Lashanda Thurston (Shanda Grand)
~ Stylist ~
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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Copa: Where are you from?
Shanda: I was raised in Temple Hills Maryland, but feel as if I were here in another lifetime during the 60's era, where women loved to dress to the nine. Copa: At what time did you acquire your love for fashion?
Shanda: I developed a love for fashion, gorgeous garments, and luxury spending time at my Grandmother's home growing up. She'd always have the fashion clothing magazines around the house, and I literally loved flipping through the pages. Amazing looks have always excited me, and I was in awe. My grandmother loved nice things and loved to shop or order from some of the catalogs. I began to understand what style was, and it's what I wanted to exude. I'd even play dress up over there, and did mini make-overs on my little cousin Chereese. At the time I was about 10 or 11 years young. I got a little older, and found the Boutique she shopped in that was walking distance right around the corner called The 3610 Shop owned by the Johnson's. I shopped there to. It was there many years, but no more. Boutiques today just aren't the same! |
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Copa: How long have you been styling models?
Shanda: I've been styling since my teenage years. I use to always revamp my friends looks when we'd go out, or whenever we got together. They always liked what I did. Even use to practice a little photography with their looks. Lol, I'd make them walk in a field while I'd take little fashion shots with a cheap little camera. Ultimately, I began styling because I have a love for transformation. I saw how powerful looking good made you feel good. It's a wonderful kind of therapy. Seeing a client's face light up from a look I pulled together, or showing them how to dress their body type is the best feeling ever! Making someone see themselves in a different light, lifting their esteem, or seeing their confidence grow right in front of my eyes is my reward. I also love when the client trusts me enough to let me do what I do. A good consultation is key!
Shanda: I've been styling since my teenage years. I use to always revamp my friends looks when we'd go out, or whenever we got together. They always liked what I did. Even use to practice a little photography with their looks. Lol, I'd make them walk in a field while I'd take little fashion shots with a cheap little camera. Ultimately, I began styling because I have a love for transformation. I saw how powerful looking good made you feel good. It's a wonderful kind of therapy. Seeing a client's face light up from a look I pulled together, or showing them how to dress their body type is the best feeling ever! Making someone see themselves in a different light, lifting their esteem, or seeing their confidence grow right in front of my eyes is my reward. I also love when the client trusts me enough to let me do what I do. A good consultation is key!
Copa: Please share with our readers the importance of using a Stylist in just about every facet of the Fashion Industry.
Shanda: Its important to have a stylist. You are actually investing in your own brand. We see to it that your public appearances go well. It aids in the self confidence of whatever stage, or platform you perform in. You perform better when you know you look good. Just like any role an actor plays, the stylist matches the character they want to portray, and the correct styling tells a part of the story. Clothing is an expression that gives an idea of your character. We help carry through the vision, because we are visionaries with a more clear idea of how to help you execute. And it doesn't hurt to murder a scene, and leave your stamp on it!
Shanda: Its important to have a stylist. You are actually investing in your own brand. We see to it that your public appearances go well. It aids in the self confidence of whatever stage, or platform you perform in. You perform better when you know you look good. Just like any role an actor plays, the stylist matches the character they want to portray, and the correct styling tells a part of the story. Clothing is an expression that gives an idea of your character. We help carry through the vision, because we are visionaries with a more clear idea of how to help you execute. And it doesn't hurt to murder a scene, and leave your stamp on it!
Copa: What is your philosophy as it pertains to Fashion & Style?
Shanda: My philosophy or motto is "Be Fabulous, Be Grand." Show up grand style whether it be casual chic, or ultra glam.....it aids in how you perform in life. The same way you dress for success, it will have you operating like you're already successful. It's all in the execution!
Shanda: My philosophy or motto is "Be Fabulous, Be Grand." Show up grand style whether it be casual chic, or ultra glam.....it aids in how you perform in life. The same way you dress for success, it will have you operating like you're already successful. It's all in the execution!
Copa: Please tell our readers about this particular photo -shoot and it's inspiration.
Shanda: My model for this 'Bloom Shoot' is Sherwanda Fox, an aspiring model who's walked some NY Fashion Week shows. She kills it in front of a camera. My concept behind this shoot: "BLOOM"
In a world full of chaos, there are some gems enduring, striving, growing, and blooming into their best version of themselves!
I wanted to adorn the head with flowers, because the mind is where growth comes from. Knowledge, self awareness, creativity, and wisdom all happen there. Its your soul and a special mental thing.
Niqko Photography located in Richmond, VA. Sherwanda was shot in this vintage Jumpsuit I styled from my own inventory. I Incorporated loose flowers in her hair, and on her shoes. The session was amazing of course. After directing some of her poses, I let her do her thing and Niqko captured those moments.
Shanda: My model for this 'Bloom Shoot' is Sherwanda Fox, an aspiring model who's walked some NY Fashion Week shows. She kills it in front of a camera. My concept behind this shoot: "BLOOM"
In a world full of chaos, there are some gems enduring, striving, growing, and blooming into their best version of themselves!
I wanted to adorn the head with flowers, because the mind is where growth comes from. Knowledge, self awareness, creativity, and wisdom all happen there. Its your soul and a special mental thing.
Niqko Photography located in Richmond, VA. Sherwanda was shot in this vintage Jumpsuit I styled from my own inventory. I Incorporated loose flowers in her hair, and on her shoes. The session was amazing of course. After directing some of her poses, I let her do her thing and Niqko captured those moments.
Model: Sheranda Fox , Photo by Niqko Photography
Model: Sheranda Fox, Photo by Niqko Photography
Copa: What does the future hold for Shanda and her wonderful world of Fashion & Style?
Shanda: I have so many plans, and a few visions I want to see through. I plan to certainly to continue to making my mark in this industry. I'll just say for now....Stay tuned!
Shanda: I have so many plans, and a few visions I want to see through. I plan to certainly to continue to making my mark in this industry. I'll just say for now....Stay tuned!
