Stylist + Founder of Kingsley Model Wants All Eyes On You

It’s past time we remixed the entrepreneur archetype. The tried-and-true definition of an emerging or aspiring business owner feels tired. The modern entrepreneur is a mover, shaker and doer who’s not content with simply breaking all the rules. Our 52 trailblazers featured in the October issue are rewriting the rules, tearing them up and doing it all over again. It’s creation at its purest, because the fruits of one’s hustle are not actualized overnight or by following one jet-lagged recipe. It’s no longer adequate to measure entrepreneurs by the brick-and-mortar spaces they manifest or the jobs they create. Those are all important elements but fall short of what it truly means to build something — often with blood, sweat and tears. Whether you’re revamping the vintage clothing industry, introducing a fresh dining concept, cultivating an advocacy-focused creative agency or advancing the cause of equality for the LGBTQ+ community, the only thing that matters is freedom — the freedom to march to the beat of your own badass drum. Read our full rundown of trailblazers here. 

CEO and Founder of Kingsley Model + Talent Management, Joy Kingsley-Ibeh runs a multi-faceted company that does both styling and talent management. She has carved out her spot as one of the premier modeling agencies in the Mid-Atlantic and continues to style high-profile names.

Advice that keeps you hungry
“Be thankful. And don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” – Jimmy V. As an athlete, sports gave me the drive and confidence to keep pushing through even when I wanted to quit. So, I channel that inner strength and when the going gets tough, I never give up. I keep going.

What your day is incomplete without
My workout. I do my best to work out first thing in the morning before starting my workday because it gives me a sense of accomplishment and the energy and competitive drive to tackle whatever comes my way.

Your power outfit remix
I say we consider the “traditional” power suit dead. But power dressing to me means having the confidence to express who you are through your clothes. It’s about being honest and comfortable and showing your personality through your sense of style. All eyes should be on you, but the focus should be on what you are saying — not what you are wearing.

What every entrepreneur needs
I say two prerequisites: discipline and consistency. Being consistent means repeating what you are doing each day, and with each repetition, you establish awareness, build trust and deliver your services effectively. Discipline provides you the power to stick to your decisions, set goals and grow your business. 

@kingsleymodels + @stylebykingsley // kingsleymanagement.com 

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