Today we’d like to introduce you to Braxton Holme.
Hi Braxton, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My story starts off with the familiar tale of a young queer in small town with big dreams. I was born in Grand Rapids, MI. A very sleepy, conservative town where patrons go about their daily lives in a very casual manner. It comes to no surprise that a queer young male, such as myself, with a flair for style and a unique taste in fashion would have his issues.
During my grade school years, I was teased eminency for dressing different, for how I spoke, and the fact that I didn’t take part in the traditional male activities. This abuse eventually drove me to construct the life motto, “You can say whatever you want about me, but you’ll never have the opportunity to say that my outfit wasn’t perfection.” I began utilizing clothing and fashion as a means of armor to shield myself from the rest of the world. I dove deep into expressing my emotions and ideas all through fabrics.
I nurtured this passion during my college years. Majoring in fashion design and eventually getting my degree in Product Development. Here is where I gained the knowledge of designing an item and seeing it all the way to the end via construction, marketing, and beyond. During my final year of college is when I made the decision to move to LA. I knew I needed to be in an environment that would inspire me and allow me to be myself unapologetically.
It was here in LA where I really took off. Spending my beginning years working for a custom celebrity designer as well as a personal stylist for the wealthy, I was able to find employment building the confidence of others and helping them see their full potential through a wardrobe that reflected their authentic selves.
In recent years, I’ve decided to jump back into the modeling industry. Just like with styling and design, modeling has allowed me to really express myself and present the world with something different. It is much more to me than just showing off a handsome face. It has given me the opportunity to show little Black, Queer boys that with preservation and dedication, staying true to yourself is always the answer. Select your means of armor and take the world by storm!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Throughout my life, I have encountered several obstacles. One of my major hurdles was moving/being kicked out of my home at age 16. It was then when I realized that life wasn’t going to be easy and that I couldn’t have this idea of relying on anyone to assist me thru this thing called life. I was forced to put myself thru my final years of high school and into college. Working 2 jobs and going to school full time not only help me mature but also help me build resilience to the hard world around us.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I am employed as a Wardrobe Stylist/ Wardrobe Department Head, as well as a model and freelance stylists for a few close clients. It’s a very busy life, but extremely fulfilling. I always tell people that once you find a career that you love, work no longer feels like work.
I like to think that I specialize in more than just styling but the ability to connect with my clients. I like to take the time to really get to know them, who they are, know their insecurities, and the parts of them that they enjoy featuring. With this information, I am able to really bring out the light that they may have lost or have yet found. I specialize in building confidence and individuality. My goal in life is to break the conformities that are placed upon us. I want to be known for being and doing whatever I want without the constraints of our society.
Modeling on the other hand is pretty self-explanatory. With the regards that instead of morphing to what the industry is looking for, I stand firm on my look and aesthetic. I have made it very clear to my agencies that I refuse to lose who I am. I think this is extremely important. I model to display a look, a style, and a different view when it comes to how clothing is worn and seen on the Cis male body form.
How do you define success?
To me, success is determined by our very own happiness. I strongly believe that you can’t put an exact number on an individual’s success. You can be the most wealthiest person in the world yet are the most unhappy. You can’t truly say that you are successful until you are equally as rich in currency as you are in joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.braxtonjholme.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/braxtonjholme/
Image Credits
Daren Cornell
Madeline Stanley
Keegan Attlee
