ELSA ISAAC: fashion designer and stylist

Who is Elsa –?
I’m a daughter, sister, cousin, friend, girlfriend, stylist, an Eritrean. I take all these roles to heart and try and approach each from a place of love first.

What do you do?
Career wise, I’m a fashion stylist based in New York City. As a stylist, my job is to go out and shop for all the clothing, shoes & accessories needed to create looks for photo shoots, TV commercials, music videos & live appearances for celebrities and personalities.

What did you do to get where you are?
I graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto with a degree in fashion marketing. After first visiting New York in 2000, I knew I needed to move here to pursue my passion in the way I wanted. So I kept visiting New York & keeping in touch with new friends I made here. By 2006, I felt I had built enough relationships to make my move and I’ve been working successfully in NYC ever since. Seeking & maintaining strong business relations is still an integral part of what I do, as almost all of my clients are referred to me by word of mouth.

What about the main influences in your life?
God – my parents and life itself.

How do you take charge of your day?
Because I work from a home office, it’s really important for me to manage my time well. I usually like to make a list of what needs to be done for the day, the night before. Writing down a list of tasks really helps me focus on the priorities for that day with little distraction. I also like to physically cross off the tasks I’ve completed from my list. Seeing a completely crossed off list at the end of day fills me with a great sense of achievement.

And how do you get yourself going?
Like everyone, I’ve days when I’d much rather be in pyjamas & watch movies all day instead of working – especially during rainy days. And on days when I have no pressing deadlines, I allow myself those things. It’s very important to not always be consumed by work. For me, life is about balance, so including rest & relaxation into my schedule is critical. But when work needs to be done & I’m not feeling up to it, I remember my long-term goals and the fact that I’m lucky to have a career I love.

How do you tackle problems?
I write down all the ways the problem can be solved & the consequences of each and then allow my heart to choose the best option for me.

How about killing the stress bugs?
It takes a lot for me to get stressed out. I have a very calm demeanour so the fact that I’m able to remain calm under pressure really works to my advantage. When the going gets tough, I always take a deep breath & a step back, pondering all the ways I can overcome whatever obstacles are challenging me. And in the end, it always works out.

Do you have a hero or person you most admire?
My mother – she’s endured so much in her life and yet she remains smiling. She has a way of touching people everywhere she goes. I hope to live my life with just a fraction of the passion she does.

What about Elsa the role model?
I’m actually at the point in my life where I’m craving this role of mentorship. It’s so important to give back in life. It’s part of life’s balance. Your soul will be depleted if you simply take & take & take without contribution. I’d love to be able to be involved in another’s life and encourage a positive outlook in life and doing everything in love makes all the difference in the world.

Have you ever been in a situation where you though: I’ll never see life the same way again?
In 2005 I decided I was going to move to New York by August 2006. In preparation, I decided I would move in with my godparents for a few months in order to save money for my move. They lived 45 minutes away from Toronto so a car was essential. In January of 2006, I was involved in a car accident that turned every single plan I had upside down.

My car was a write off so I could no longer move in with my godparents & I was injured and couldn’t work for 3 months. I thought it was a sign for me not to move to New York. Being home & injured left me alone with my thoughts often. In time, I realized that the accident was God showing me that I needed to change paths & head in a different direction to attain my goal. By May 1st 2006, I was living in New York – four months sooner than planned. Everything had shifted in exactly the way it was supposed to. It made me realise, that no matter how well laid out my plans for my own life were, God’s plan was always the way.

What has been you greatest regret – if any?
If I had regrets, then that would mean I’m not happy with where I am today. And since I’m completely content with where I am in this moment, I’m happy to inform you that I have no regrets.

What are your most important values?
Self love – Spirituality – Respect – Honesty and Integrity

And what do you value in others?
Self love – Spirituality – Respect – Honesty and Integrity

Any big ideas for the future?
Well, I want to start a zuria inspired clothing line, open a textile factory as well as an organisation that helps youth in some way in Eritrea. And ultimately, I would like to marry & start a family of my own

P.S. You may view samples of my work at www.elsaisaac.com. Also, I welcome you & your readers to look out for September’s issue of Essence Magazine where I styled a feature story with Phylichia Rashad (Clair Huxtable from The Cosby Show) as well as October’s issue of Essence Magazine, where I styled cast members of The Cosby Show for their 25th anniversary reunion.