Fashion

A Quick Q&A with Aurielle Sayeh

Sonia Zmihi,

A recent post on Aurielle’s Instagram feed.

Aurielle Sayeh is the ultimate it-girl. She is the voice, creator and creative visionary  behind She Is the Light, a visual and written diary of an American in Paris. Now based between Amsterdam & Paris, Aurielle is currently working as an International DJ & Radio Host along side Rinse FM/Rinse France, published writer, content creator & influencer. With a penchant for everything from editorial work – behind and in front of the camera, fashion, photography, and music to fitness and beauty – she dabbles in every monde and threads it all together seamlessly.

Q: How did you first get interested in fashion?

A: I wouldn’t say I was ever interested in fashion. I most def look at fashion as an opportunity to express myself. I have been through a lot of phases in my fashion exploration, it all started with being me and being cozy… sometimes I get lost in the fashion world, but it’s kind of back to that point where being me and cozy never steers me wrong.

Q: What was your big break?

A: Haha! I am still waiting on that. I don’t know what it will look like yet, but although I’ve done a lot of nice projects and feel very blessed… I think big break is defined when you can take care of yourself and your family doing your passion. AMiRite?
I feel a “turning point” for me was when I began as an ambassador for Nike. A brand I felt very connected with because I spent years collecting sneakers, going to raffles, reading sneaker blogs, spending my own money on shoes and reselling my collection. I was the plug for my ex boyfriend helping him with his sneakers.
 So when Nike called me and asked me to work with them I kind of freaked out. It was a turning point because I found my creative groove that was very much in line with who I was naturally. And I have fought hard for that even now. Sometimes integrity and authenticity means less money, less jobs, less shine, and the longer career path to success.

Aurielle strikes a pose for photographer @ineskarma

Q: What are the 3 pieces in your closet, you couldn’t get rid off ?

A: I’m a hoarder. A sneaker and bomber hoarder. I love all my sports bombers I guess. And 75% of my sneakers. I’m about to go clean my shoes with Jason Markks as we speak.

Q: Vintage or New (and why) ?

A: Depends. Vintage for sure I think. But if you want to buy a luxury item like jewelry, sneakers, or a designer handbag I love the new smell.

Q: Who inspires you?

A: The people who feel I inspire them. I get to become friends with so many of my followers and share talents with them. We collaborate and talk about our lives through DMs. I guess they push me to make a louder voice for us all because I believe I can. I am also inspired by women who make their own way in the creative business world. I am studying them. We are all capable but the guts it takes to make that first step. The one of faith. It’s hard. I have many kick ass ideas, but I need money and faith to bring them alive and I am sometimes like anyone, afraid of failing.

Q: Who living or dead would you love to be able to have dinner with?

A: Living- I would choose my buddy Nick Diamond of Diamond Supply, he’s been a great source of positive inspiration the last 2 years I have been living in Europe. Being freelance and starting your own things is so hard, I have felt like giving up so many times. But Nick who is incredibly smart and successful, has been around from beginning to end and he knows the game and risks. Whenever I feel like giving up I have a chat with him, we are across the country so we never see eachother so I would totally have a meal with him to catch up and pick his brain!
Dead- Michael Jackson, because I miss him. Or my Grandmother JuJu, I have a feeling she watches over me.

 

Nick Diamond

Q: What is your favorite trip?

A: I just love traveling everywhere now. I think my favorite will be when I go to Tokyo.

Q! When are you happiest?

A: When I’m in love with my life. Or when I think about the future. I am turning 32 next week and I have been really dreaming about a husband and starting a family lately. When I see babies I get mushy and jealous of the moms. I think I’m happiest to know I have had the time to get to know myself and can work hard independently but also I have these great surprises of real life around the corner. It’s like prepping for disneyland, you know you have a joyful yet tiring day ahead of you. I’m so ready for that part of life and dreaming about it makes me happy! I think having a family is everything.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing?

A: Heartbreak! I am going through a breakup with someone whom I very much love and who very much loves me. Timing is not on our side at the moment. So it’s my first real ADULT love and first great relationship. I just am trying to have faith and know that all things work out on G-d’s timing!!

Q: What is your secret talent?

A: With concentrated ability I can sing and am a pretty good songwriter. I would love to learn how to produce music later in life from a home studio with 2 little babies running around.

Q: What is your motto or the best piece of advice you ever got?

A: Well one of my best friends always reminds me of how much I deserve and how stunning I am. I guess I never see that! SO when someone you love really tells you, you believe it. So the best piece of advice that wasn’t directly given was to love myself. Not in a lame self sabotaging instagram way but really inside and out. I am beautiful outside because of how hard the me on the inside has worked to become this way.

Q: What emoji do you use the most?

A: I love the peach emoji, the shrug girl emoji, the turtle emoji, the leaves, and the sparkle emoji.

Q: What is the latest Instagram feed you decided to follow (and why)?

A: Kith Women. Obsessed with the curation. Go Emily! (Another piece of advice… don’t be afraid to support girls you like. Another woman can’t take ANYTHING that was/is yours away from you.)
the writer

Sonia Zmihi

Graduated from Sciences Po Paris with a degree in Marketing, Sonia has now added budding fashion journalist to her work in the fields of marketing and communication. She spends her free time refreshing her Instagram feed looking for the funniest memes, building never ending wishlists on Net-a-porter and cooking exotic meals.

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