Meet Karis Battle | Stylist, Editor-in-Chief & Costume Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karis Battle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karis, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is not being afraid to fail. I learned (and very quickly I might add) that failure and mistakes come with building your own business and growing and learning. I know I know, failure is not an option, right? Wrong! I used to work for a company and the motto was “Failing Forward” and it really stuck with me. Failing allows you to see what doesn’t work and helps you get to what actually does work faster. It allows you to never allow no, to mean never and to know that one door closed doesn’t mean the next won’t open. I’ve failed many times in my business but it has only propelled me forward. Giving up is actually NOT an option, not failure. No risk, no reward.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create beautiful looks from head to toe. I love styling my clients to make them feel great about themselves and better about their wardrobe. I also thoroughly enjoy creating editorial looks as an expression of art. I love styling and creative direction because I enjoy storytelling. I love telling a story through fashion and allowing it to speak for itself. Recreation, whether it be an era, garments or a theme, is my number one favorite thing to do- especially vintage.

I think outside of the box and put my unique touch on things. My bubbly personality is shown in everything I touch and do.

I love to push someone outside of their comfort zone and tap into the person they may not even know exists. Because I’m such a friendly person, people tend to trust me and my insight and allow me to do this.

I’m fun, energetic, a true people person, loving, charismatic and talented. I believe because of these character traits people are more inclined to hire me just based on my personality alone, before even seeing my work ethic. Then once they do, they are even more blown away.

As a Fashion Editor, I’m always aiming to highlight emerging creatives, especially those outside of metro areas. I want to shine a light on those that aren’t getting the spotlight and highlight their talent. That’s what FLAME Magazine is all about. We incorporate quality and versatility in fashion and the surrounding creative industry. I love supporting other creatives and am all about uplifting and supporting each other. There’s more than enough room for us all and we all bring something different to the table. I’m all about community and helping others win right alongside me!

I’ve newly stepped into the role of Costume Designer for film/tv. It was a future goal that somehow became present. I am loving every bit of it! I had no idea I would be doing something I aspired to do so soon, I thought I had so many more hurdles to jump over before being able to even get my foot in the door or be in the right room, but God said otherwise. I can’t wait to see my name on the big screen of a feature film- it’s in the works!

The road hasn’t been easy by any means. But is anything you really want in life easy? It requires hard work, dedication, moments of rest and reflection and like I said, not being afraid to fail. I’ve had many roadblocks, setbacks and disappointments but I have had just as many successes, rewards and amazing opportunities! The pros definitely outweigh the cons. The cons come with the territory.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Seeing as though one of my best friends LOVE Miami, she would probably have a set itinerary planned out of places that are a MUST before I even had the chance lol. But MANGOS! We can NOT go to Miami without going to South Beach for the wings and calamari from Mangos, it’s a must-have. We also had the best time of our life on a boat cruising the ocean and just vibing out. Renting a boat for a few hours is definitely on the list of things to do. And lastly, my other best friend and I hate having too much planned and no time to relax, so relaxing on the beach and poolside with a good book, some music and a cocktail is our go-to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My support system is UNMATCHED! I have some of the best supporters which include my parents, best friends, framily and friends. They know who they are! They boost me up and push me and are always just as excited as I am for the opportunities that come my way. Seriously- without these people in my corner, it would have been so easy to give up plenty of times. I’m also super thankful for the connections I made during my master’s program at The Academy of Art University (AAU). My advisor and fellow fashion classmates have built up a small community of support and we go hard for each other and are always supporting each of our work. My advisor is still always open and available to offer me advice and assistance even post-graduation. I’ve built a great community and network and super grateful. Also, the doors that were opened to me during my time at AAU have also contributed to my current success. I am forever thankful.

Website: https://www.karisbattle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everything24karis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karisbattle

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/evrythng24karis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everything24karis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cBSgOR8y7Pd6vyf4ipqKw

Other: FLAME Magazine: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1922569?__r=2371419&mc_cid=3f46de94b9&mc_eid=1499d1cab2 IG Portfolio: https://www.instagram.com/styledbykaris_/ FLAME IG: https://www.instagram.com/iloveFLAME/

Image Credits
Karis Battle, Faneca Banks, Michael Todaro, Christie Fleming, Cassandra Rose, Whitney Hunt, Jamila Muschette, Cia Goss, Jason Prince, Diamond Divani, Brenleigh Rigsbee, Hannah Grace, Venissa Nelson, Brandon Glenn