Recently I had a wonderful chat with the amazing Amanda Steele. She began her career as a fashion blogger on YouTube and now she’s grown to become a fashion icon in the industry. We talked about how Amanda and her fashion sense stands out making her exceptional in the industry and giving her a competitive edge. We had a chat about how Amanda manages to run a successful fashion brand along with staying connected closely to her fans.
You came from humble beginnings when you started your YouTube channel “MakeUpByMandy24”. What inspired you to start your YouTube channel ?
I always wanted to be in fashion, so I would go on Youtube and watch videos on how to sew. From there, I found fashion videos, make up videos, and everything more. They really inspired me to try it out. The rest is history!
Since you have established yourself as an icon in the fashion industry, how do you handle all the pressure and attention that comes your way ?
Throughout my time in the public eye I’ve realized that the best opportunities and best responses come from when I’m just being myself. I realized if I focus too much on what people think, or try to fit in, it only hurts my personal brand. I just try to focus on what makes me happy and sharing those things help me connect and influence my audience the best.
Apart from being a fashion Icon, you’re also the CEO of your own clothing brand “Steele”, what inspired you to start your own fashion brand ?
Ever since I could remember, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I watched project runway, various youtube videos on fashion and design. When I was younger, I would spend all day playing dress up games online. I struggled with finding stylish outfits for the age I was at, so I made it a goal of mine to one day create my own clothes since I couldn’t find what I was looking for elsewhere.
Since “Steele” is becoming an industry staple, what in your opinion gives “Steele” a competitive edge over other brands?
I think STEELE is different from other brands because we offer sophisticated and fashion forward pieces that are not only closet staples, but also more affordable.
How do you manage your different career paths and be consistently good at them ?
I try to relate them all to each other, and I make sure I’m always having fun while I do it. I know that making Youtube videos and fun content online directly helps me create a stronger connection with my audience that in turn, benefits the success of my clothing brand, which is my ultimate gaol.
You have such a unique sense of expressing yourself when it comes to fashion and modeling , who is your fashion role model ?
I’m really inspired by all of the creatives I see online. I can’t really say I have a specific fashion icon. I like to grab inspiration from so many different places. My favorite place to find fashion inspiration is my instagram explore page, and Pinterest.
Since social media has played a huge role in making you who you are today, what are your thoughts about being an influencer becoming a legitimate career path ?
I would recommend influencing as a serious career path to anyone interested, because you are able to be your own boss, and make money by just being you.
Running a fashion brand is a huge achievement, what has your journey to the top taught you when it comes to running a successful brand ?
There are a lot of things that happen behind the scenes that you don’t usually see that are just as important as being creative. I also learned that making connections with other influencers is very important in getting support for your brand.
Since you are so dynamic and such a talented individual, do you have any upcoming projects for us to be excited about ?
I have a show coming out on Amazon Prime video called Paradise City in March and STEELE is always releasing amazing new collections. I am extremely excited!
You have amassed a huge fan following along with having 2.5 million followers on Instagram, what message do you want to put across to your fans ?
Don’t stop dreaming, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to, follow your heart and you will find success.
You have set yourself as a role model for women all across the globe, do feel social media plays an important role when it comes to promoting women empowerment?
It’s incredibly important. Social media plays a huge role in spreading female empowerment. In my own personal way I am able to share with women online my success and how I achieved it. With that, I hope all women can take from it and use it to make something of themselves too.
Who is that woman in your life that inspires you?
My mother. She’s always been so hard working, driven, ambitious and kind.
What’s your message for JAMO readers?
Your uniqueness is your strength, follow your dreams, and ignore negativity from others. Your reality is in your control.
The Interview was originally published in JAMO Magazine March Issue 2021
