Meet Yasmine Isaya | Fashion Stylist, Art director, Model, Writer, Podcaster

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

Hi Yasmine, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor in my success is just staying completely truthful in my craft, Doing something that I genuinely love (styling and art direction) and always having my work be a visual representation of my truth and my person, whether that be in my styling, my art direction, my writing or the podcast.

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 feel like I can’t say too much about my art in depth at this time if I’m being completely honest. To some it may seem like I’ve accomplished a lot and although I agree to a certain extent, there is so much more left for me to do that I haven’t yet fully explored. I think what sets me apart from others is my story telling approach with a project. Many artists want you to feel something when consuming their creations, I want people to experience my art in as if they were a part of the process, I want for it to feel and look theatrical in the most intentional way but I also want them to be able to feel like they can see themselves in the creation as well. Whether its a video project, an editorial shoot I styled or a poetry piece I wrote the goal is for people to feel connected to my art, I can only hope thats how its interpreted.

I also think that what separates me is the connections I intend to make anytime I work with anyone on a project. I always make sure to leave a set with a new relationship that isn’t always just business related. Having intentional in depth conversations with other creatives I work with is very important to me. Some of my closest relationships today are people I met on set or at an event.

I’m most proud of my growth as an artist throughout the last 5 years and I am excited to explore more of my depth in the things I create as well as having my name of projects that I’ve been dreaming about for years.

I got to where I am today by networking my way into every opportunity, being able too be in the right rooms at the right time and just connecting and having candid conversation with any creatives I meet and admire. It definitely wasn’t easy but I wouldn’t have had it any other way because it got me here. When you live in a very small corporate centred city like Ottawa, trying to grow your career in a creative space is very challenging. You typically have to create your own opportunities at the beginning of your journey. Being young, and a woman of colour in an environment where not a lot of people who do what I do looked like me when I started (at least the ones who had success) it was definitely discouraging at times, but I never doubted in the process.

Along the way as cliche as it sounds the biggest lesson I learned is to remain truthful to your talents and it will reflect positively in your work. I also learned that no opportunity is too great for you to be a part of. Imposter syndrome is real thing no matter how much success you have and overtime I have learned many tools to combat early so I avoid doing myself a disservice by doubting my capabilities.

I think I would want people to know that there is so much more of me to see through my art in the future and that the best way to get to know me is by consuming my art. I feel as though I much like many other creative experience a rebirth every season so if people want to experience my seasons with me they are more than welcome to tag along for the ride.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s so many places in both Ottawa and Montreal that I could recommend.

Because I’ve lived in Montreal for 5 years now I’ll break down that itinerary.

Breakfast: Arthurs Nosh bar is a classic Montreal staple for breakfast, you do however have to make sure you’re arriving early enough to get a good table considering its always packed. The best time is Saturday and Sunday early morning or weekdays in the afternoon.

Coffee: Montreal is known of their adorable local coffee shops, and I’ve had my share of hot chocolates and chai lattes at many. However I think my favourite that I’d bring anyone too would be Shaugnessy Cafe or Cafe Myriade. They have the best warm drinks and you can never go wrong with the indoor ambiance if you’re looking to go on a date, read or book or study/work out away from home.

Drinks: You cannot go wrong with Milky Way bar for cool drinks and great music, not to mention the interior decor that is content creator approved.
– Santos is also the best on a Saturday night for drinks, tapas and dancing! They have great DJ’s and a lively vibe of reggaeton and afro-beats music.
Montreal must see’s:
-Mount Royal Lookout point; You get the view of the entire city at this peak that you can hike up or drive to. Sunset and sunrise are the best times.

-Oasis Immersion is a must for a unique art exhibit where you are in a immersive and sensory experience for each room you walk into.
-The botanical gardens are also a must see especially in the summer time. Its a must in Montreal and is a great spot to go explore with friends. You get to see different sculptures, plant arrangements, flowers and some fish and butterflies as well.

Dinner:
– Mano Curnoto is probably as of lately the best spot for Italian food in Downton Montreal. The pasta is to die for and their house made focaccia and burrata is melt in your mouth good.
– A new personal favourite for me is also Le 30 Juin, this is a nod to my culture on my fathers side and probably the one place in the city where you will get the most authentic Congolese food for out of home dining.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Every creative individual I’ve ever connected with in the last 4 years deserves a shoutout to my strory. Enrico Sartor-Seguin (high school professor), Jenn Finklestein (stylist), Lili Desrochers and Yolande Nesseth (college professors), Yoni Sambo (photographer), Fitch Jean (filmmaker), Aleks Raymond (designer), Sandra Bitar (writer, poet), Maya Bassude (writer, poet), Bernie Gracieuse, (Stylist, artist, writer) my soul sister and partner in this industry.

All these people amongst many others I’m sure have impacted my career journey and helped me fuel my creative spirit in ways they probably aren’t even aware of. They have been a part of my story since the day they walked into it and have helped shaped the person I am today as wells the artist I continue to become.

Instagram: @yasisaya

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Twitter: @yasmineisaya

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Youtube: Yasmine Isaya

Image Credits
Fitch Jean, Kerbens Boissette.