Meet Jacob Nicholas of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Nicholas.

Hi Jacob, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Jacob Nicholas. I’m a stylist and content creator based in Los Angeles, with a background in crafting visual stories for brands, artists, and talent. My work sits at the intersection of fashion, culture, and storytelling, using style as a way to communicate identity and narrative.

My path into this work wasn’t linear. I originally entered college on a completely different track and, after failing chemistry with no real backup plan, I pivoted and declared a major in Black Studies. That decision became foundational to how I approach my work today, it sharpened my understanding of culture, history, and the importance of representation, all of which now inform my creative lens.

While at UCSB, I joined the Fashion Club, where I eventually became both Event Coordinator and Vice President. In those roles, I learned how to organize people, manage creative projects, and bring ideas to life collaboratively. It was also during this time that I fell down what I call the “content rabbit hole,” beginning to document style, process, and perspective online. What started as experimentation slowly turned into a growing community.

As my platform developed, so did my clarity around what I wanted to build. I focused on creating content that felt intentional, culturally grounded, and visually strong, which opened doors to working with brands like Puma and Microsoft, as well as collaborating with artists and talent such as Quelin Blackwell and Sexyy Red.

Today, I continue to grow my brand as a stylist and content creator by telling thoughtful visual stories, spotlighting emerging voices, and building work that feels both personal and impactful.

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?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. As someone who identifies as Black, queer, and plus-size, finding my footing in the fashion industry has come with its own set of challenges. Fashion has not always been built with people like me in mind, and there were moments where visibility, access, and belonging felt limited. Navigating spaces where I didn’t always see myself reflected required resilience and a strong sense of self.

Looking to icons like André Leon Talley and Law Roach was instrumental in pushing me forward. They showed me that there isn’t just one way to exist or succeed within fashion, and that it’s possible to carve out a role for yourself by leaning into who you are rather than trying to conform. Their careers reinforced the idea that perspective is power.

Additionally, when I first started, I had no formal background in fashion, which meant there was a steep learning curve. I had to be intentional about teaching myself. researching designers, studying fashion history, understanding styling fundamentals, and observing how the industry operates. That process required discipline, patience, and a deep commitment to the craft. Over time, those challenges became strengths, shaping both my work ethic and my point of view.

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 stylist and content creator specializing in building visually intentional looks and narratives for artists, brands, and talent. My work lives at the intersection of fashion, culture, and education. Beyond styling, I’m known for creating educational content that helps audiences understand why style matters, how clothing communicates identity, emotion, and story.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to evoke emotion through my work. Whether I’m styling an artist for the stage or creating content online, my goal is always to make people feel seen, inspired, or empowered. One of my proudest moments was working with Kaleena Zanders, an EDM artist who performed on the Coachella stage this year. I styled her for both live performances and tour looks, and our work culminated in being featured on a billboard in La and NYC, which was a powerful full-circle moment for both of us.

What truly sets me apart is my marketability and eye for alignment. I have a strong ability to identify brands and designers that authentically fit my clients, not just aesthetically, but culturally and strategically. I don’t approach styling as just putting clothes together; I approach it as building a visual identity that makes sense for where a client is headed next. That combination of storytelling, strategy, and cultural awareness is what defines my work.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
What has worked best for me is leading with my work. I focused on consistently putting out content and styling projects that reflected my point of view, values, and taste. When people can clearly see what you do and how you think, it creates natural opportunities for conversation and collaboration. Many of the relationships I value most started with someone recognizing my work online or through mutual creative circles.

I’ve also learned that mentorship doesn’t always look like one person guiding you step-by-step. Sometimes it’s learning in pieces from different people, a stylist who teaches you about set etiquette, a creative director who sharpens your eye, or an artist who shows you how to communicate more clearly. Being open to those moments and applying what you learn is just as important as finding a single mentor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yacobknowsbest.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yacobknowsbest/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yacobknowsbest

Image Credits
Image 1: Cookie Kawaii wearing Rusty Reconstructed
Image 2: Kaleena Zanders in W3bSt4r
Image 3: Quenlin Blackwell
Image 4: Kaleena Zanders in Custom Nikk Smith for Coachella
Image 5: MissTwinkUSA for Ladyland
Image 6: Jacob Nicholas in Daria y Maria Shot by Brigid Mcay