Meet Zakiya Janae

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zakiya Janae a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Zakiya , 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?

Styling can be a powerful way to rebuild confidence and reclaim your identity; especially for a young Black woman who has faced struggles that left me feeling disconnected or lost. Clothes are more than just fashion; they’re a tool for self-expression and empowerment. Through style, you can express your emotions, values, and cultural pride in ways that feel true to you, helping to reconnect with the parts of yourself that were silenced or overlooked.

Choosing how you dress gives you control over how you are seen, allowing you to express ownership over your body and your identity. Whether it’s through bold colors, prints, or styles that reflect your heritage; clothing can serve as a reminder of your strength and history, helping to heal old wounds and rebuild your sense of self. Each outfit can be a small act of transformation—whether you’re experimenting with new looks or embracing what feels comfortable and authentic. As you dress in ways that reflect who you are or who you want to be, you start to see yourself differently. The confidence that comes from feeling good in your clothes can shift how you view your worth, reinforcing a sense of beauty that doesn’t rely on anyone else’s approval.

Since 2021, as a stylist in Boston, Massachusetts, I’ve made it my mission to provide opportunities for creatives of color in the city, offering a space where they can explore and express their unique identities through fashion. Boston has a vibrant, yet often overlooked community of Black and Brown artists, and I’ve had the honor of styling artists to encourage a powerful way to help them reclaim their narratives and amplify their voices. By working with these creatives, I not only help them discover their personal style but also contribute to their platform where their stories are celebrated, seen, and valued. Through styling, we can uplift one another, challenge traditional beauty standards, and build a community where our cultural expressions and individual identities are honored—fostering confidence and empowerment in ways that go beyond just appearance. Ultimately, styling helps you redefine beauty on your terms. It’s a way to break free from narrow expectations and embrace the richness of who you are, both inside and out. Through the power of fashion, you begin to heal, evolve, and take pride in your identity, reclaiming the strength that has always been yours.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Zakiya Janae, founder of Coordinatez Styling. Fashion styling is the art of bringing articles together to create looks that are aesthetically pleasing, out of this world and unique to each individual. At Coordinatez I pride myself on bringing out your inner rockstar and helping you feel confident, comfortable and fly. With an eye for composition and proportion, the ability to meet deadlines and the commercial awareness of designers, brands and trends alike, Coordinatez will take your styling needs to the next level. I am a respected fashion stylist renowned for my work with Boston’s vibrant city artists and models. With a talent for blending contemporary trends with timeless elegance, I have made a name for myself by creating standout looks for a diverse range of clients; including editorial shoots, personal styling sessions and music performances/concerts. My dedication to showcasing local talent and my impactful presence in the fashion scene has established me as a prominent figure in the local industry. Known for my innovative approach and impeccable taste, I continue to set trends and inspire with every project I undertake. I am celebrated for my ability to bring out the best in each client, ensuring that every appearance is not just seen but remembered. My work transcends mere fashion, making a lasting impression on both the industry and the community.

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

Time management, communication, and concept development are essential skills for any stylist. Time management is crucial for staying organized and meeting deadlines. It allows you to balance multiple clients, tasks, and creative projects without feeling overwhelmed. It gives you control over your workload, reducing stress and helping you feel confident in your ability to meet deadlines and deliver quality results. Communication is key to understanding your client’s vision and needs. By listening carefully and setting clear expectations, you can ensure satisfaction and avoid misunderstandings. It also helps to collaborate smoothly with other professionals, like photographers, or makeup artists, to create cohesive looks and strengthen your confidence in client interactions and teamwork. Concept development is what turns ideas into reality. It involves brainstorming and creating unique, tailored looks that fit the client’s personality, style, and occasion. Strong concept development skills builds confidence in your creativity and problem-solving skills, allowing you to turn ideas into successful looks and showcase your abilities in your portfolio. When these skills work together, they help you deliver high-quality results, build trust with clients and feel more organized and capable. All which boosts your overall confidence in your craft and in your professional relationships.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed I do my best to practice self awareness by choosing to walk with my internal ally. Walking with your internal ally and fighting your internal parasite is about embracing the positive, empowering part of yourself while confronting self-doubt and negativity. The Internal Ally is the supportive voice that encourages growth, confidence, and resilience. It reminds you that you’re capable, worthy, and deserving of success. Trusting the internal ally means trusting your strengths, staying aligned with your goals, and practicing self-compassion. The Internal Parasite is the negative voice of fear, doubt, and self-sabotage. It holds you back with limiting beliefs and thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll fail.” Fighting the internal parasite involves recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, reframing them, and taking action despite fear. Instead of spiraling into panic, you can choose to reframe your mindset: “Yes, this is a lot, but I am capable. I will take it one step at a time.” By walking with your internal ally and fighting the internal parasite, you can navigate overwhelming moments with more clarity, resilience, and confidence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zakiyajanae.com
• Instagram: @zakiyajanae