Donette A. Lowe
I want to introduce you all to
of Kansas City, KS. She has a very eclectic style and gorgeous face. She is the Team Leader for the Women’s Accessories Department at Urban Outfitters, a Floor set Associate at The Limited, and a freelance stylist and consultant. Not to mention the fact that wherever she goes she is dressed to kill. I love to see people with unique style and Donette is someone who sticks out in my mind as one of those people. Continue reading to learn more about Donette Lowe.
What college or university did you attend?
I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Howard University in 2012. I currently attend The Art Institutes International-Kansas City where I will graduate with a diploma in Fashion Retailing in May 2014.
Where do you see your career in 5 years?
It can go one of two ways: I will either be a stylist and consultant or I will be a successful buyer for a luxury goods retailer. Whichever is more lucrative and logical is the way I will go. I LOVE styling, so I’m hoping that I can make that work out.
Who have you worked with and/or worked for?
Retail wise, I’ve worked for J.Crew, Sunglass Hut, and now Urban. I’ve worked as a Community Support Specialist with severely mentally ill adults as well. Those would be the most recent. I would love to work with Olori Swank, a celeb stylist, or even J.Crew on a corporate level. I’m down to work anywhere that’s fun, educational, and professional. Right now, I’m working with Cool Story Creative and I’m super excited about it.
What was your motivation behind starting your career?
I am a creative person, there was no denying it. Once I realized that I didn’t necessarily want to pursue a master’s or doctorate in psychology, I knew that I had to do what I really love which is style and be involved in the fashion industry. Styling is my outlet, consulting is a passion. So I guess my motivation would be happiness in whatever I do. Life is too short to be unhappy.
What does confidence mean to you?
Absolutely not caring about what people think. Feedback is crucial to growth, but when people’s potential comments or looks begin to influence what you do, how you think, or what you say, it means you’ve lost confidence. I wear whatever I want and people think I’m weird. I have so much fun though.
Where do you find inspiration?
African culture, specifically West African provides a lot of inspiration fashion wise for me. Also style bloggers, art, and other cultures greatly influence how I dress. My inspiration in how I work is Iggy Azalea, her story is amazing and I always feel like if she did it, I can too. Business wise, Jay-Z is my go to for inspiration. He speaks and acts like he owns the world and no one can deter him from handling business.
What is your biggest dream or aspiration?
I think all it really boils down to is to live life according to God’s plan, being the woman God wants me to be, and to achieve according my full potential. I dream about the moment where I can sit down and say that ‘I did it, THIS is me, my greatest work, my destiny’. I never want to look back on my life and work and say ‘is this what I was supposed to do’?
What fashion story describes you in a nutshell?
My black and white TrapGold tee, black skinny denim, and black strappy heeled sandals. With my light purple lipstick. Part of the outfit is that my black and white Nike Frees are in my purse, always ready to work.
Who is your style icon?
I don’t have one! So many people inspire me. Right now, I would say that I try to channel the high end boho vibe that Bianca Jagger had back in the day. Whatever makes me feel like a rockstar.
If you had to pick 1 item from your closet to describe you as a person, what would it be?
My black sequin tee. It’s minimal in the fact that it’s a t-shirt, but its completely covered in sequins: understated cool, diverse, fun.
Do you prefer modern or vintage styles? Why?
Modern. I like modern vintage influenced pieces. They are current and pay homage to times past without looking dated. I’m over looking like I just rolled out of the thrift store.
What is your favorite fashion publication? Why?
This is hard, probably J.Crew’s Style Guide. Its technically a catalog, but its shot like a fashion editorial. I love how they go to different cities all over the world and really style their models. It always looks great.
Where is your favorite place to shop?
I really don’t have one. I look for quality pieces that are good investments so I shop around until I find the best quality for the money that I am spending. I’ll go anywhere.
What mark do you want to leave on this world?
A classic one. A trademark. A brand. I want to someone to see my work years from now and feel inspired to be free, inspired to think outside of what society presents, and inspired to dream. Trusting in your struggle, trusting God, will take you farther than you could ever imagine.
What career advice do you have for TheeFashionStories readers?
Dare to dream. But if you do, plan it out. Dreams can be logical and if you want to pursue something, make it your life. Research, drown yourself in it so that you have no choice but to be successful.
How can TheeFashionStories readers contact you?
Follow me on instagram
and twitter @xo_donettelowe, I respond here as well as my email,
. Let’s link up, I love getting to know new people.
Thanks for an awesome interview Donette. I look forward to working with you and seeing more of your work. You truly inspire me!
Much Love,
Jas