Meet Yomi Gissel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yomi Gissel.

Hi Yomi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in New York, one of the fashion capital of the world. I fell in love with fashion as a young girl. At the time, I wanted to be a designer, so you would see little Yomi sketching around in any little corner. I designed everything from clothes to shoes; you name it! When I was twelve, my family and I moved to Orlando, Florida. I have to say that my move to Florida definitely shifted my taste in fashion, but it never dimmed that light in me.

I have always been fashion-forward. My friends and family have always trusted me and sought me out for fashion advice. And one of my dreams was to become a stylist or do something in fashion. Luckily for me, one of my best friends is a well-known news reporter. While she was starting in the industry, she had an internship appearing on TV, I was in high school, but she gave me the opportunity to style her. That’s when I truly fell in love with styling. However, I never pursued it or took that dream any further.

Instead, I went to UCF for Communications and Marketing. During college, I always volunteered for fashion events in Orlando and I also did a few modeling gigs. Plus, I interned at a modeling agency in Orlando. I also took up fashion blogging and made some amazing connections that have helped me out so much today with my business.

After graduation in 2018, I decided to move to Madrid, Spain to do a Master in Corporate Communications. I quickly came to realize that while it was a field that would give me a steady job, it wasn’t my passion, so I did another Master in Fashion in Spain. After graduating from fashion school in 2020, I decided to come back to Orlando, Florida and start my own styling company.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not at all! It has not been a smooth road. Even now, I’m just like ¨What am I doing?¨ half of the time (haha). It’s been tough for me because I never fought for what I truly wanted. I have to say one of my biggest struggles was MYSELF. I know this may sound cliché, but we are our only struggle. We are the only thing standing in our way. When I finally decided to take that leap of faith and go for what fueled me up, things no longer seemed like a struggle for me. Styling is more of a freelance-based job, but that only means that I feel more determined to try to make it into a full-time job.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a fashion stylist, personal shopper, and image consultant. My personal motto is ¨Look Good, Feel Great because when we look good on the outside, we feel great on the inside. What we wear tells a story of who we are. A positive appearance helps us radiate confidence and take charge of our lives.¨

I work in all the above, but at the moment, I specialize in branding styling for businesses. I partnered up with Melrose Figueroa marketing company, to style their clients for branding photoshoots. I’ve always wanted to focus on production styling, meaning styling models for commercials, magazines, etc. but when I dipped my toes in this branch of styling, I never felt so satisfied with my work. Not only do I get to style clients, but I get to transform them and give them a new look and a new perspective. So far, every work I have done has been a success. Nothing makes me happier than to see my clients feel special.

I have to say that what sets me apart from other stylist is that I have never met another stylist in Orlando doing what I’m doing. I’m helping business owners portray a certain image for their business. I love that! A whole new branding image all around.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Oh, yeah! For sure! I learned to manifest big! To connect with God and seek Him more. To go for what you really want and don’t let others cloud your vision. I have always been very friendly and an extrovert at heart, so one big thing I learned because of COVID-19 is to continue being that way. I reached out to so many people that I haven’t spoken to in years and little did I know, one of those friendships led me to where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Email: yomalixherrera@gmail.com
• Website: http://www.yomigisselstyling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yomigissel