Today we’d like to introduce you to Solange McKenzie.
Solange, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I guess I would say my story starts even before I was born. My grandmother and a few aunts on my mother’s side were all seamstresses, so it’s almost as if Fashion was in my blood. Even when I was young, I was sewing and styling different outfits for myself, my dolls, friends when we went shopping. But the inspiration for my brand comes from my experiences in Middle School. I am a tall girl (cute standing at 6’2”) and have always been tall. This made finding clothes a real struggle for me because nothing ever really fit me, sleeves and pants legs were always too short. And if I found something that was the right length, it was always too expensive for a Middle Schoolers who was constantly growing. It felt super discouraging, especially when I would see models who were my height wearing clothes so beautifully, but when I went in stores the clothes on the racks were not made for me at all. So reflecting on these experiences, I wanted to create a brand in myself that highlights my height and helps other tall girls and women style clothes to feel confident. Basically becoming the stylish and tall role model, I would have wanted for myself.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, not at all. The biggest and sometimes ongoing struggle was finally becoming confident in myself and in my height. Honestly, after middle school and even into high school, my confidence was sooooooo torn down, some comments still stick with me. One I still remember vividly was when one of the boys in my grade said “Soon your voice is going to drop and you’ll be a man”. So I would definitely say building confidence was the biggest. But it’s becoming easier and easier since I’ve started appreciating myself and surrounding myself with friends and family who either appreciate it too or are tall women just like myself.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Now I am a fashion/style blogger and influencer. My niche is Tall fashion. I am definitely proud to be able to bring visibility to tall girls in fashion and show them that they can rock anything they want to and look BOMB. What I think sets me apart is that I’m an everyday tall girl in fashion willing to share my experience when it comes to finding clothes and styling them.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Of course, my mom, dad, sister and other close family members. They have always supported me through everything. My best friends, Zee and Pachi. My Spelman Sisters, Fennella, Andrenise, Nija. My HBCU sister, Ayana. My influencer sister, Christian Mosi. They all have been in my corner since the day we met, we share knowledge, collaborate when possible and two of them are my volleyball teammates. My fashion network, Elbert Ivory, who gave me the name “Glamazon”when I modeled with him. Keiana Armani, who I write for at Indigo Blue Style. And Mikey Freemen who first gave me opportunities to assist him with Styling.
Contact Info:
- Website: ShesaGlamazon.com
- Email: shesaglamazon.11@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/glamazon_11
Image Credit:
Niko Latkins, Christian Mosi, Candace McKenzie, Florencia Lista, Myself
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