We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yomi Gissel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yomi , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
You know what? Life can be a rollercoaster ride sometimes, and it’s totally normal to have those moments where you’re feeling a bit down and questioning everything. We’re only human, after all! But let me tell you, when I need a boost of inspiration and positivity, I turn to the incredible people in my life, my amazing adventures, and yes, even my faith in God. It’s the little things that make all the difference for me. Gazing up at the sky, cruising with the wind in my hair, and belting out my favorite tunes. I’m all about those small but impactful moments. Whether it’s sharing a laugh with friends, getting lost in the beauty of a shimmering lake, or simply taking a moment to appreciate what I have and being grateful for it, those are the things that bring a huge smile to my face. And you know what? Optimism and gratitude are like two peas in a pod. When you’re truly grateful for the people and things around you, optimism follows. Personally, I leave it up to God. His ways may be mysterious, but I trust that everything I have is because of Him. He’s the one who helps me tap into that well of optimism exactly when I need it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
For those that don’t know me, I’m Yomi Gissel. I was born and raised in the vibrant streets of New York, where fashion was as much a part of my DNA as the city itself. As a little girl, I fell head over heels for fashion. You could always find me tucked away in a corner, sketching my heart out. From clothes to shoes, I designed it all! I loved watching movies to try to recreate the looks I would see on TV.
I moved to Orlando when I was 12 yrs old. I’ve always had a keen eye for trends, and my friends and family knew it. They’d come to me for fashion advice, and I loved being their go-to. Becoming a stylist or diving into the fashion world was a dream I held close. But I didn’t have the guts to follow my dream until later in life.
Instead, I enrolled at UCF to study Communications and Marketing. However, I couldn’t resist staying connected to the fashion scene. Throughout college, I volunteered at fashion events in Orlando and even dipped my toes into modeling. Oh, and I interned at a local modeling agency too.
Then came 2017, and I decided to move to Madrid, Spain to pursue a Master degree in Corporate Communication. When the pandemic hit, just like many people, I wanted to reinvent myself and do something different. So I decided to go back to school and did another Master in Fashion Styling.
In 2021, I made the decision to move back to Orlando and kickstart my business in Fashion Styling and Social Media Marketing. I landed a job with a company that styled for Disney. It was a tough gig, but boy, did it teach me valuable lessons that now make me better equipped for my business. I can honestly say that I’m living my dream. I absolutely love what I do for a living—meeting new people, hearing their stories, and helping them enhance their image both offline and online. Styling people and witnessing that twinkle in their eyes when they see themselves looking elevated and confident brings me immense joy. That’s the reason I’m so passionate about my work—I live to help others feel good about themselves. Styling is a powerful form of communication, and now I get to work with amazing clients like The Mall At Millenia, where I handle both social media and styling.
If you had told me a million years ago that I would be where I am today, I wouldn’t have believed it. But I truly believe that God has guided me every step of the way. I’ve prayed for the opportunities I now have, and I’ve put in the work. I know that there are even bigger plans in store for me. With faith and determination, I’m ready to take on the fashion world and make a difference.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When it comes to my line of work, there are three qualities and skills that have truly shaped my journey. First and foremost, continuous learning has been an absolute game-changer. Let me tell you, the learning never stops in the world of social media marketing and styling. With new trends popping up left and right, being able to learn and adapt on the fly is an absolute must. It’s fun always seeking out the latest strategies and staying on top of the game.
Learning alone isn’t enough, I’ve discovered that creativity is like my trusty sidekick, always right by my side. It’s like fuel for my soul, constantly pushing me to explore new horizons and find fresh sources of inspiration. Whether I’m brainstorming innovative social media campaigns or coming up with styling ideas, creativity and learning go hand in hand.
Now, let’s talk about communication skills. I’ll be honest, I think networking is one of the hardest skills to acquire. Networking has become my secret weapon, and I’ve honed my communication skills to a tee. Building connections, expressing ideas clearly, and collaborating with others have taken my career to new heights. It’s like a dance, gracefully navigating through conversations and creating meaningful relationships. I’ve come to realize that the people in our lives, even those who may seem insignificant at first, play a pivotal role in our journey.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/yomigissel?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yomalix.herrera?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yomalixgissel
Image Credits
Only images of a model wearing all pink and me next to her and another one of the same model sitting on a table belong to https://instagram.com/gholtphotos?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
