Today we’d like to introduce you to Afeni Payne-Bonnick.
Hi Afeni, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to London in 2017 from a small rural part of England to study at the University of The Arts London. During my second year, I began to build a styling portfolio and would assist fashion stylists on shoots for music videos and publications in my spare time. In 2019 I travelled with some friends to Miami to attend the Rolling Loud festival, this trip would then become the beginning of my journey in America. I met my boyfriend during that holiday and we started our long distance relationship with me travelling back and forth from London to Miami and vice versa. Fast forward to 2025, I am currently based in Miami and have continued to pursue fashion styling whilst exploring other creative opportunities across the atlantic.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every day I face new challenges and questions surrounding my new environment and where I see myself in the world, both geographically and career-wise. Moving from the UK to the US has come with many cultural differences which at times has challenged my moral compass, however reminding myself of the sacrifices I’ve made to settle here encourages me to lean into these changes and to practise understanding. Self discovery has played a significant part of my experience as I navigate a new lifestyle and build a like-minded network around me. Through research, work, attending workshops and even thrifting I’ve found communities of people that share similarities to the collectives I’m a part of in London.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a fashion stylist and freelance creative. I have an extensive portfolio styling musicians and talent for music videos and fashion publications. Some of the projects I have worked on have been for publications and companies such as LOVE Magazine, Vogue Italia and Sony Records. My background in social justice advocacy has shaped my intentions when approaching creative projects. After working on set as a stylist, production assistant and director’s assistant, I’ve built a deep understanding of the processes that evolve into successful storytelling. Through these experiences, I’ve developed my own personal style of work and my attention to detail has refined. Being able to communicate concepts across varies mediums has encouraged me to pursue creative direction alongside my styling practice.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
A major risk I’ve taken, has been up rooting my life to the US from the UK. This risk has come with many new beginnings and introductions. In a way, I’ve had to start over again in regards to my career and finding a network and a foundation. Coming from a reliable, diverse and innovative community of creatives in London that I’d spent years building, to a new city with a difference pace and taste has been a risk. I believe risk is a necessary part of growth and self discovery. In order to find out our full potential and what we are capable of, risk is an essential element to understanding what it is we truly want.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paynebonnickafeni.wixsite.com/afeni-payne-bonnick
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afeni____/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afeni-payne-bonnick-312642189
