Meet Our ThriftAnista: Akeya from @AkeyaChic
Our Thriftanista Tour is back like it never left— and so is Akeya! Model, Creator, and our very own ThriftAnista, Akeya is a woman who’s mission is to uplift and inspire women to be confident in themselves through affordable fashion!
@AkeyaChic’s social media pages are filled with high fashion, bold looks, and great prices so we had to team up with her for our ThriftAnista Tour, with her hand-selected, Akeya’s Exclusives! Akeya will pull her favorite finds and display them for all our shoppers to see and buy all day at each of our ThriftAnista events! So without further adieu, let’s meet this Triad Goodwill ThriftAnista!
Tell Us A Little About Yourself & How You Got Started In Fashion
I grew up in Spartanburg, SC and my love for fashion started at a young age. Growing up, I was known for my unique outfits. I used to mix patterns and wore tall turquoise wedges. I took fashion so seriously growing up that I created a fashion blog and YouTube channel. As I grew older, I worried I would not be able to continue in fashion as a profession, so in 2016 I moved to Greensboro to study business management at North Carolina A&T State University. During my college years, I found my love for fashion again through my hobbies. I became a model and photographer and was introduced to content creation.
Who / What Influences Your Fashion & Style? How Do You Describe Your Personal Style?
Lately I have been inspired by Tenicka Boyd (@tenickab) on Instagram. She has inspired me to dress more colorful. We both love a fitted top and wide leg pant moment!
Growing up, I think it was a mix of Solange, Janelle Monae, and Rihanna. Solange and Janelle caught my attention because they both styled their natural hair with their outfits. Hair is a fashion statement and can accentuate a look!
I would describe my personal style as bold, chic, but also comfortable! My outfits can be bold, but I have to be comfortable too!
How Did You Get Into Social Media Content Creation?
I did content creation when I was younger, and honestly had no clue that’s what it was called. Before middle school, I didn’t care about fashion. I had a moment where I looked at how I dressed and I did not like it. So, I went on Pinterest and YouTube and searched everything I could about fashion. I read blogs, and watched videos on how to transform your personal style. In 2012 I decided to record my own videos for YouTube. I had my mom and sister take videos and pictures of my outfits daily. I have been content ever since!
Any Current Trends You Love?
I love the new trends of Dopamine dressing and Barbiecore! Dopamine dressing is wearing outfits that boost your mood. If you look up dopamine dressing, you may see people wearing color, patterns and different textures. Barbiecore is an aesthetic centered around Barbie. Barbie is known for having and wearing hot pink items. Pink is all about femininity, love and kindness. My favorite color lately is hot pink, so I am here for this trend.
What’s The Best Part Of Thrifting? How Do You Find The Best Items?
The best part of thrifting is that you can find one of a kind pieces at such low prices! Not only are you finding a great items at an inexpensive price, but you are also giving back to your community and supporting local businesses. I usually find the best items when I’m not looking for anything in particular!
You’re A ThriftAnista Because…
I’m a ThriftAnista because I find different and unique pieces and I make them my own. I style them in my own way, and I rock them confidently!
Favorite Quote?
My favorite quote of all time is, “Elegance is not being noticed, it’s about being remembered.” – Giorgio Armani
Follow Akeya online to see her ThriftAnista Style & Akeya Exclusives:
@AkeyaChic on Instagram
@AkeyaChic on Twitter
@AkeyaChic on Pinterest
@AkeyaChic on YouTube
@AkeyaChic on TikTok