Meet Aisha Rae

We were lucky to catch up with Aisha Rae recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aisha, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has never been easy. You stand out instantly, and that means all eyes are on you your presence, your performance, even your mistakes. There’s a constant pressure knowing people will remember you simply because you’re the only one, which can feel like you’re carrying more weight than everyone else.

But over time, I’ve learned to use that visibility as a strength. I stay grounded in my expertise, prepare thoroughly, and let my work speak louder than any assumptions. I show up confidently, advocate for myself, and make sure my perspective adds value. Being the only one in the room has taught me resilience, intentionality, and how to lead even when the environment isn’t built for you.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I started my career in New York City working on The Tyra Banks Show as a wardrobe stylist. From there, I went on to assist stylist Atiba Newsome, working with Kelly Rowland, Prince, and developing emerging artists under the newly formed Roc Nation label.

After relocating to Los Angeles, I expanded into fashion branding and e-commerce, collaborating with companies such as HauteLook, which later became part of Nordstrom, as well as Nasty Gal. I continued styling for talent including Karol G, Doechii, Dove Cameron, and others. I also served as a fashion editor at CR Fashion Book and contributed to publications such as V Magazine, British Vogue, and more.

By 2017, I realized there was a major gap in how emerging brands and artists were being connected. Traditional PR didn’t always create authentic or organic placements, but I had the relationships with both brands and talent to bridge that gap. That’s when I launched my creative agency, BL8K. I wanted to champion brands I truly believed in and guide artists toward partnerships that felt real and impactful.

During the pandemic, BL8K grew into a full-scale creative agency, producing covers and editorial shoots for Popsugar, Schön!, and numerous other publications and brands. Today, we work with artists and companies across New York, Los Angeles, and London, continuing to build meaningful, culturally relevant creative work.

I’m focused on expanding our global presence, nurturing new talent, and pushing the boundaries of what creative direction and brand storytelling can look like in today’s landscape.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey.

First, the ability to pivot. This industry moves fast, and being adaptable has allowed me to stay ahead, adjust when things shift, and take on opportunities I didn’t initially expect.

Second, seeing solutions where others see problems, and or spotting gaps in the market that aren’t being filled. That mindset helped me build my agency and create work that felt fresh, intentional, and needed.

And third, staying open to trying new things and not letting fear get in the way. So many of my biggest wins came from simply going for it, even when the path wasn’t clear.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to stay flexible, stay curious, and take the risk. Pay attention to what’s missing in your field, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to pursue the ideas that won’t leave your mind. Those are often the ones that change everything.

How would you describe your ideal client?

Our ideal client is someone who embraces creativity, isn’t afraid to take risks, and sees us as a true partner. We operate as a support system for your brand or artistry. Our goal is to complement, elevate, and push your vision even further.
We love working with founders, brands, and artists who want to stay in the driver’s seat, but who also value collaborative teamwork. When both sides are aligned and willing to build together, that’s when the most impactful work happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bl8k.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bl8k.creative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/BL8K_Creative/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bl8k/