Meet Zena Tyler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zena Tyler.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California… (the real part of LA)

My love for Style and Fashion began as a kid, I would lay my outfit on the bed the day before school… I can probably give my Granny credit she’s still one of the flyest women I know, can still be seen wearing fine jewelry and furs to church. Growing up, I begged my parents for the latest Jordans, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, Mossimo, Versace, and Iceburg. At Crenshaw High School where I learned to sew and won Best Dressed. Although I was good at sewing, I didn’t take it serious as I could or should have for that matter. At that point, I didn’t know any Black Designers therefore, I did not view it as a viable option.

On the contrary, I had plans to go to college and become an RN even though I wanted to be a teacher, which my Mommie veto’d. I wanted to teacher mainly due to the fact, I was blessed enough to have many mentors throughout my life who recognized and nurtured my potential. I felt as though I had an obligation to do the same… After High School, I attended UNLV dropping out of Nursing School where I realized I had a mild case of OCD and it just was not a fit for “me.” Ultimately, earning my degree from CSULA in Speech Pathology/Therapy, being as it was the next best thing where I did not have to take any additional pre-reqs. I went on to work for a major University Hospital to discover none of it made me happy. Loved the theory of working (duh, money) however, it felt better when it when it occurred less frequently giving me more time to invest in myself.

In 2009 my Granny and I were debating whether or not I could sew (she bet me $100 lol) by the time it was said and done I made a King duvet comforter with pillows to match. Then I thought what else could I make if I could do this at 14, why could I not do it again?

Shortly thereafter, browsing IG and came across YouTube Sensation @MiMiGStyles who made a pair of red high waist wide-leg pants I’d been looking for, for a while. At this moment I knew 1) I could sew 2) I could follow a pattern, worst thing that could happen would be I’d have to make them again to correct my mistakes. Therefore, I followed the instructions and made pants which fit and looked amazing, so good I wore them to my friends baby shower which confirmed what I already knew. From there I bought a new sewing machine and I began to make 90% of my clothes myself… My niece and 1st born is also a sew enthusiast, I did not have the know-how at the time to teach her the basics at that time so she went to a sewing school where her teacher complimented her as to how quickly she caught on just like her PooPoo.

As I began to share my pieces on Instagram I began to take on custom gown orders, I did really-really well one Prom Season, which was also my very last Prom Season for a reason I’ll spare you all. Until one day for about a year or two ago, my close friend who shares our Birthday encouraged me to fully consider selling online. Definitely one of my biggest initial supporters, I took a leap of faith and officially opened my E-Commerce site www.byZenaTyler.com January 2019. In the first month, the love and support reined in on me with almost 200 orders. To some that may not be a strong feat however, it meant the absolute world to me. I knew Ladies loved the things I made “for myself” however, my expectations were a little more humble.

Present Day, I’ve collaborated with a local non-profit and have begun the process of teaching sewing techniques to school-age girls. When I was in High School, there was not anyone like me who was both Creative and doing well for themselves… Most of my successful Mentors are formally educated and either Lawyers, in Management, or Executives including my Mommie. This gave me the impression, this is what I “had” to do. All I knew was I had a salary expectation of both myself and my parents and being a Creative was not an avenue to obtain it.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been anything but smooth, I just kept going…

Somedays it is like sewing on a landmine, you do not know which piece will blow-up and which ones will not… Might not get an order all day then BOOM I wake up to a bunch of orders. Used to give me anxiety* Initially, every piece I designed I would obsess over if “The Ladies” will like it enough to buy it? There is one thing to “like” something and another to decide to put your “money where your mouth is” so to speak and actually buy it. Which is probably what scared me the most in the beginning, being a Taurus I snapped out of this train of thought relatively quickly.

I am an avid believer in The Law of Attraction, where thoughts become things. I also had to look at my history, I’ve been in many situations where I thought it was not going to workout, then BAM my Hussle would kick into overdrive and I’d have it figured out in a matter of a day. Which is why I don’t stress out much.

Honestly, getting out of my own way was the biggest struggle I had back in January for about a week, caring what others though had never been an issue before I wasn’t going to start now.

Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
In case you have not noticed already.. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Zena Tyler.

I own an operate an Online Boutique @byZenaTyler based out of DTLA. I cut and sew every piece myself, its a lot of work but its worth it. We sell Dresses, Coats, Rompers, Jumpers, and Co-Ord sets. However, I am mostly known for Dresses and Fur Coats possibly some unconscious homage to my Granny she’s a Southern Belle and LOVES FURS, in case I have not already mentioned it… Being as I live in LA I do not get wear my coats as often as I’d like, although I have a backlog waiting to hit Winter or any remotely report of cold weather!

When I get dressed everyday, I first and foremost want to look as feminine as possible… As a Black Woman, I feel like we are required to be so strong all the time oftentimes, this strength translates into our attire. Personally, I prefer to not look like Im going to “war” everyday, my favorite thing to wear is a Dress and sandals it boosts moral.

My pieces are translated from my personal style where I allow myself to be feminine, creative, and follow my heart. Like DVF, one of my Idols; I LOVE A WRAP DRESS it exudes femininity, confidence, and is sexy without being slutty, which is also something I aim to avoid daily. Anytime someone wears my pieces, I literally want them to feel like they are “That Chicc” so far I have been able to do exactly that. I try not to pay too much attention to others brands, there are some amazing ones I admire greatly and follow even though we are technically in the same lane. So long as I stay true to me, I know I’ve done my due diligence. Being as we operate out of DTLA, I find the majority of my inspo while I am frolicking around there. It is a melting pot of Style and Fashion, sometimes my muses are Men oftentimes there are indeed Women.

Inspiration is literally everywhere and there are no rules.

At byZenaTyler, our style is Casual and Dainty, I refuse to be under-dressed at any given moment the simplicity or casual aspect of it all allows us to be dressed appropriately and stand out without being gaudy.

Nevertheless, “I took a dream and turned it into a Zenith.” – The Late and Great, NH. Nipsey Hussle

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Generally, I operate on the theory of “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” as of right now I’m happy with where @byZenaTyler is going, we will continue to grow and do different things. I also believe in having multiple streams of passions therefore, I am definitely cooking up some new things that tie into my day to day personality and love for other things in my life.

I also will continue to expand into the LAUSD offering Life Skill(s) opportunities to young ladies… Allowing them to utilize their natural talents and passions as a means to provide for themselves younger in life. My Mommie may have admired my talents, allowing me remain an Outlier and purse my 10k hours in multiple things. She also showed me how I could gain financially from them, which allowed me to become financially responsible at a young age. Due to some of the opportunities I had, I became an entrepreneur as early as 11, I’ve “been grinding all my life.” I had established good-credit by the time I was 19 because of the little things she tricked me into doing while I was in High School.

I’ll be forever grateful for the Hussle and Values my family has instilled in me, even though my actions do not always make sense; they have loved and supported me through it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.byZenaTyler.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: byZenaTyler
• Facebook: byZenaTyler

Image Credit:
@Jus10Henry

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