We were lucky to catch up with Zainab Golden recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Zainab, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the sacrifices my family made when we moved from Nigeria to start a new life when I was 12. Watching my parents work tirelessly to build a better future for us has been my greatest inspiration. Their dedication and resilience in the face of challenges have instilled in me a drive to work harder every day. I am fueled by the desire to repay their hard work and sacrifices by ensuring they can enjoy their well-deserved leisure years. Their journey motivates me to strive for success and ultimately provide them with the comfortable retirement they deserve.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Zainab Egbeyemi, but I prefer Zainab Goldenn. I’m the founder and the visionary of an Image Consultant brand, called Zainik’s Studios. At Zainik’s Studios, we specialize in personalized styling services tailored to reflect our clients’ unique personalities, ensuring they shine at every special occasion. What sets us apart is our dedication to creating capsule wardrobes, making everyday dressing effortless. My passion for fashion dates back to my childhood, fueled by memories of watching my mom sew clothes. Inspired by my journey from Nigeria to Canada, where I learned to style staples creatively, I founded Zainik’s Studios to share my expertise.
With a Bachelor’s in Fashion Management and mentorship from industry experts like Antoinette Johnson, I’ve honed my skills to offer top-notch styling experiences.
I’m excited about sponsoring a giveaway at the ‘Niche Up’ workshop by Tosin Adeniyi this spring. Additionally, stay tuned for our upcoming art project spotlighting black women’s in different styles aesthetics that are often not showcased on mainstream media. The art will be showcased in an exhibition curated by @curatedbyoke. Follow @zainiksstudios on IG for updates!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I’m still on this journey so I’m learning every day. However, looking back on my journey, I believe three qualities that have been most impactful are networking, willingness to learn, and not being afraid to be seen trying. Networking has been crucial in connecting me with mentors like AJ THEE STYLIST who provided invaluable guidance and opportunities. My advice to those starting out is to attend industry events, engage on social media, and be proactive in reaching out to professionals you admire. Secondly, the willingness to learn has been essential. Whether it was assisting Antoinette or pursuing my Bachelor’s in Fashion Management, being open to new knowledge and experiences has helped me grow personally and professionally. Early on, I encourage others to seek out learning opportunities, whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-study.
Lastly, not being afraid to be seen trying has been key. Starting Zainik’s Studios was a leap of faith, and there were times when I felt uncertain or vulnerable. However, embracing the journey, despite the fear of failure or judgment, allowed me to push past obstacles and pursue my passion. My advice to newcomers is to embrace experimentation, take risks, and remember that failure is often a stepping stone to success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always on the lookout for creative partnerships and collaborations! As a stylist based in Toronto, I thrive on collaborating with fellow creatives who are pushing boundaries and doing innovative work in the city. Specifically, I’m eager to partner with clothing brands and fashion boutiques to curate unique pieces for my clients’ shoots. Moreover, I’m interested in collaborating with talented videographers and photographers in the city to bring editorial styling projects to life. Together, we can create visually stunning content that showcases the intersection of fashion, art, and storytelling.
If you’re reading this and share a passion for creativity and collaboration, I’d love to connect! You can reach out to me through my Instagram handle @zainiksstudios or via email at [email protected]. Let’s come together to elevate each other’s work and make magic happen in the the Toronto creative scene!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zainiksstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zainiksstudios/
- Email: personalstylist@
zainiksstudios.com
