Meet Davida Edwards: Fashion Account Executive & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Davida, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Prayer, first and foremost! I have found myself in places and positions that only God could have orchestrated, because I still do not know how I got there. Sure, I had the education and work experience, but the connections were truly divine. I still believe in hard work. I commit to everything I do with passion and I think that is something that is missing today. You hear a lot about “working smart, not hard” but as an entrepreneur you must do both! Intelligence is having the ability, smart is knowing what to do with that ability, and work is the effort, the passion you put into using the ability. For me, it is about the passion for what you are doing. It is that intangible quality that not everyone has.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
VidaStyle & Fashion was birthed out of part-time consulting gigs and an Instagram blog I started at the beginning of the pandemic. I had been helping people structure their creative businesses, organize their wardrobes, and find the “right thing to wear” for years so it was just sort of natural to create some structure around what I was doing. I most enjoy helping creatives hone their business skills to start building their brands. My career in sales and marketing has really prepared me for where I am now. As a Fashion Account Executive, I have sold billions of dollars in branded product from Marc Ecko, 50 Cent, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Jones Group, and Carter’s Inc. In addition, I have worked to raise millions of dollars for cancer research and educational efforts at SCAD, The University for Creative Careers. I am profoundly grateful for this rewarding work! While rewarding, this work has not come without challenges. Again, prayer and divine guidance are key for me. I believe my ability to bounce back and keep going is a true testament to that. I often tell myself if I made it through cancer, I will make it through any challenge presented to me. The most important lesson my business and career have taught me is to be flexible. Everything happens exactly when it is supposed to happen. You do not have to force life to happen…it just does and in the most rewarding way if you stay nimble and open to the possibilities. With my brand, I want the world to experience the beauty of true authenticity through Vida(Life)Style & Fashion. My goals are to do passionate work, do it well, and create profit. I am looking forward to the future!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is such an amazing city! You can truly experience it all here! We would have to visit the historic sites of the city: Atlanta History Center, MLK Jr National Historic Site, and Centennial Olympic Park, to name a few. A drive thru the Historic West End is a must. It was the first neighborhood I visited in Atlanta with my aunt who lived there after migrating to the city in the 70’s. Grabbing a “Sloppy Toppy” Cheeseburger from Slutty Vegan is also a definite pit stop while in the West End. Of course, a quest for great shopping would be top of mind. Wish Atlanta, in Little Five Points, has the latest streetwear and footwear to match with a complimentary art gallery to highlight creative talent in the city. Nearby, Ponce City Market will be our next stop to grab a cocktail and lunch at Bar Vegan or one of the restaurants on the Beltline, afterwards taking a quick stroll through Old Fourth Ward. For some real retail therapy, destination Buckhead has it all-Lenox Mall, Phipps Plaza, and The Buckhead Village District, formerly The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Dinner at Le Colonial or brunch at Le Bilboquet are synonymous with the area. Art & Jazz at the High Museum of Art and a spa day at Four Seasons Atlanta for a bit of pampering. Not to mention, “people watching” at Bar Margot where you are certain to see a slew of A-list celebs, sure to be the highlight of any visitor’s trip to Atlanta. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There are so many people who have been a part of my journey to success in my career. Foremost, would be my parents. Although my father is no longer with us, I can still hear his voice in my heart saying “you did good, kid” whenever I achieve a goal. This encourages me to keep pressing forward. My mom, who is my sounding board for all things – especially life, style and fashion- has been my main support system while furthering my education and building my career while being a single parent. From honest advice and feedback to caring correction and opportunity, I am extremely grateful to the following individuals: Odessa Owens, Sherman Curtis, Joseph O’Brien, Kimya Rainge, Neil Goodman, Mike Casey, Lisa Evans, Jacqueline Acuna, and Julie Sailers.

Website: www.vidastyleandfashion.com; www.fifthavefinds.com

Instagram: @vidastylefashion @msvidastyle @fifthavefinds @desellsatl

Linkedin: Davida Edwards

Facebook: VidaStyle & Fashion; Fifth Ave Finds

Image Credits
Gianne Demeritte @gdemerittephotography