We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lynxx Zaphiar . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lynxx below.
Lynxx , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my grandmother, Ruby. She was the kind of woman who carried faith in her voice and strength in her hands. I remember watching her sit at the piano in church, steady and sure, even when life around her wasn’t easy. She’d sing to me as a child—songs that reminded me that I was loved, protected, and capable of getting through anything.
That love became my foundation. When life tested me with rejection, single motherhood, or even my own battles with depression, I could still hear her voice in the back of my mind reminding me that God wouldn’t leave me. That’s what keeps me going even on my hardest days—the unshakable belief that no matter what’s thrown my way, I can bend, I can stumble, but I won’t break.
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?
My journey has always been about turning what made me “different” into what makes me powerful. I’m the founder and creative force behind Blackbyrdxx Apparel, a brand that celebrates androgyny, bold individuality, and the beauty of living outside the lines. What excites me most is showing people that fashion and art can be both personal armor and a statement of freedom—it’s about giving others permission to show up unapologetically as themselves.
As an actress and model, I weave that same spirit into every role and runway. Each project I take on—whether it’s film, fashion week, or storytelling through visuals—is another way to redefine representation for people who rarely see themselves reflected authentically.
Right now, I’m expanding both my creative and professional lanes. I’ll be stepping onto the stage at Mod Con and LA Fashion Week, while also building momentum with my short films, including Who Killed Jabori and MIDNIGHT:00. On the brand side, Blackbyrdxx Apparel is preparing for its next evolution, blending couture, streetwear, and art into pieces that tell a story the moment you put them on.
At the heart of it, I want people to know that Blackbyrdxx is more than a brand—it’s a movement. It’s about daring to stand out, carrying both softness and edge, and reminding the world that being yourself is the most powerful statement you can ever make.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three Most Important Qualities, Skills and Areas of Knowledge
Looking back, the three things that shaped my journey most were resilience, authenticity, and vision.
• Resilience came from living through rejection, setbacks, and times when it felt like the odds were stacked against me. It taught me how to bend without breaking, and how to turn pain into fuel. My advice: resilience isn’t built in comfort—it’s built in the moments you think you can’t go on, but you do anyway. Embrace those moments as training grounds.
• Authenticity is my superpower. Early on, I tried to fit into molds that were never made for me—relationships, careers, even fashion ideals. When I finally embraced my androgyny, my queerness, and my unique voice, doors opened that I never imagined. My advice: the sooner you stop shrinking yourself to fit expectations, the sooner your true opportunities will find you.
• Vision has kept me moving forward. Whether designing Blackbyrdxx Apparel, acting in films, or stepping onto a runway, I see each step as part of a bigger picture. My advice: don’t just think about the job in front of you—see the movement, the legacy, or the story you’re building. Write it down, speak it out loud, and protect it fiercely.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The biggest obstacle I’m facing right now is balance. Balancing the demands of being a nurse, a mother, an actress, a model, and a fashion designer while also building my brand and creative projects can feel overwhelming at times. There are moments when it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to give my best to everything I care about.
To overcome this, I’ve been intentional about structure and self-care—learning to set boundaries, prioritize what truly matters, and remind myself that rest is part of the work. I’ve also leaned into community, surrounding myself with people who support my vision and help me stay grounded. I’m learning that success isn’t about doing it all at once, but about doing it with purpose, consistency, and grace for myself in the process.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Lynxx_zaphiar
- Facebook: Lynxxzaphiar
Image Credits
Billie Harper
