We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ijay Allison a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ijay, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
It definitely took some time. Growing up, I was really shy and had a stutter, so I didn’t speak much, which often gave people the wrong impression of me. But honestly, I didn’t mind because I didn’t want to talk anyway.
The turning point came when I started university. I found myself alone, away from my sisters—my safety net. Rather than retreating further into my shell, I made a promise to push myself beyond my comfort zone. I joined groups and attended networking events—anything that would challenge me to interact with people outside my close circle of family and friends.
Through these experiences, I started to discover my voice and who I truly was. It was encouraging when people began to see me for who I was—even before I fully knew that person myself. That was a major turning point for me, just becoming comfortable with hearing my own voice, stepping out of my comfort zone, and learning more about myself along the way. This journey of self-discovery played a huge role in building my confidence and self-esteem. Learning what I love, what I don’t love, and who I am was really the foundation for my growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Ijay Allison, originally from Nigeria, and I moved to Canada in 2017 to pursue a higher education. I’m now working as a wardrobe and personal stylist in the film and TV industry, where I’ve been able to blend my love for style with my creative flair.
My motto, “This girl can,” embodies my belief in overcoming challenges with the support of my faith and family. This perspective has been instrumental in my journey, empowering me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities.
Fashion has always been a part of my life, thanks to my mother, who was a tailor and later owned a retail store. Growing up, I was captivated by her ability to transform fabric into stunning outfits and her talent for connecting with clients. Her work sparked my enthusiasm for style and design, shaping my approach as a stylist today.
What excites me most about my work is the dynamic, fast-paced nature of wardrobe styling. The challenge of working with diverse characters and ensuring continuity with scenes and outfits is exhilarating. I thrive on the creativity and precision required in this field. The rapid pace keeps my mind engaged, and seeing everything come together is incredibly rewarding. I focus on perfecting the wardrobe while trusting that the rest of the crew is contributing to the bigger picture, which brings a unique sense of accomplishment.
Currently, I’m focused on reconnecting with industry contacts and putting myself out there to gain more experience. I’m also thrilled to be launching my new website, which will streamline how clients can book a range of my services, from wardrobe consultations and revamps to personal shopping and styling. Looking ahead, I’m excited about exploring new styling projects and expanding my work in both film and personal styling.
I invite readers to visit my new website and connect with me on social media to stay updated on my latest projects and offerings. Each experience has contributed to my growth as a stylist, and I’m eager to see what the future holds.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
A Willingness to Learn: Staying open to new knowledge and experiences has been crucial. The fashion and styling industries are constantly evolving, and embracing a mindset of continuous learning has allowed me to adapt and grow. This involves not only formal education but also learning from every project and client interaction. For those starting out, I recommend actively seeking opportunities for learning—whether through workshops, reading industry-related content, or simply observing and asking questions.
Patience: This has been vital in both my personal growth and professional development. Building a career in styling takes time, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself as you develop your skills and build your reputation. There will be challenges and setbacks, but maintaining patience helps in staying focused and motivated. My advice is to set realistic goals and understand that progress is a gradual process. Celebrate small victories along the way and keep pushing forward.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and diverse client needs has been immensely valuable. In the fast-paced world of film styling, each project presents unique challenges, and being flexible helps in finding creative solutions. For those early in their journey, developing adaptability involves embracing change and being open to feedback. Try to approach every situation with a problem-solving mindset; always be open and willing to adjust your approach as needed.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Prioritize and Break It Down: I like to start by focusing on what’s most urgent and breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. It makes everything feel less daunting and allows me to handle things one at a time.
Practice Mindfulness and Pray: Prayer plays a huge role in how I handle challenges—trusting God to guide me through and lead me in the right direction keeps me grounded. Also, taking moments to pause and reset is so important—meditating or simply stepping away to clear my mind.
Seek Support and Communicate: Reaching out to family and friends when I need extra support or advice. Getting different perspectives helps me see things more clearly, especially when I’m caught up in my own thoughts. It lightens the load and sometimes brings better solutions I hadn’t considered.
Stay Organized: My calendar and trusty Hemlock & Oak weekly planner are essential tools that keep me on top of my to-do lists and goals. Even if my workspace is more “organized chaos,” as long as I keep my priorities clear in my planner, I know things won’t slip through the cracks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.styledbyijay.com
- Instagram: ijay_allison
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijay-allison
Image Credits
IJAY, Photographed by Timi David
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