Meet Eliza C Gray | Renaissance Woman & Founder of HENI Magazine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eliza C Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eliza, what matters most to you?
I would say being my authentic self in everything that I do. I am very thoughtful and purposeful about every collaboration and event. I also love supporting businesses that align with my values. I don’t like to take life too seriously and try my best to maintain warm welcoming energy. I am not saying I am perfect by any means, but I have been in fashion for over 8 years, so it is very important to me to have the energy that I didn’t get when I was starting out.

In an eat or be eaten industry. I want to be community building and assess people’s strengths individually. Many big companies feel we are replaceable. I remain one of a kind and work with one of a kind people, whether others choose to see that or not. I don’t want anyone to feel what I felt in the rooms I have had the pleasure of being in. It wasn’t all bad, but I had to fight tooth and nail for every opportunity. Unfortunately the color of my skin was not an asset in most rooms… Now I embrace every inch of me with confidence and align with those who do the same. It’s a new day!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say what sets me apart is how long I have been in the field and how many different aspects of the field I have experience in! I have enjoyed the journey and adapted my talents to the needs of the time and city I was based in.

I started out as a personal stylist at 18 and did freelance fashion show work on the side. Sometimes it would be photography, dresser, stylist, etc. That’s when I really fell in love with the other aspects of the industry and not just styling. I grew into wholesale and trade show work after that, then e commerce consulting for fashion brands. I will note that I have been building connections and my portfolio since I was young, I feel like that really helped me get new opportunities.

I call myself a “Renaissance Woman” because I truly have had the pleasure of working in almost every facet of the fashion industry. I had been in love with fashion since I was young, then as I got older I fell in love with the process of creating memorable branding experiences, from photoshoots and social media content, to web and packaging, to trunk shows and fashion shows. I feel blessed to have had some pretty amazing experiences!

I am from Los Angeles, CA but have also spent sometime in New York and cities all over Texas for work. Since spending 2 years in Dallas I really feel I have evolved. I learn lessons in every city I go. I have had the pleasure of photographing and/or working NYFW, LAFW, Vegan Fashion Week, Dallas Fashion Week and counting. My goal is to continue to get different cities under my belt. I just love working, attending or photographing fashion events! I will probably always be apart of that scene. I think exploring different places is so important to stay inspired.

I would want people to know that a lot of people are going to tell you no, not support you, or tell you things about your talents that are simply not true. But you will also have to prove that it isn’t. Do the work and keep your head down and make your vision happen, but also enjoy the process. Impatience can destroy the fruits of your labor.

I also can’t stress enough to get mental health assistance from podcasts, books, or a therapist if able to flex your mental muscles and clear your mind of any trauma hinderances. Your mind can be your worst enemy or your best friend.

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.
I absolutely love going to galleries and a lot of them have free days or gallery viewing parties with such interesting people! I also love The Virgin and Catbird for a nightcap. I tend to pick places with interesting interior design elements in the building or a great view. Most of the luxury hotels in Dallas have great happy hours and rooftops! There is always something opening now in the city, the list feels endless. I would love to also take them on Safari! There are two not too far outside of Dallas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to thank God, my Mom, Uncle and friends & family that have supported me through thick and thin. I would not be here without them.

Also some life changing book recommendations: “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud, and “The Mountain is You” by Brianna Weist

Website: https://www.elizacgray.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afros.and.cashmere/

Image Credits
Photo 1 photographer: Xochitl
Model and stylist Eliza C Gray

Photo 2 photographer: Aaron Woo
Model and stylist Eliza C Gray

Photo 3 “Disco Oasis” Dallas Event curated & hosted by Eliza C Gray for HENI Magazine featuring fashion show by Taiilored

Photo 3-6: Photography work by Eliza C Gray

Photo 5: Dallas Fashion Week
Photo 6: Vegan Fashion Week, LA