QU Mag sat down with Virginia Beach native, Stylist & Image consultant Charlyse Davidson a.k.a. “CharlyDav”

Favorites:
Sports Teams – Love all sports (especially college basketball) but no favorite teams.
Foods – Vegetarian Cuisine, but absolutely love Mexican food!
Interests – Enjoy designing “one of a kind” accessories, shopping vintage boutiques/thrift stores, traveling, and creative writing.

QU: So tell people a little bit about yourself?

CD: Hey QU! First, fashion is my zeal! I earned my B.S. in Fashion Merchandising from Morgan State University (wanted to attend Parsons School of Design in NY), my Wardrobe Stylist Certification from Avidere School of Image Management. For over 10 years, I’ve worked as a mannequin stylist/visual merchandiser.

QU: How did you get started in Fashion/Stylist business?

CD: Well, with my quirky style and fascination with haute couture, I knew I wanted to be part of this industry in some capacity. In 1996, I read an article in Essence magazine, “Not Your Average Career”, featuring Fashion Stylist, Lisa Michelle. Once I learned the duties, I began styling and imaging for local musicians, aspiring models, and styled a few celebrity video shoots.

QU: How long have you been in business?

CD: My first photo shoot was in 2002 for a Virginia-based alternative/funk band, and continued freelancing for other local artists. A few years later, I launched CharlyDav Style&Image, to help artists, models, and anyone look and feel their best from the inside out by enhancing their personal image.

QU: What is your favorite and least favorite part of your career?

CD: Wow! When I see my client’s final look, and all elements of the shoot come together (clothes, makeup, hair, lighting etc.) is my favorite. The least favorite is working with a minimal budget, but I realize it comes with the territory.

QU: Hardest lesson learned?

CD: Shortchanging myself; learning that my services and time are worth paying for. The quality of clients mean more to me than the quantity of clients, and the need to work with various photographers, makeup artists, and video directors to create diversity in my portfolio.

QU: Greatest achievement?

CD: So far…styling the 2008 video shoot for Conya Doss’ hit single “What I’d Do”.

QU: Who are your role models/mentors when it comes to business?

CD: My mentor and constant motivator is Valente Frazier, personal make-up artist for Tyra Banks. He encourages me to stay positive and persistent in my journey. Lisa Michelle quoted “Don’t waste your time doing something you really don’t want to do, reach for your dreams and aspire to do what you love.”(This quote plays a huge part in my inspiration and ongoing motivation).

QU: What are some of the things you look for in Fashion/Style?

CD: Silhouette, Uniqueness, and Color.

QU: If you had to suggest designers for three different looks (sporty, casual, business), who would they be?

CD: Sporty: Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, & Isaac Mizrahi represent classic clean lines and functionality. Casual: Mossimo & Levi’s offer practicality and comfort for everyday style. Business: Armani, Tahari, & Yves St. Laurent signify sleek sophistication with modern elegance. My favorite designer is Anna Sui because of the bold bohemian-chic style she brings to her clothing.

QU: What have you done in the past, what are you doing presently, and what are your plans for the future?

CD: I’ve worked with outstanding photographer Jenell Webb of Shujen Photography, beautiful models such as Sachkia, and amazing singers/songwriters, Jon Bibbs & K’bana Blaq who have given me creative freedom. I styled Jon Bibbs’ debut video “Giving My Love Away” and photo shoots for both artists (one that featured my own recycled apparel jacket designs). Presently initiating a “Cheap but Chic” project: my clients will choose a high-end designer inspiration look that will be re-created at a fraction of the price. My future plan is to open a boutique, featuring vintage clothing and original recycled apparel designs. Hopefully, I will one-day work with Sudanese model/designer, Alek Wek.

QU: Last but not least, what advice would you give someone looking to enter the business?

CD: First and foremost, follow your passion and never give up on your dreams! Find a mentor, constantly network, market yourself, and stay abreast of current trends. Stay true to yourself, believe in your talent, and allow it to speak for you.

Currently residing in the DC area, the contact information for CharlyDav Style&Image: charlydav_image@yahoo.com

Photography: Jenell Webb for Shujen Photography
Make-Up: Camille Buggs & B. Angela
Styling: CharlyDav