Meet Fashion Stylist, Tosha Hartzog

Jackson: “Tosha Hartzog” is a very powerful fashion name. It sounds like a clothing line or a perfume line. Have you ever thought about using “Tosha Hartzog” as a brand name for something amazing?

Hartzog: Really? Thank you! That’s the first time I’ve heard that! Not right now, but in the future, I would create a fashion line. Right now, I’m focused on building my career with celebrity styling.

Jackson: How did you get into celebrity styling?

Hartzog: Yeah! So initially, I went to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). I didn’t finish there for financial reasons, but while I was there, I did product development which is more design. I saw that it wasn’t really for me. I spoke to some teachers there, and they introduced me to two stylists who went to FIDM. I really connected with them. So I ended up assisting them, and that’s how I got my feet wet with styling. I started learning the ends and outs of it.

I started doing my own thing. Building my portfolio with different creatives. I moved to LA, and that’s when I started doing celebrity styling. Styling actresses like Coco Jones and currently KJ Smith. I’ve been learning from other celebrity stylists as well. I’m learning to be better at my craft.

Jackson: Has this always been your desired dream?

Hartzog: Yes! It wasn’t necessarily styling, but I knew it was something in fashion. I didn’t know
much about styling, but at an early age, I always knew. I would always dress up! I wore heels to school in high school; I don’t see how I used to do that. I had a fashion club in school, too,
so yeah, I always knew. It’s been on my radar for sure!

Jackson: What does fashion mean to you and its significance?

Hartzog: Fashion to me is art. In my opinion, it’s an art form. It’s how I express myself and
how many others express themselves in a unique way. It’s really just the culture. It influences so
many things and is influenced by so many things as well. Fashion is something that’s always going to be influential. Fashion is very powerful.

Jackson: What is the manifested future for Tosha Hartzog?

Hartzog: Going to the next level in celebrity styling. So I would say being one of the top celebrity stylists with multiple clients. Styling for red carpet events. I would also be someone who would mentor and speak to young girls and boys about going after their dreams. I really want to share my testimony. Let them know God is real and that he hears your prayers. Encouraging them to keep going in whatever they do, especially in the creative field. Work it! Even if someone doesn’t give you the opportunity right at that moment, just do your own thing, and it will come to pass. Also, one day open up a nonprofit that has mentors in all creative fields. Music, fashion, film, etc. A place where kids can express themselves and meet other kids alike.

Jackson: What are some essential fashion tips you would give to any and everyone?

Hartzog: Yes! I would say learn what colors you feel great in. Learn what colors look great on
your skin. Don’t be afraid of color, either. Pops of color are in. Especially now during the
summertime. Really have fun with color. Pay attention to the fit of your clothing. Sometimes people wear things that are too tight or too big, which is why the garment looks funny on them. So definitely pay attention to fit. Get it altered if you need to. In all, really just develop your style. Whatever is fun to you – go with the trend, but develop your own personal style. See what some fun prints or cuts that you like are. Be edgy and fun.