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Meet the Boss: Drey Mark, Creative Director, Dreystyles Drey Mark’s career story tells of one who honed her talent for fashion by educating herself. She has been involved in the Nigerian fashion industry and has worked with celebrities in the entertainment industry. She recently worked on Iyanya’s and Banky W’s videos. With more works lined up in both the entertainment and fashion industry, Drey Mark is set to help others committed to becoming renowned fashion stylists do the same thing. She talks to Connect Nigeria about her passion and what fashion enthusiasts should expect on “So You Want to be a Stylist with Dreystyles” CN: Tell us a bit about your professional background DM: I am a freelance fashion stylist and creative director. I specialise in editorial and personal styling and in custom made dresses. CN: Tell us of your connection to the Nigerian fashion industry? DM: My family and I are Nigerian so the Nigerian fashion industry is of great interest to me. I’ve been involved with the Nigerian fashion industry for one year now. I have worked with Iyanya on his ‘Le kwa ukwu’ video & his recent promo images. I worked with Banky W for the ‘Jasi’ video and I do have some more clients lined up for when I visit Nigeria this year. CN: What is the story behind Dreystyles? What inspired you to set this up? DM: My interest in fashion started at the age of 18 when I had a new job at Miss Selfridge – one of the leading high street fashion stores for women. At the time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do in the fashion world but I knew I loved fashion trends and styling mannequins. So, after years of interning and assisting with Miss Selfridge, I started to push DreyStyles, The name Dreystyles is a combination of “Drey” which comes from my first name – Audrey and “styles” because I’m a stylist. CN: What services does Dreystyles offer? DM: I offer personal styling services for celebrities. I also style for fashion editorial magazines. CN: What were your biggest challenges starting out? DM: My biggest challenge starting out was how difficult it was to make my voice heard because there are so many stylists that you have to really allow your originality shine through in order to be heard by others.

CN: What role does the internet play in growing your establishment? DM: The internet is amazing as it allows you to reach out to people from all over the world. The internet has helped my brand a lot. CN: How would you rate the satisfaction level of your customers? DM: 10/10

CN: How do you source for clients? DM: You can’t force anyone to work with you it’s up to the client to choose you. CN: What books have helped you on your way to success? DM: I didn’t really read many books about fashion because I preferred assisting. CN: What is the most challenging aspect of this work? DM: It deals with a lot of running around. It isn’t as glamorous as people think it is. CN: What is the programme, “So you want to be a stylist with Dreystyles” about? DM: So you Want to be a Stylist with Dreystyles is a workshop in which aspiring stylists will get an insight on how the styling industry works, all the ins and outs, do’s and dont’s and how to get their own styling career started.

CN: What would participants of this programme get to learn at Dreystyles that they won’t learn with your competitors? DM: I’m offering a workshop that isn’t currently available for aspiring stylists. There aren’t many workshops like this and I’m also giving the stylists a chance to start up their portfolio with a celebrity! CN: What is your long-term vision for Dreystyles? DM: Our long term vision is to continue to build up DreyStyles to create a successful fashion styling company.