Influencer Talk: a q&a chat with Stephanie Arant
Stephanie Arant, @shhtephs
I wanted to introduce this new series to my blog: Influencer Talk, where I sit down (digitally, bc quarantine) with a couple of women who inspire me. In these in-depths, I talk to tastemakers in the fashion industry to ask them about their style, how they grew on instagram, and what they’re into lately (of course, we talk skincare and all that good stuff too).
This is a segment I’ve been wanting to start for a while (like, years) and during quarantine I’ve been able to dedicate more time to it. I’m excited because it’s a great way to spotlight some fellow POC creatives in the space, as well as give advice to any young creators out there just starting out. Or, if you just love a good q&a like I do, then it’s a fun way to get to know some of your favorites in the space.
So please sit back and enjoy a lovely chat with the inspiring Stephanie Arant aka @shhtephs. She is a content creator and blog owner of Unconscious Style. She is a scorpio sun & moon, and rising capricorn; but she definitely leans more capricorn when it comes to her personality. I’ve had coffee with her before and can honestly say she is such an amazing and down to earth person. We met a year or two ago due to a brand partnership, and since then I feel like she’s truly one of the more inspiring people I’ve met from insta. I love that she has a style all her own - read on to find out what inspires her:
q&a w/ Stephanie Arant
Q: Firstly, I’m obsessed with your style and ability to mix prints and colors. Where do you draw your style inspiration from?
Aw thank you! Inspiration for me comes from a lot of places like magazines, editorials, movies, and whatever mood I wake up in!
Q: Tell me a little history about your relationship with fashion. Were you always into fashion or did it grow over time?
Fashion has always been important to me. I was a shy child and expressing myself through my clothing made it easier to break the ice with new people. Usually I'd wear something more "unusual" to most that they'd instantly be intrigued and strike up a conversation. It has definitely increased my self confidence over time. My taste in pieces has evolved over time but I've never been afraid to try something new, I actually crave it!
Q: What is your go-to everyday outfit?
At the moment, linen shorts, white cropped tank and oversized button down shirt.
Q: What are you currently obsessed with?
Right now I've been obsessed with home decor. I have never really had the opportunity to make a space my own (apartment life) but after purchasing a home I've been on a journey to find my home style and am finally feeling confident in my choices. I love looking up inspiration on Pinterest! It actually keeps me up at night sometimes haha.
Q: How long would you say you have been creating content on your instagram? Or was there a particular moment when you started to take things a little more seriously on insta?
I got onto Instagram in 2012 and after seeing a few people start to post fashion focused images I thought it would be a great place to meet like minded people who had a passion for styling and fashion as well. I'd post selfies of new shorts I bought or a Lookbook style photo shot in the middle of my street (IYKYK). I've now had Instagram friends now for years on end now which is so cool to think about. It's kind of crazy to think I started Instagram with the sole purpose of sharing outfits and it's still that to this day. It was the only outlet that I could start fresh without judgement from friends or family so it felt the best place to be a part of an online community.
Q: You've grown so much over the years. What would you attribute your success to?
I started blogging and posting on Instagram because it was a creative outlet for myself. I never expected anything to come out of it other than my own pride and joy. I think just continuing to pursue my creative drive, being consistent when it came to posting and overall just being true to myself has gotten me to where I am today. A lot of times we get caught up in what's popular, what gets the most engagement but at the end of the day people engage with you for YOU and it's a constant reminder that being true to yourself is the best way to grow (both personally and professionally).
Q: What’s something you wish you knew when you first started?
I wish I was more trusting in myself. To feel confident that I truly knew what I was doing and to take the plunge to pursuing this full time earlier than I did. I'm a very logical thinker and crave structure but taking the jump into pursuing content creation full time has been the most fulfilling transition for me.
Q: Congrats on hitting 70k! What are some of your goals as an influencer? What's next for you?
Thank you! I think for myself it's just always enjoying the process, continuing to create imagery that inspires people, making connections, and maybe dip my toes into designing. I'd love to hopefully have a collection down the line or work closer with styling and creative direction for brands.
Q: With everything going on in the world right now, how can influencers use their platform to support causes they care about?
There are plenty of ways for influencers to show support but I think it all starts with finding what you are passionate about supporting and doing the necessary research. Everyone finally woke up to see the injustice that's been in the world for generations and there are tons of additional causes that need our support. I'll admit that I'm still looking into what I want to focus my attention on fully but my main focuses aside from racial injustice include preventing drunk driving, positive environmental change, and animal welfare. Sharing organically and regularly with your audience is something that helps you connect on a more personal level plus brings additional insight into issues that are important to you, to them.
Q: What is your self-care/skincare routine, or something you do to take care of yourself mentally?
As I've gotten older as well my self-care/skincare routine has definitely increased tremendously. I've always been one to spend the least amount of time on pampering myself (always felt I had more important things to do) but now I realize how much it affects my overall happiness and my ability to relax! Right now my skincare routine is a mix of some of my favorite products from brands like Tata Harper, Farmacy Beauty, Osea, and Herbivore. As far as taking care of myself mentally, unplugging and reading, taking my dog for a walk, spending time with my husband and friends always takes my mind off of things.
Q: One last thing, what is your must-have skincare product(s)?
I have so many but right now something I'm loving is the Face Kit mask. I've realized that masking everyday or every other day has made such an improvement in my skin. I swap out a few various ones that have different benefits like pore cleansing, brightening or hydrating.
You can follow her journey along here @shhtephs and check out her blog here.
Hope you guys enjoyed our chat and comment below who’d you’d like to see interviewed next.
xx,
s.