Meet Kaylaelisabeth Leilani of Looks By Leilani in DTLA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylaelisabeth Leilani.

Kaylaelisabeth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in the foster care system in Arizona. I’ve been on my own since I was 16 years old. I dropped out of high school to work 2 jobs and support myself. It wasn’t until I turned 19 years old, working retail at Forever 21, that I realized I needed to do something for myself otherwise I’d remain working in retail the rest of my life.

I accomplished receiving my GED and put myself through college. Throughout college, I searched for internships to get as much experience as I could within fashion. Whether it was styling, merchandising, marketing. You name it, I did it, I worked with a different stylist as an assistant, scrubbing shoes and steaming clothes. I also worked for Phoenix Fashion Week doing marketing and runway styling. After graduating, I realized my opportunities for growth within the field I had a passion for was nonexistent if I stayed in Arizona.

About a year and 4 months ago, I decided to pack up my little car with all of my shoes, clothes, no job and only $200 in my pocket- I made my way to Los Angeles in hopes of making my mark in the fashion industry. Keep in mind, I did not have a family. I didn’t have anyone to call when I needed money, food, a place to sleep, etc. I didn’t make a moving plan or save money. I didn’t waste time. I knew coming to LA was going to be better for my future, so I took the risk.

I found a place to live and a job within the first week. Of course, the job was not in my field of work but I knew I had to pay bills somehow, so I took the job and began searching for a career. Fast forward to today, I am a fashion buyer and style blogger out of Downtown, LA, which has given me the opportunity to travel to NY and meet amazing women in the industry, I couldn’t ask for more. Although this journey has been the hardest struggle I’ve ever been through, it has also been the best choice I’ve made for myself.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has been zero smoothness on this road. Los Angeles is cutthroat, you’re swimming with sharks. There are a thousand people who do what you do, what makes you any better? I struggled with finding a career in my field, mainly. On the way to finding that career, I had so many dead-end jobs. Every day I woke up and felt depressed. I was completely broke, I had no friends and no one to call and ask for help on days, I couldn’t afford to eat. For the first year, I lived here I was so close to giving up.

Looks By Leilani – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I run a style blog called Looks By Leilani. I am a self-taught website builder, photographer, editor, copywriter, and wardrobe stylist. I showcase my affordable style and share fashion knowledge with my readers in hopes it helps them come out of their comfort zone with their personal style.

What sets me apart from other style bloggers I believe, is my constant motivation and seek for positivity and change within women and how we interact with each other. I constantly promote women empowerment! I preach about working together and against each other. I always make sure to answer my emails when they have questions about something I may be wearing or need style advice. I am open and real with my followers when it comes to my life and how I grew up and made it out of a bad childhood.

I am proud my followers appreciate the fact that I am genuine and I am sharing something real they can relate to.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment in my career thus far was being able to collaborate with amazing, world-known brands, such as Coach, Becca, Baublebar and create creative, unique content that has been used for campaigns.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.looksbyleilani.com
• Email: looksbyleilani@gmail.com
• Instagram: looksbyleilani

Image Credit:
Zachary Hall

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