the game.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whew! If my best friend came to town we would have a blast. I’d have a whole week of stuff planned for her. Monday we’d hit up TGIM (Thank God It’s Monday) for a night out. Very chill vibe, with great music, and drinks. If we wanted a more lively event, definitely karaoke at Station 1640. I don’t party much during the week but on the weekend it goes up!
I’d take her to some of my favorite restaurants such as Alta Adams, Fixins, and Katana. Don’t let me forget Joey’s, that’s definitely a favorite. Take her around the city and explore. We’d pick it back up Friday at See You Soon and continue the night wherever that may lead us.
Living in LA, there is always something to do and with the friend group I have, we don’t know how to sit down. I’m sure my best friend would have the time of her life.
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 want to s/o my tribe. My tribe consists of my family and friends who have pushed me this far. Whether it was mental support, financial support, or simply just saying they’re proud of me. Moving 3,000 miles away with no family can become extremely lonely at times and without their support, I don’t know if I would’ve made it this far. I also want to s/o my LA family. They have spoken my name in rooms when I wasn’t present, sent me clients, invited me to major events, and I probably would’ve folded a long time ago without them. To be honest, a lot of people play a major role in my life and how far I’ve gotten and for that, I am truly grateful!
Website: https://www.junojpeg.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junojpg__/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-flanagan-a80b51173/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEi51xoakYBolRG_Lg2VM6g
Image Credits
Bas- Ally Green (@theallygreen) Jayda Cheaves – DeAndre Da Costa (@ddacostastudios) Coralie – Tony Bowen (@tonybeephoto) Juicy J – Amel Adrian (@ameladrian) DDG – Uproxx (@uproxx) DDG – Lead stylist @ellejeffreystylz Jayda, Juicy J, Bas – Lead stylist @mazthe creator Assistant stylist on all work (myself)