Conversations with Lakelyn Tayler Pounders

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakelyn Tayler Pounders.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The crazy thing is, I started college as a Bio Pre-Med major because I wanted to be a Pediatric Surgeon! They say Organic Chemistry is a weed out class, and it definitely weeded me out. Thankfully, U of A has an amazing Fashion Retail program where after much prayer and words of wisdom from family members and friends, I enrolled in the program and took classes on Textiles, Quality Control, Buying/Planning, Merchandising, Business and Marketing as well as Modeled in several of the program’s fashion shows featuring works by Student Designers themselves! All of this provided a broad range of knowledge and experience that helped me in various Retail positions leading up to my role as Wardrobe Stylist now.Leading up to graduation and after, I pursued Buying and Merchandising roles, but realized that wasn’t where my heart was. I had already moved to Nashville, which to me was the perfect place to pursue my dreams in Fashion without moving too far from my roots. I’m from Alabama and grew up on Country Music, so I have a genuine interest in and love for this industry and town. I already knew Big Loud Records had in-house Glam and Styling, and I loved the idea of being surrounded by both Country Music and Fashion in the office everyday, so that role was definitely what I wanted to pursue. I reached out to several local Wardrobe Stylists in the form of Email and Instagram DM, because this kind of role is not listed on LinkedIn or Indeed, so I had to shoot my shot! How many responded? Only 2 out of probably 10 or so. Like I said- shoot your shot! That is my biggest piece of advice. Sometimes you have to take the risks, and sometimes it pays off! In November 2022, Amy Georgulis, Big Loud’s Director of Style and Image at the time, agreed to grab coffee and chat with me, but through awards season and Holidays we weren’t able to nail down a day that worked for both of us until January. So, our January coffee date arrives and we chat all things industry and she gives me tons of insight into her role. She tells me she isn’t looking to add anyone to her team at the moment but will keep me in mind, so through the year we kept up with each other on socials and she passed along a few Styling opportunities she thought I’d be interested in, which I appreciated so much. Then August 2023 comes and I reach out to her because at that time I was thinking about pursuing Cosmetology School to add to my skill set, and she is licensed, so I asked her advice on the local schools. Turns out, she was actually going to reach out to me soon regarding a potential role on her team at Big Loud. So, we schedule another coffee date and she offers me a role as her Assistant! I was thrilled. I started on October 30th and worked alongside Amy on various Artist projects. She taught me so much and I was honored that she also allowed me the freedom and trusted me enough to take on Artist projects by myself as well. Amy has since left Big Loud, so now I am the sole in-house Wardrobe Stylist for the label. My days are extremely busy, full of prep, travel, shopping and project after project, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, some of the toughest parts of my journey have been working the Retail jobs I believed had so much potential for me, but ended up being such toxic work environments and toxic Management. Those jobs made me question my potential because of how bad the work environment was. But through lots of prayer and patience, the time came for me to finally leave the Retail world and pursue my true passion at Big Loud.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My official title is Styling Specialist for Big Loud Records. When I work with an Artist for the first time, I consult with them and their respective managers to understand their overall style preferences, sizing types, and needs. I curate and select clothing/accessories that align with Artist’s branding for any show, event, or shoot they require my services for. I spearhead on-set styling needs (i.e. dressing artists according to the intended vision/brand and continuously monitor that clothing/accessories are properly placed, unwrinkled, and look camera-ready). I create mood boards for each project to ensure my vision aligns with all teams. I coordinate fittings and tailoring to ensure clothing fits properly before each project as well. I travel for out of town shoots, award shows, anywhere the job takes me.

Going into this role, my biggest desire was striving to accentuate who the Artist already is. I am not in this business to change anyone just because I think it would be trendier or more acceptable. While I will of course voice my opinion and make tweaks if I feel something truly doesn’t look right, if the look aligns with the project vision and the Artist is comfortable and confident, then I have done my job well. I pride myself on building relationships with the Artists and allowing them the freedom to share their likes, dislikes, and wild visions for their wardrobe. As I gain this mutual trust with clients, it then opens the door for creativity that may have been too outside their box before and results in some really special Wardrobe moments.

I believe that is my strength. I grow and change alongside the client. I’m ready to pivot when then want to go a completely different direction wardrobe-wise than they ever have before. I’m on their team and I’ve got their back always.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I never want it to be lost on me or those I share my story with, that the Lord has carried me through to this season of my life. He gave me patience and endurance during the year I waited for this role. He will deliver if we trust Him in every moment and keep fighting the good fight even if we’re in a place or position that makes it extremely difficult to do so.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakelyntaylerpounders/
• Other: [email protected]