Conversations with Aunna Kelly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aunna Kelly.

Aunna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Story:

My journey started in Shreveport, Louisiana, where I sold artwork and reworked vintage clothing at local pop-ups and vendor markets. Those early experiences became the foundation for Starvn Artist Studio, which I officially launched in 2016 as both a business and a platform for creatives like myself to share and showcase their work.

In 2018, I moved to Los Angeles to expand the brand, and a role at Opening Ceremony became the turning point of my career. Being in such a prestigious store exposed me to a network of stylists and creatives who showed me that fashion styling could be a real career path. That exposure led to my first styling internship and set me on the path from assistant to lead stylist and creative director.

Today, Starvn Artist Studio has grown into a full creative agency, expanding beyond styling into creative direction and film. My work now merges art, fashion, and storytelling while continuing to create opportunities and open doors for the next generation of creatives.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey definitely hasn’t been easy. When I first started, one of the biggest challenges was simply believing that my passion could sustain me long-term. Coming from a smaller city, I didn’t have a blueprint for how to make a career out of fashion or creative work, so much of it was trial and error.

Moving to Los Angeles forced me to start over in many ways. I had to juggle long hours, inconsistent income, and the pressure of building my name from the ground up. At times, it meant sacrificing stability to chase opportunities that might open a door. But those experiences taught me how to be adaptable, how to advocate for myself, and how to keep creating even when the circumstances weren’t ideal.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a multi-disciplinary creative: a wardrobe stylist and creative director who’s also starting to explore film. Through my company, Starvn Artist Studio, I bring together fashion, storytelling, and culture. Whether I’m styling, directing, or building out concepts, my focus is always on creating visuals that feel intentional and tell a story.

What sets me apart is the way I see fashion as more than just clothing. To me, it’s a form of language. I want people to feel the energy behind the work, not just look at it. I’m especially proud that Starvn Artist Studio has become more than my personal brand, it’s grown into a platform that creates space and opportunities for other creatives, too.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think over the next 5–10 years, fashion and creative industries are going to continue blending together. Styling won’t just be about clothes — it’ll be about full storytelling across platforms, from social media to film to live experiences. The line between fashion, music, film, and culture is already overlapping, and that crossover will only get stronger.

I also see more space opening up for independent creatives and small studios. With digital platforms leveling the playing field, it’s becoming less about gatekeepers and more about who can connect with audiences in a real, authentic way.

For me, that means continuing to expand Starvn Artist Studio into a space where fashion, creative direction, and film live together. I want to help shape the shift by showing that creatives can build their own platforms, tell their own stories, and create opportunities that reach beyond traditional lanes.

Pricing:

• Wardrobe Styling – Day rates available; package rates for multi-day projects.
• Creative Direction – Customized pricing based on concept development and scope.
• Film & Visual Consulting – Quoted per project, tailored to production needs.
• Brand Collaborations – Pricing structured by campaign size and deliverables.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starvnartiststudio/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aunnakelly?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG5o7XO-adTxGxpe3l0eBQg