LaParis Hawkins

LaParis Hawkins is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City. She attended the University of Missouri where she acquired a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Textile and Apparel Management. Since graduating from college LaParis has worked for various major magazines and has even started her own brand,

Tailored Silhouette.

LaParis has crazy style and is determined to succeed in life. I admire her drive and hope to be as successful as she is one day. So go ahead and continue reading below to learn more about this

stylish beauty.

Where do you see your career in 5 years?

In five years I see myself touring the world promoting a new novel, freelance writing, as well as starting my own business.

Who have you worked with and/or worked for?

I’ve written for EBONY Magazine, ESSENCE Magazine, InStyle Magazine, Stuff Fly People Like (blog). I’ve worked with artists such as Young Money, The Braxtons, Chrisette Michele, Dawn Richard, Lance Gross, and more.

Who would you like to work with and/or work for?

I would love to work with authors such as Sister Souljah, Omar Tyree, and if I could bring him back… James Baldwin.

What does confidence mean to you?

Confidence means believing in yourself even when no one else does. Confidence is being sure of who you are and what you want out of life. Even when you don’t know, be confident about wanting to explore life’s journeys to find out.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find the most inspiration at church. When your spirit is right you are free to create, motivate, and work with a purpose. As far as clothing I find the most inspiration through cultures. I live in New York and the amount of diversity is remarkable. I study Haitians, Africans, Asians, Middle Easterns and I take inspiration from them all with an urban/Nubian twist.

What career advice do you have for Thee Fashion Stories readers?

If you really want something go after it full throttle. I always say hunt your dreams don’t chase them. Chasing your dreams means running behind them praying to catch them. When you hunt your dreams you strategically plan and map out how to execute them and become successful. It’s chess not checkers.

What mark do you want to leave on this world?

I would love to help broaden the world’s perception on beauty. If I can help change or give an alternative on how the world perceives what is beautiful, I honestly think I can help the world be a better place. So many people suffer from self-esteem issues and really not being in tune with who they are all because they want to meet society’s standards of beauty. I want to help people reach a level of self-love.

How would you describe your fashion story?

This is really hard to answer. I don’t really have a “favorite outfit” per se. I do have favorite items of clothing. I absolutely LOVE denim shirts. They really go with everything and it’s like a white T-shirt, classic. I also love my vintage Bill Bass denim shorts. They hit right above the knee and are so comfort.

What is your biggest dream or aspiration?

One of my biggest aspirations is to own a large publishing company. So many black authors don’t even own the rights to their own work. I would love to own a publishing company that allows us to be partners with black writers.

Name your favorite designer.

Rachel Roy. I absolutely love her style and the comfort of her clothes. I am all about being comfortable. When someone is uncomfortable in what their wearing it definitely shows. Right now I’ve been a little obsessed with the hippie/bohemian look and Rachel Roy’s line is all about bohemian with a slight edgy/editorial twist. She’s brilliant.

What was your motivation behind starting your blog, business, career, etc.?

The motivation behind starting my blog was to be that middle woman between the brands and editorial content as well as the everyday woman. We need to know the function of these products and not just what advertising would like for us to know. Plus I wanted to offer another take on fashion. Just because someone has on designer labels doesn’t mean that they have style. Most people are just trendy. There is a difference.

Who are you trying to reach with your work?

I want to reach all women. I love reporting beauty trends and style ideas, but I also want women to know that makeup and beauty products are accessories. Love who you really are and don’t rely on products to make you feel beautiful. I also want to inspire both men and women to follow their dreams because anything is possible.

How can The Fashion stories readers contact you? I can be reached at tailoredsilhouette@gmail.com.

Thanks for this awesome interview Miss LaParis Hawkins. I can't wait to see what you do in the future. I am positive that I will see you at the top. I wish you much success! I hope that you reach all of your goals and things get even better for you!

Much Love,

Jas