Rising Stars: Meet Justin Johnson of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Johnson

Hi Justin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Justin Johnson. I’m a wardrobe stylist, creative director, entrepreneur, and social media influencer. Fashion has always been a huge part of my life, but it wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I realized styling was my true calling. I graduated from VCUarts in the spring of 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, so I didn’t even have a proper graduation ceremony. Despite the uncertainty, I moved to Los Angeles right after graduating to pursue my dreams, and I’ve been here for four years now.

When I first got here, I didn’t have a clear plan. The pandemic had put a pause on everything, and the internship I had lined up fell through. I was reaching out to stylists and looking for opportunities nonstop, but nothing seemed to come through. Then, in October, I came across an opportunity that felt like the break I was waiting for. Scot Louie, a stylist I’d been following for a while, posted that he was looking for an intern. I didn’t hesitate—I sent him my resume immediately.

When he responded a week later, asking to meet, I was still in Virginia. But I didn’t let that stop me. I packed a suitcase, coordinated with a friend in LA, and booked a one-way flight. I didn’t tell him I wasn’t local because I knew I had to take the risk if I wanted to follow my dream.

That leap paid off. The internship wasn’t paid, so I had to find a job to support myself, but it opened so many doors. I was on set for big photoshoots and music videos for artists I’d admired for years. After a year of interning, I started reaching out to other stylists and creatives for new opportunities, trying to grow my network.

One day, while I was at work scrolling through Instagram, I saw that Kollin Carter, Cardi B’s stylist, was looking for assistance on a project. Kollin was someone I had been messaging and emailing for a while, so I responded immediately. That same day, I found myself on set with Normani for one of her music videos.

From there, I joined Kollin’s styling team and worked with him for a year while continuing to build my own portfolio through freelance projects and gigs. Every opportunity I’ve had has been a result of persistence, taking risks, and believing in my vision. Moving to LA wasn’t easy, but that decision to take the leap was the turning point that jump-started my career.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. To be transparent, one of the biggest challenges of pursuing a career in fashion—especially as a stylist—is the inconsistency of work. There are times when the industry is slow, and it feels almost impossible to find a job. With so many people in LA chasing similar opportunities, it can be incredibly competitive and hard to secure consistent work.

People often think being a stylist is glamorous, but the reality is quite the opposite. To get your foot in the door and to be taken seriously, you often have to do a lot of work for free. Sacrificing your time, energy, and sometimes even money, without being compensated, is a struggle many people don’t talk about or prepare you for when starting out. It’s a tough, cutthroat industry, and you need to be strong-willed to survive.

For example, the recent writers’ and actors’ strikes in LA had a ripple effect across the entire entertainment industry, including fashion. When productions shut down, it impacted everyone connected to them—stylists included. Those moments remind you how interconnected everything is in this city and how important it is to always think ahead. You have to anticipate challenges because this industry is unpredictable, and setbacks can come out of nowhere.

On top of that, navigating big personalities and egos is another aspect of the job. The fashion world demands you to be adaptable and professional, even under high-pressure situations. But despite all of this, I’ve learned to stay resilient and focus on the bigger picture. These challenges have only pushed me to work harder and to think strategically about my next steps, so I’m always moving forward.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a wardrobe stylist, creative director, photographer, and entrepreneur. I specialize in helping clients elevate their personal style and build their brand, whether it’s for a major event, a photoshoot, or everyday life. My work combines creativity and strategy—I love telling stories through fashion and creating looks that not only bring out someone’s personality but also align with their brand’s vision.

In addition to styling, I’m a photographer, which allows me to bring an even more cohesive vision to the projects I work on. I handle everything from styling to creative direction to capturing the final image, ensuring every detail aligns with the story we’re trying to tell. I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing clients and projects, including assisting on shoots for Normani and Cardi B, styling & creating content for some of your favorite brands, and building my own portfolio through freelance projects and collaborations.

What I’m most proud of is my resilience and my ability to build something from nothing. Moving to LA with nothing but a dream, taking risks, and landing opportunities with some of the biggest names in the industry has been a defining part of my journey. But beyond that, I’m proud of the vision I’m creating for the future. I’m currently building my own creative consulting agency, which will focus on helping clients elevate their personal style, create cohesive branding, and even manage models. My goal is to provide a one-stop shop for styling, creative direction, and photography.

What sets me apart is my versatility and my ability to connect with people. I’m not just focused on creating great looks—I’m about crafting experiences, telling stories, and building relationships that leave a lasting impact. My background in fashion merchandising, retail, styling, and photography gives me a unique edge, as I understand both the creative and business aspects of fashion. I stay ahead of trends while maintaining a timeless approach to style. My work is more than just fashion—it’s about transformation, storytelling, and building something meaningful.

What’s next?
My plans for the future revolve around building and expanding my own creative consulting agency, Accustomed 2 Style. I want it to be the go-to place for people and brands who are ready to elevate their style, build their image, and bring their creative visions to life. Through Accustomed 2 Style, I’m blending everything I love—styling, creative direction, and photography—into one platform that delivers a full experience.

The agency will cater to all kinds of clients—whether it’s individuals looking to upgrade their personal style or brands that need help creating cohesive campaigns and content. I also want to work with models and creatives, helping them develop their portfolios, manage their image, and make connections in the fashion and entertainment industries.

I see Accustomed 2 Style as more than just a consulting agency—it’s a creative hub. My vision includes having a physical space with a curated showroom, a photography studio, and a space for collaboration where ideas can come to life.

On top of growing the agency, I’m looking forward to leveling up my work, collaborating with more brands, and taking on bigger creative projects. Whether it’s styling major campaigns, directing editorials, or even designing my own line, I want to keep evolving.

At the end of the day, my goal is to create something that’s not just impactful but lasting. Accustomed 2 Style is all about pushing boundaries, helping others shine, and leaving my mark on the industry. I’m excited for what’s next—it’s only the beginning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.accustomed2style.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrent_setter/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==