Meet Gabby Binion of Winnetka

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Binion.

Gabby, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first got into photography when I was 12, taking pictures at a church event for my dad. I didn’t fully know what I was doing, but I loved being behind the camera and capturing the moment. That early experience planted the seed. I started taking photography more seriously around 21, when I studied at West Valley Occupational and began learning the technical side.

Later on, I got into fashion and ended up putting the camera down for a while because I felt like I had to choose between the two. But eventually, I realized both were a part of me. That’s how Unlikely Angel Brand was born—a way to merge my love for photography and fashion. Some of my shirts even feature my own photos on the back, turning each piece into a wearable story.

I especially love event photography because it’s real and raw. The emotions people carry in those moments tend to linger—you can feel them through the image. As someone who’s neurodivergent, it’s sometimes hard for me to put into words how I feel about what I’ve experienced. But my camera speaks for me. It tells my story and the stories of the people I’m capturing.

That’s why the mission statement behind Unlikely Angel means so much to me: Be careful who you overlook—they might just be an angel. My goal has always been to make people feel seen.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve dealt with self-doubt, doubt from people closest to me, depression, anxiety, people trying to use me, and even scammers. One of the biggest challenges came at the start of Unlikely Angel Brand, when a major shift in my family dynamic deeply affected my finances and tested my faith in ways I wasn’t prepared for.

But even in those moments, I knew I couldn’t give up. Telling stories—whether through my brand, the Unlikely Angel Brand series, or my photography—became my mission. No matter how hard it got, I reminded myself that the vision was bigger than me. It’s about giving voice to the overlooked, including myself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear a lot of hats—I’m a personal stylist, photographer, brand owner, director, and writer. I also currently work with special education children, which has taught me so much about patience, empathy, and how important it is to make people feel seen. Everything I do, whether creative or personal, is rooted in that same mission.

As a personal stylist, I specialize in streetwear and in styling plus-size men and masculine-presenting individuals—especially those who often get overlooked in mainstream fashion. As a photographer and director, I focus on capturing real, raw emotion, especially in live events. My work is deeply personal because, being autistic, I often find it hard to express what I feel in words—but my visuals say everything I need them to.

What I’m most proud of is Unlikely Angel Brand—it’s a reflection of all my passions coming together. It’s not just a clothing brand; it’s a movement to highlight those the world tends to overlook. Through the brand, my photography, and the Unlikely Angel Brand docuseries, I’m building something bigger than just visuals—I’m telling stories that matter.

What sets me apart is my ability to merge fashion, storytelling, and raw emotion through a lens that is unapologetically inclusive and rooted in purpose. I don’t just create—I advocate, reflect, and uplift.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I had a lot of love to give, but I was often rejected and bullied at school. I didn’t quite fit in, and as someone who’s neurodivergent, I experienced the world differently than most of my peers. I tended to stick to myself, finding comfort in creativity. I was always writing stories, drawing, acting, dancing, or lip-syncing to music on repeat—anything that let me express what I couldn’t always put into words.

Being creative was my safe space. It helped me process the world around me and gave me a voice when I felt unheard. That same creative spark is what still fuels everything I do today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/unlikelyangel
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.m.bin?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Gabrielle Binion