RIGHT SPOTLIGHT: INTERN TURNED FASHIONISTA- KESHA MCLEOD

You’ve heard of NE-YO, CALVIN PACE (NY Jets), VERNON DAVIS (SF 49ers), Rick Ross, JADAKISS, KEYSHIA COLE and ROBIN THICKE, but have you ever wondered who’s dressing them?  24-year-old Kesha Mcleod, stylist for the stars, has such an exciting job.  Could you imagine traveling the world, meeting amazing people, dressing celebrities and all at the age of 24? Well, she’s living out her dream and she’s doing it all. Kesha took a minute out of her busy, star-studded schedule to speak with us.

Interviewed by: Violet Berisha

RIGHTONMAG.COM:  How long have you been in the business?

Kesha: I have been styling for a total of 4 years, but owner of my own company for 1 1/2 years.

What was your first job ever?

Kesha: Omg, I was in a 6-girl group named Mozaic. I pulled clothing from my own closet and put looks together based on that.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a fashion stylist and what was your inspiration?

Kesha: I started off pursuing design at Katherine Gibbs and instead started styling. Upon graduating, I worked at an H&M showroom for a while. Stylist would always come in and I realized that’s what I wanted.

What stylist did you work under when you first got started and how did that influence you as a stylist?

Kesha: I was working under Rachel Johnson of The Thomas Faison Agency assistant and Groovey Lew’s associate, and still do at times. She influenced me to the fullest! She’s a constant perfectionist and puts so much dedication and heart into her work that I only hope to follow in her footsteps one day. Groovey Lew has opened a gazillion doors for me. He has truly taught me things that I now see help me throughout my career.

How have you managed to be so successful at such a young age?

Kesha: Staying focused and working hard.

Who or what, would you say is your biggest inspiration?

Kesha: The things that I draw the most inspiration from are my family, friends and prayer.

How do you balance work life and personal time?

Kesha: I don’t balance personal time anymore, because my social life is my work. I’ve met SO many wonderful people through my work, that they have become my BFF’s, my homies and my comforters. I love them all. It does get crazy at times, but I know when to zone out and create a space.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Kesha: Figure out what you want to do and stay with that. You’ll achieve your goal much faster. “Brandi Simpkins of The Blynn Group,” that changed me completely and created the person I am today

What sets you apart from other stylists?

Kesha: I love and live this. It’s my career and passion. I execute jobs and never want anything less then 100% put into my work.

Were you considering any other career before styling?

Kesha: Being a Psychologist. I like to get into people’s minds and observe what make them tick. I guess it’s the same with being a stylist. I am observing certain features about a person in which their image is perceived through the public.

You must travel a lot. What’s your favorite city?

Kesha: New York City. I was born and raised here. There are also so many different cultures for everyone to get inspired and appreciate.

What are five things you can’t live without?

Kesha:
1. My Rings!!!
2. My Faux Fur Vest in any weather, lol.
3. My camera for capturing moments
4. My Doc Martens
5. My success for Andy Warhol by Bond no. 9 parfume

Five items every girl needs in their wardrobe?

Kesha:
1. A Huge cocktail Ring
2. Leather gloves
3. Little Black dress
4. High Platforms
5. A cute purse!

What is your biggest fashion do and don’t?

Kesha: Do become your on trend. Not all the time am I keeping up with what’s current when I wear certain thing, but it’s me and I love it!!!
 Don’t judge others on their fashion choices. What works for you does not necessarily mean it will work for others. Your style is a reflection of YOURself.

What is your favorite stylist trick?

Kesha: I often like to take ALL of my necklaces, conjoin them and create Body armor!! It sounds weird, I know, but try it. You can create Belts/metal boleros/Metal sleeves. It’s FUN!

Where do you see yourself in the years to come?

Kesha: I see myself growing. Every year I write out my goals and begin to top myself from the previous year. I am my own competition each year.

What advice do you have for an aspiring stylist?

Kesha: Intern your butt off!!!! Find a mentor and talk to other stylists. Don’t just ASSUME that you’re doing the right thing, seek opinions. I interned for a year, no pay and worked a fulltime job!

Where can people find out more about your work?

Kesha: You can check me out on my website
www.kmcme.com, OR ask me questions via Twitter @kmcme, I answer them often and always look for assistants through social networks.

Photo Credit: Essence.com