So glad you guys enjoyed my 1st Guest Misfit! Let’s keep the ball rolling with our next Misfit, the lovely red-head Teaira Blair!
So tell us a little bit about yourself !
My name is Teaira Anjanae Blair, and I’m 19 years old. Yes, I’m really that young (Laughs). I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana and this is currently where I reside until I graduate from The University of New Orleans or I receive an opportunity that requires me to move away sooner.
You call yourself a Fashion Artrepreneur. What does that mean to you?
I have always had a dream of starting my own business, but it is something else to put it into reality and actually fulfill that dream. I want to create a business I love and others can love too. I can draw, paint, style, direct concepts for photo shoots, even model and design a little bit. I think many people have many talents, but, like me, lack a certain context to put them in. I haven’t quite figured out how I can utilize each talent at once, without being forced to stay in the photo shoot field. I just know what I plan to do, it will be entrepreneurship. All of the things I’m passionate about coordinate because of fashion. Fashion is a form of art, therefore I put the two words together; Artrepreneur.
Give us a basic overview of what every day life is for you.
My life is pretty boring until I check my social networks and emails (Laugh). I love New Orleans, but it isn’t a prosperous place for my craft. With that being said, I’m living the life of a typical college kid until I’m offered an opportunity to do something that pertains to my career. I hang out with the few friends that I have from time to time, but we are all on the same page, so “hanging” isn’t a priority. We’re doing what we need to do, to get to where we want to be!
How would you describe your style? What inspires you?
Eclectic. It changes depending on how I’m feeling…or how my hair is styled (Giggles). I’m very inspired by the 70s, 80s, and 90s era. I just coordinate with modern day styles and go with it. Whatever makes me feel great and look great, I’ll wear it!
Sometimes it can be really difficult to cultivate a style all one’s own. How did you learn how to personalize your style? Did you ever find it to be hard?
The only thing I find hard is finding new and unique places to shop, however, personalizing a style isn’t something that I learned. To me, styling is like breathing, you either can do it or you can’t.
What do you think are the fundamentals to a good outfit?
The fundamentals to a good outfit are being able to make a statement with your accessories and shoes. You can have on a t-shirt and jeans, but the way you choose to accessorize is what makes it unique!
What fashion trend/idea/item do you think is over-rated?
I think following a trend is over-rated period. What’s in style right now, can be out of style next year, or was in style 20 years ago. Fashion trends always repeat, so it’s best to not get so caught up into them and wear what makes you feel and look good.
How did you build a following as high as you did? What rules, tips or tricks would you give to others trying to build up their social media following?
There are no rules, tips, or tricks to building a following; The natural way that is. I built a large following by being myself and that got me talked about the most. The more people talk, the more people want to see. Uploading pictures showcasing my style by standing in front of a random wall, and occasionally pictures of my shoes, is all it took. (Giggles) Now I’m getting packages of items businesses want me to promote, modeling, styling models or anyone that’s interested. I also had the pleasure of meeting and styling a photo shoot for Beyoncé’s lead dancer, Ashley Everett. This is just the beginning. I get paid for most of this… So for those who laugh at me, the joke is truly on them.
What are things people should avoid when using social media to promote their brand?
Avoid being fraudulent! Don’t ever buy clout! If you’re as great as you think you are, all of that will come naturally because you’ll deserve it. Avoid posting anything that would damage your brand or detour people away from it. Keep personal business separate from your brand business. Be professional and likable at all times. Exposure for your brand is your top priority when it comes to your presence and behavior on social media.
How did you decide how to brand yourself? Do you use more venues than just social media? How did you come up with your logo?
I’m still deciding, I’m nowhere near where I would like to be when it comes to branding my name.
For now, I’m mostly using social media, alongside passing out my business cards wherever I go. As for my logo with my initials, I let the graphic designer freestyle and then tweaked what I didn’t like. I came up with the idea of the logo with my full name, the graphic designer just added his own touch to it.
Were you ever met with adversity/problems when you decided you wanted to expand your brand/goals?
I have been ridiculed, bullied, and mimicked every day of my life since I was about 14 years old, so I didn’t assume that things would extraordinarily change when I decided to maximize my potential and put myself out there. The support I get from my age group in my hometown is little to none. They’re all on one the same thing, ‘Knock everyone else down so you can build yourself up’ or ‘I’m going to do the exact same thing she/he’s doing so I can look good for social media’. Almost all of them think they’re fashionably inclined, so I’m a laughing stock and they’ve nit-picked and found something wrong with everything I think is an accomplishment. Hence the reason why I thank God every day for blessing me with my talents and for the creator of every social media platform, because my presence on these mere apps have gotten me REAL support, therefore several opportunities. Overall, things have gotten so much better over the years, and I’m better at dealing with the negative sides of what comes with who I’ve become.
What are your future goals career-wise?
My future goals career wise are a surprise! (Giggles) I won’t say too much about my career goals, because I need to work harder to make sure they’ll be achieved. Less talking, more doing.
Your hair lately has been amazingly gorgeous. How did you decide on the fire-red color?
Thank you! Red is my safe color. I’ve had red hair a couple of times. Whenever I’m tired of really dark hair, but I don’t want to go too light, I go with red. Whether it’s copper-red, bright red, or a dark red. I never go wrong with red hair.
Our site is all about the woman who is also a ‘misfit’ in society. How would you describe yourself as a misfit?
We’re living in a world where people are so busy watching, they can’t get themselves on the levels of those that they idolize daily. I think I’m a misfit because I’m more focused on myself. I can’t care about what anyone else has going on, especially if it doesn’t benefit me. I’m not caught up into the hypes of the world, and I don’t care who doesn’t like that. I’ve been laughed at and called every negative thing that you could possibly think of because I decided not to conform. I’ve gone against all of the naysayers and remained true to myself, which is why I’m where I am today. On the road to success.
Do you ever feel under represented due to your style, race, gender, age, etc?
I think my age intimidates some people, or frightens them because of how far I’ve gotten this young. Firstly, no one ever expects me to be so young, and when they find out that I am, they don’t believe it. They just assume I’m really small for my age, which I really am (Laughs). However, with the tragedies happening in the world, from Trayvon Martin, to Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, and Eric Garner, thankfully, being black hasn’t caused any major turmoil in my life.
Any last minute tips or advice you’d like to give our readers?
Be yourself! As simple as it sounds, it’s not easy. What works for you, will not work for everyone. This generation lacks maturity, dignity, integrity, and positivity so they’d do and say anything to bring those of us who rise above down to their levels. It’s easy to lose faith in yourself when so many others are going against you, but never stop moving forward! People on the same level as you will find you or you’ll find them, and your life journey will be worth the fight.
Social media venues we can find you on:
Instagram: @TeairaBlair
Twitter: @TeairaBlair
