Life & Work with Teaira Blair

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teaira Blair.

Hi Teaira, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana with my mom, dad, and three older siblings. I am the black sheep of the family (minus the disgrace as the definition states), always speaking out and doing something different with confidence. In 2005, my family and I moved to various cities in Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. After settling in Dallas, Texas for three years, we moved back to New Orleans, Louisiana and I was completely devastated. I was in love with my new life and new scenery, but I vowed to recreate my own happiness after a year of settling in back home and realizing that I just couldn’t conform to the norm. When I started high school, I was 14 and full of creative energy. I created profiles on all of the popular social media sites and that is where I began building my empire. Showcasing my multifaceted personality and eccentric sense of style on MySpace.com is where I started and how I got to where I am today.

Alright, 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?
The road has been tough, but I’m tougher! I’ve fallen short and recreated a better version of myself every time, so I wouldn’t have it any other way. One of the biggest struggles I faced has been reminding myself that I can’t do everything on my own. My mom is a huge part of my social media success because she was my first photographer and fan. She’s allowed me to express myself in more ways than one since I was five years old and even gives a few pointers here and there. Growing up, I was bullied from family, “friends”, and obvious foes just for being my authentic self. When I joined social media, the bullying got worse and hit different because it was from strangers. The negative attention from outsiders affected my mental to the point it made it hard for me to accept or ask for help. It’s hard to know who to trust, but I’ve been on this journey for 10+ years and met a handful of people I never have to question.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a published Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Designer specializing in Fashion Styling, Designing, Creative Direction, and Production. I am famous for styling Beyonce’s lead dance captain, Ashley Everett, three times. I am also known for my swimwear line, Teaira Blair Swimwear which has been rebranded to The Luxury Loft; A sister brand to my vintage store Teaira’s Closet. Even though my styling career is my first brand and what jumpstarted my life in the fashion industry, I feel at home when I get to focus on creative directing and designing. I am most proud of how I’m choosing my happiness to put myself out there as a Fashion Designer. What sets me apart from others is how I’ve never been afraid to be my authentic self, no matter how many times you have to recreate who that is.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is an early one with my Aunt Pat. We laugh till this day about how I was only five years old when I told her how her shoes didn’t match her outfit when I noticed them after church one Sunday. I knew then that I had an eye for fashion and wasn’t afraid to let it be known!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.teairascloset.com
• Instagram: @teairablair
• Twitter: @teairascloset

Image Credits
@rainmenne – Sequins top @gabbsd24 – Dior top