Fiskani is behind the fast growing image consulting company Fiskani, Inc. based in Atlanta.  Her thriving business is an image consulting, styling and artist development firm that works with established celebrities such as Akon and Ludacris as well as up and coming artists such as Ray Lavendar.  Fiskani provides a competitive edge that makes her an asset to her celebrity clientele and media outlets. Coupling European fashion with urban pieces and accessories, she makes unforgettable statements on her clients.  Jamati caught up with Fiskani in Atlanta recently and she told us all about her start in the business and what it takes to succeed in the business.

 Jamati: Where are you from Fiskani?

I was born and raised in Zambia.  My father is Zambian and my mother is Malawian.  I am the youngest of four kids. 

Jamati: Where does your love for fashion come from?

I have to say the streets.  I just know what works and what doesn’t on me and other people.  My family says I’ve loved fashion since I was a toddler.  Grown ups asked me for advice about what to wear even at a young age.

Jamati: How did you get your start being a celebrity stylist and who have you worked with?

I started out working for a fur company called Damselle.  Greg Taylor gave me my first big break.  He set it up through Keith Sweat and I met Akon.  I’ve worked with Akon for both his albums.  Other celebrities that I have worked with are Mario, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Diamond, Young Joc, Elvis White, Ray Lavender, Tpain and Boyz in da Hood.

Jamati: Are you responsible for coming up with an entire look for a celebrity or is it something you and the celebrity do together?

It depends.  I like to meet with someone first to get a feel for them.  And then I go to work.  Sometimes people know exactly what they want and we come up with a look together.  Mario knew exactly what he wanted and he kept things his way.  Ludacris was open to everything.

I’ve worked with Akon the longest.  It was my job to come up with a look for every single appearance – from album covers to photo shoots to award shows and television appearances.  In this business the public is accustomed to not seeing the same outfit over and over so it is a lot of work.  Because I’ve known Akon so long I know what works for him and what he likes so sometimes I can just send clothing to where ever he is in the world.

Jamati: What was your favorite look on Akon and how did you come up with it?

The white suit at the Grammy Awards.  It was Roberto Cavalli.  It was good to put him in a suit.  It was unexpected and not like the street style everyone was accustomed to seeing him in.  I also liked the pea coat jacket from the Fall 07 fashion week in Milan that I put him in for the I Wanna Love You video.

Jamati: You’ve been on a lot of video shoots.  Which one did you enjoy the most?

Video shoots can be really long and exhausting but I have to say that the most memorable one I was on was the Gwen Stefani ft Akon shoot for Sweet Escape.  It was so much fun!

Jamati: You’ve done a lot of work with male celebrities.  If you could pick any female celebrity to style for who would it be and what would you put them in?

There are too many to mention but Riahanna stands out the most in my mind right now and I would probably do a vintage Chanel look on her because she has such a model stance.

Jamati: How would you describe your personal style?

Colorful, darling….no rules!!!  I know what I like and I go for it!

Jamati: Who are your 3 top designers?

Chanel, Y3, and Lamb for everyday wear.

Jamati: What is next for you?  Do you have aspirations to have a clothing line of your own some day?

Yes definately a clothing line in the near future.  I plan on targeting film next.  Look out for me in a theatre near you.  I was raised to never limit myself. 

Jamati: What is your advice for up and coming fashionistas who want to be celebrity stylists?

It’s a lot of hard work.  Know that first.  You have to love every moment of it because you are making fashion history.  Originality is key.  You have to come up with your own ideas and not want to copy someone else.  People can see right through it.  The objective is to set trends and not follow them!

See Fiskani at work in the video below.