"Fashion is subjective, so don’t be afraid to change up your style and trust the process"
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in the fashion industry?My name’s Kimaya, and I’m an Indian content creator and student based in California. I create content on Instagram and YouTube, with over 200,000 followers on my socials. I enjoy making fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content, including college vlogs, outfit inspiration, makeup looks, and occasionally dance videos. I love creating and want other women to feel inspired and confident in their own skin, whether through dressing up, doing makeup, or dancing.
Fashion has always been a part of my life, as my mother and her three sisters are bridal wear designers. However, growing up in a strict boarding school, I initially avoided this interest. It wasn't until the pandemic that I could freely express my style and interests by creating videos on Instagram and TikTok.
2. What has been the most memorable moment or achievement in your career so far?
Rather than pinpointing a single standout moment, I reflect on a series of accomplishments that collectively define my journey. From securing my first collaboration to reaching 100,000 followers on Instagram and getting monetized on YouTube, each achievement has been incredibly rewarding. One of the most fulfilling aspects has been being able to treat my family and buy them beautiful things. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me as I continue to grow and achieve even more.
3. Who or what inspires your fashion choices and overall style?
My fashion choices and overall style are heavily influenced by my mom, who is a bridal wear fashion designer. Her style from the early 2000s to the 2010s has definitely inspired my approach to fashion. Pinterest serves as a constant mood board for me, providing everyday inspiration that I love to incorporate into my looks. Experimenting with different pieces and creating unique outfits is rewarding. I enjoy mixing and matching items to see what new and exciting combinations I can come up with. It’s a blend of inspiration from my phone and my mind, put together in a way that feels most expressive to me.
4. How would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years?
I've been passionate about fashion since I was a teenager, starting with street style and basic pieces. A trip to Korea in 2019 deeply influenced my style, sparking a love for Asian fashion, particularly tennis skirts, dresses, bows, and puffy tops. This blend of Asian and coquette styles became my wardrobe.
Post-COVID, I gained more confidence in my body and gravitated towards the Y2K style, rocking low-waist jeans, lots of accessories, boots, and asymmetrical tops. Like many, I went through a phase of wearing what was trending on social media. However, now in 2024, I enjoy mixing up my own style with current trends, calling it Kimayacore, and not overthinking it too much.
5. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a successful fashion model or social media influencer?
In the least cliché way possible, don’t be afraid to get criticized. People at school and college will talk about you and make comments like, “how’s your little influencer thing going?” Fashion is so subjective that there are low chances of going wrong. Don’t be scared to change up your style, even if it means sometimes pairing the wrong colors. It’s all about trusting the process.
In terms of becoming a successful influencer, find a niche that suits you best. People want to watch your content and think, “she pulls this off so well.” Saying that, learn to experiment to find what works for you. To be honest, I still don’t have a fixed niche. I like to mix it up between fashion, makeup, dance, and lifestyle, and my followers love the dynamics. Just be known for something unique that others don’t do.
6. If you could swap wardrobes with any other fashion icon for a day, who would it be and why?
If I could swap wardrobes with any fashion icon for a day, I would choose a mix of Christina Aguilera in the 2000s, Adriana Lima, and a blend of Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl’s closets.
Christina Aguilera's 2000s wardrobe was all about bold, edgy fashion that made a statement. Her style was fearless and experimental, and I admire her confidence and creativity. Adriana Lima's wardrobe embodies timeless elegance and effortless glamour. As a supermodel, she has access to the most stunning high-fashion pieces that I'd love to try out! Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf's wardrobes from Gossip Girl give off the perfect blend of trendy, sophisticated, and luxurious pieces. Serena’s style is boho-chic and effortlessly glamorous, while Blair’s is more polished and classic. Swapping wardrobes with these icons would give me the best of all fashion worlds, because it’s boring to stick to just one style!
Bio:
My name is Kimaya, and I’m an Indian content creator and student based in California. With over 200,000 followers on Instagram and YouTube, I share my love for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle through engaging content. Growing up with a family of bridal wear designers, fashion has always been a part of me. My journey truly began during the pandemic, allowing me to freely express my style and creativity. From college vlogs and outfit inspiration to makeup looks and dance videos, I aim to inspire women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. My evolving style blends Asian fashion influences, Y2K trends, and personal flair, creating a unique, dynamic presence in the online fashion community.
Interviewed by: Mishika Goel
Edited by: Mishika Goel
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