Ade Samuel On How She Hustled An Internship To Become A Top Celebrity Stylist
Ade Samuel is already hard at work when I walk into the living room of Yara Shahidi's home.
She moves swiftly back and forth between two full clothing racks and the Black-ish star—barefoot in an oversized black coat and a khaki-colored cap, her assistant closely in tow waiting to buckle a shoe or tighten a belt at a moment's notice. Yara playfully poses as Ade snaps photos of her finished look for reference before moving on to the next visual.
“Yara and I met when I did the Essence cover," she says, referring to the first-ever “Black Girl Magic" issue that also celebrated fellow trailblazers Teyonah Parris and Johnetta "Netta" Elzie on three separate covers.
At 27 years old, Ade is doing the damn thing. She has snagged clients like Nicole Richie and Christina Aguilera to Alicia Keys and Marsha Ambrosius, just to name a few who've walked red carpets of award shows and graced sets of high-fashion magazine shoots donning her style visions.
When it comes to her clients, Ade is all about her business. While prepping Yara for the Radio Disney Awards, I watch her mind turn as she directs her assistant in straight boss mode. After a few minutes, she remembers that I'm still in the room and kindly asks if I've gotten everything that I needed and promises to meet up the following week before hustling back over to Yara to finish her morning session. I catch the hint and head towards the door, feeling a little Alice in Wonderland as I exit the world of the fashion queen and tumble back into my own.
Yara Shahidi style session
As a child, Ade undoubtedly knew that her place was in the fashion world. Born to Nigerian parents, where colorful garments with bold patterns and vast arrays of textures were a staple in the Samuel household, it's no surprise that she put pencil to paper drawing dresses and creating her own creative combinations.
“It's so funny because my family are not fashion-driven people," Ade says when we catch up a few days later. We're seated outside at a large round table at Aroma Coffee & Tea, one of her favorite food spots as confirmed by the cashier who gave her a knowing smile when we strolled up to the counter. “I honestly just had an innate feeling and love for it. When I would watch movies, I wouldn't be interested in the movie itself and what's happening, I'd just sit there like, 'Oh, shit, what are they wearing? How can I wear that to school?' I was a little girl, like six or seven, and I was like, I want to put this on.'"
“I honestly just had an innate feeling and love for [fashion]."
At Buffalo State University, she did a three-year program in Fashion, Merchandising and Textile Technology while picking up internships at fashion and beauty PR firm Tractenberg & Co. and W magazine. Working in editorial, she found that having a strong knowledge of high-fashion brands wasn't optional, it was a necessity. So she spent a semester abroad in Siena, Italy to understand the appeal of Italian-made designs. “I wanted to see how art influenced fashion and understand why art is so important to designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino," says Ade. “It's because the art culture in Italy is insane, from the buildings, the architects, the painters."
After returning to the states, she interned at Teen Vogue while completing her formal education at the Fashion Institute of Technology and working as a manager at the South Street Seaport location for Express. At the end of her senior year, she was offered a position at the magazine as a fashion assistant, but it wasn't quite what she had in mind for her career path.
“I turned the job down at Teen Vogue because I wanted to be a stylist. Why would I take a position to be in the fashion closet when I wanted to be a stylist?" she says, biting into her egg, black bean and bacon breakfast burrito.
“I remember talking to James [Worthington DeMolet] and Karla Welch, and Karla telling me, 'You can always be a stylist. Working at a magazine is once in a lifetime. It's a great way to cultivate relationships. This is the way people are going to know who you are.' So I took their advice and ended up doing that; I went back to the magazine."
At Teen Vogue she slayed. So much so that she was promoted to Accessories Market Assistant Editor before a job with Kate Young for Season 2 of Fashion Star landed her in Hollywood styling for Nicole Richie, just shortly after leaving the magazine. But once the gig was up, the Bronx-native found herself on a flight back home.
Booking consistent jobs is one of the many challenges of being a stylist, and one that Ade doesn't take lightly. “There's always that fear as a stylist of will they book me again? So you always have to deliver. Every time it has to be something new, something fresh. It has to be something that makes people remember."
It's part of what drives her to go above and beyond to make her clients happy and to cultivate strong relationships with fellow stylists, brands and clientele. “You have to know your competition and you have to see what they're doing that's keeping them consistent in work. Think about what you can do in your niche and how to be an innovator with your clients. The reason why some stylists don't find consistent work is because they do the bare minimum. They do like, 'Okay, let me go call in clothes' or 'Let me go to the store and buy something and then put it on my client' when it's like you're costing them money now. A stylist like me or a bigger stylist has relationships. We don't need to go to Versace and shop. We can just get Versace in for you through our relationships with the PR company."
"Think about what you can do in your niche and how to be an innovator with your clients."
Three months after being back in New York, Ade received a referral of Nicole Richie to work as an assistant to Simone Harouche, stylist for stars such as Miley Cyrus and Christina Aguilera. Once again Ade packed her bags and headed for L.A.—and this time she wasn't coming back.
“I think it's all about showing people that you work hard without trying to show them you work hard," says Ade. "Sometimes I run into interns who are trying so hard to prove to me that they're doing work instead of just doing it."
"The work is going to show for itself."
I try to please who I'm working with and just make them feel comfortable and at peace. At the end of the day, styling and fashion is such a stressful industry that the assistant, intern or whoever you're working with should alleviate that. That's what I always try to do and that's my mentality about assisting and being a part of this space and energy of people when it comes to work. How can we alleviate each other's stress? How can we work with each other to make magic happen?"
Ade pauses to check her phone as I glance at mine. We're running late. “Let's head out," she says, taking a last swig of her latte.
I navigate the snake-like roads through Hollywood Hills, and park outside the home of Ade's client. Minutes later, Ade pulls up and heads inside, instructing her assistant to grab the garment bags before walking through the gate. After a few moments, she waves me inside the door of Big Sean's house.
“With Sean, he's street but then he's also high fashion," Ade says at she sets up the clothing rack for their styling session. “I love to do research based on the event that I get. When I look at a different red carpet or a different premiere, I usually do my research based on what people have worn in the past, then I develop and go from there."
Earlier, Ade confessed that Big Sean was one of the clients she really looked forward to working with. “Because I liked his style," she says matter-of-factly. “I'm someone who likes a challenge in myself; I've never had a male client, but I knew I was able to do it. Big Sean, to me, has his own personal swag and style that's so trendy but yet not trying. It's his innate style to dress the way he does."
Ade's first session with the Detroit rapper was for the Grammy Awards, where his white and black tux and black patent leather Giuseppe Zanotti loafers became one of the most talked about red carpet looks of the night. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ade revealed that she referenced Al Pacino's character Tony Montana in Scarface for the formal fit. “It's kind of having that balance and looking for people, looking at different movies, and things that inspire me to differentiate his style and not make it so trendy," she says before rushing out of the room for more clothes.
It may be connections that have gotten her on the sets of high-fashion magazines, on the style team for Beyoncé's “Formation" video and working with A-list clients. But it's her work ethic and consistent dedication to her craft that's helped Ade brand herself amongst the fashion elite.
She hopes to not only have her name whispered amongst her clients, but also on the lips of the everyday consumer with her own shoe line Ade Samuel Shoes. “Everything that I've been doing—having my full time jobs, being an intern, assistant and then being able to turn around and create a shoe line—is still a shocker, but I'm happy that it's all come together and it's been major."
Despite the accomplishments that pad her résumé, Ade still has one thing in common with many of her fellow peers. “I think I'm still learning what my purpose is as I grow every day. It's something that I don't think I'm going to know or understand until I kind of get older, because every day I'm still figuring things out. I can't really put my finger to it, but I never get to a place where I'm like my purpose is to be a stylist, because I'm into so many other things. I'm a designer. I'd like to be on television. I'd like to be on-air, but I love clothes and I know that I'm great in that. I'm confident in doing that. Can I do other things? Yes, but I have to understand that it takes time."
One thing's for sure, on the road to purpose, she won't be easing her foot off the gas pedal anytime soon. “Slow down? What is that?" she laughs. "No, I really don't slow down now. I'm happy when my clients are happy. The fact that I am able to style my client, and make them feel good and confident on the red carpet or on the runway…that allows me to be appreciative. The fact that I spoke my dream to existence, I feel appreciative about that."
For this boss chick, it's full speed ahead as she takes the fashion industry by storm. No brakes necessary.
Go behind the scenes with Ade as she styles Big Sean and Yara Shahidi below!
Kiah McBride writes technical content by day and uses storytelling to pen real and raw personal development pieces on her blog Write On Kiah. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @writeonkiah.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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Featured image by FG Trade/Getty