Olori SWANK is a stylist to many notable stars in the entertainment industry! In her career as a celebrity stylist, SWANK is and has been called on by the likes of Keyshia Cole, Young Jeezy, Angela Simmons, Lance Gross, Daniel Gibson, Danny Glover, Christina Milian, Terrell Owens, Tyrese, Draya, Hosea Chanchez, Keke Palmer and many more to lend her great sense of styling during shoots, television appearances and tours. Most recently, Olori released her first fashion and lifestyle advice manifesto, “101: The Blueprint for a Swank Life,” with tips on fashion and style, dating, finance, entrepreneurship and more.
Olori’s successful career as a creative didn’t take off exactly how you’d imagine. The stylist attended The University of Georgia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with plans to pursue a career in medicine.
“I planned to be a neurosurgeon. I was going to get my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia . I was going to attend Medical School. I had been telling everyone since the age of two that I was going to be a doctor. I decided that before I went to medical school I was going to take a year off.”
During time off from her educational journey, Olori Discovered her true passion lied elsewhere. The kickstart to a career in fashion came unexpectedly to the newly post graduate student when a friend of hers from Jive records contacted her with an opportunity to lend a helping hand.
“My friend said “Hey, I just signed this new artist. I want you to style her.” I remember saying to him that I don’t do hair. He said no, I like how you dress so I want you to style her. I didn’t know what a fashion stylist was. He explained to me that he wanted me to dress her how I dress and we’d be good. An hour later I’m getting a phone call from the accounting department at Sony BMG. They said they needed a W9, an EIN number and where they were wiring the budget to– [there were] all these questions that I had NO idea how to answer.”
After deciding fashion may have been her true passion all along, Olori Swank decided to leave Atlanta and go after her dream in Los Angeles. With only $300 in her pocket, Olori didn’t her financial odds or any fear of failure stop her.
“It was scary but I had to put my back against the wall to succeed, I didn’t let me fear of making it stop me for going after what I wanted to. I learned that I had to become accountable for myself. There was a plethora of things that I learned in college that I took with me when transitioning and starting my career.”
Since taking the plunge at faith, Olori Swank’s career in the fashion industry has taken off by storm. Amongst Working amongst the likes of many well known stars in the music and entertainment industry, ‘The Blue Bandit’ (named because of her striking blue tresses) has began to build a career as entrepreneur as well. They stylist has her own e-workshop called “A Lesson in SWANK” where she gives advice, and guides aspiring stylists.
“For people wanting to start a career in fashion or for those who actually want to become an entrepreneur, quick advice I would always give is to Network! Attend events and shake hands with people in those fields. Take a workshop and go to many events as possible. The site Eventbrite is a great way to find events that based on the field of business you are trying to pursue.”
Olori Swank offers her expertise on style tips many women who follow her. They stylist usually preaches how fit and Silhouette are important when styling clients and styling yourself. She also shares there always room for everyone to experiment and try looks they wouldn’t usually wear.
“I always tell my clients or anyone who I’ve worked with that have told me they wanted to go for a different look, that trying new things is more mental. Fall in love with the idea of things you want to change first before actually taking the plunge and going for it.”
The stylist is also an author of a book called “101: The Blueprint for a Swank Life.” Which entails a plethora of style tips, relationship advice, and messages of encouragement and empowerment for the working woman.
“My book is pretty much a guide for the modern day renaissance woman.”
Olori noted that she has a ton of projects coming up, including work that will be later featured in major fashion publications such as W Magazine. Be sure to look out for the style connoisseur and all of her projects to come!
Written By: Nick Linson
