We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shakaylah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shakaylah , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Navigating spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me has been a journey rooted in legacy, resilience, and self-discovery. I credit much of my strength to my mother. She understood what it meant to move through predominantly white environments—first in high school, then in her career—and she made sure her children were equipped early on to do the same. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she was preparing us for. But I quickly did.
When I got to UC Davis, I found myself in lecture halls with 500 students and only one or two Black faces in the room. The cultural disconnect was immediate—our voices weren’t reflected in the curriculum, and the environment wasn’t built with us in mind. I struggled. There were moments of deep anxiety, tears, and stress trying to navigate not only the academic demands but also the weight of feeling invisible. But I learned to show up as myself, even when it felt like the space wasn’t created for me.
What I didn’t realize then was that those experiences were shaping me for the workforce, where I’d often be one of the only Black women in the room. But by then, I had learned how to hold my own. I had the confidence to walk in knowing I was just as capable, just as worthy, and just as prepared.
And there’s another layer to my story—I’m also a plus-size woman. In many professional and social spaces, I’ve been one of the only plus-size people present. That too can be intimidating. It forces you to confront the ways society tries to shrink or overlook you. But I’ve learned to stand tall in every room I enter. To embrace my body, my beauty, and my brilliance without apology.
I’ve learned that being the only one doesn’t make me less. It makes me aware. It makes me strong. And it pushes me to take up space—not just for myself, but for those who haven’t yet had the chance to walk through the door.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Professionally, I sit at the intersection of creativity, service, and community. I work full-time in the nonprofit space as a Member Stewardship Manager, where I focus on donor engagement, member experience, and ensuring people feel seen and valued for their contributions to protecting California’s state parks. I take pride in making sure our supporters are not just names in a database, but real people who are connected to a cause bigger than themselves.
Outside of my 9–5, I’m the founder of Pynk Papillon & Co., a personal styling and creative direction brand rooted in helping people express themselves with confidence—especially those who have been historically overlooked by the fashion industry. As a Black, plus-size woman, I know firsthand what it feels like to be left out of the mainstream narrative. So I created a brand that centers people like me: bold, brilliant, and stylish on their own terms.
What’s special about Pynk Papillon & Co. is that it’s not just about clothes—it’s about transformation. I help clients unlock their wardrobe’s potential and reconnect with themselves through creative styling. Whether it’s a closet revamp, a signature look for a special event, or curated content for entrepreneurs and creatives, I’m there to bring both vision and confidence to the table.
This year, I am launching The Styling Princess on YouTube, where I break down fashion history, color psychology, and styling tips in an approachable, fun, and educational way. I also recently co-launched a podcast called Mo & Shay: Fits & Facts—where my co-host and I blend fashion commentary with deep dives into style, culture, and identity. We’re excited to use this platform not only to grow our own businesses, but also to spotlight the richness of Black fashion influence and empower others through style storytelling.
I’m currently booking clients for summer and fall wardrobe styling, and I have a few upcoming events in the works that blend fashion, community, and storytelling in unexpected ways. Stay tuned—because we’re just getting started.
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?
Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness.
Resilience is the muscle I’ve had to build over and over again. When you’re the only one in the room, when things don’t go as planned, or when you’re simply exhausted from carrying more than your share—it’s resilience that reminds you to keep going. It doesn’t mean you don’t feel the weight, it just means you don’t let it stop you. My advice to anyone starting their journey is: don’t be afraid to fall apart sometimes. Just make sure you keep getting back up.
Adaptability has helped me navigate spaces that weren’t built for me. From academia to the nonprofit sector to creative entrepreneurship, being flexible while staying rooted in your values is a powerful skill. You don’t have to conform, but you do have to know how to move with intention. Try new things, ask questions, stay curious—those are the first steps to becoming adaptable.
Self-awareness has been the key to owning my story and showing up authentically. I had to learn what environments drained me, what fueled me, and how to advocate for myself in both. When you know who you are, you stop trying to shrink or mold yourself to fit someone else’s idea of success. For those early in their journey, I’d say: spend time with yourself. Understand your “why.” The clearer you are about your purpose, the stronger you’ll stand in every room you enter.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who’s ready to evolve—not just in how they look, but in how they see themselves. They’re curious, open, and maybe even a little nervous—but deep down, they know it’s time for a shift. Whether they’re entering a new season of life, stepping into a leadership role, or just tired of feeling disconnected from their style, they’re ready to show up differently.
I especially love working with folks who haven’t always felt seen by the fashion industry—plus-size women, people of color, creatives, and professionals who are bold in spirit but need help aligning their wardrobe with their inner confidence. My clients don’t have to be trend-followers or fashion experts—they just have to be willing to trust the process and lean into something new.
Style is personal. My job is to make sure that when you walk into a room, your presence speaks before you say a word—and you believe every bit of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leonardshakaylah.wixsite.com/pynk-papillon
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylingprincesse/
Image Credits
photographers:
mrprezimages (image of women in the black against the black wall)
Skinny Zeus (images of women in the silver and green, me in the yellow dress, women in the all pink)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
