Today we’d like to introduce you to Skinnyjay.
Hi Skinnyjay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, I’m Javarian Holley, but known through the Charlotte creative scene as “Skinnyjay“. Where do I start? Well, I do so much, for the most part, everyone would say, I’m the connecting piece to bringing others together. Popular I wouldn’t say but, I know a lot of people.
These relationships were built organically from supporting one another throughout our journey as we grow. Today in life, my friends, family, etc. Has helped me push through goals I could only imagine, so I’m very thankful like I tell everyone I’m just skinny.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As a human, we face obstacles every day you know, for me it was how can I change the narrative within those challenges.
I use to be shy at times felt like the ideas I had in my head I couldn’t bring to life due to lack of resources. Those resources were the creatives that surrounded me as I figured out what I had a passion for.
We struggle for a while, but then learned ways to fix it. The conversation we all struggle but for me it was the start of realizing how much I wanted to see everyone win that was around me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Skinnyjay is a model, creative director, etc. But honestly, I’m just a person who loves just helping others.
My work consists of mostly Streetwear modeling, from highlighting brands you made not heard of. I like to wear these brands and shed light on others on different designers, which be my friends. Some of the brands I’ve modeled for consist of Bob’s Liquor store, Westcott Studios, Q by JAQuan Thompson, The Clean slate, Miles 52 Eighty, Savior worldwide by Jae tips and so much more. Brands you should definitely check out, they are awesome.
I also specialize in working with talented photographers throughout my journey. I see photography from different perspectives others may not see. Shoutout to Danni Snaps, B Lindsay, Dom, Blaine, Marlowe, Lilly, Carey, Cheryse, Josh, so many more to name but that would take all day. These talented photographers have pushed me to perfect my craft every day which has made me the model I am today. They all have different unique eyes of their lenses.
Skinnyjay, I would say, I’m known for just really supporting everybody who supports me. I wanna see everyone win honestly. Like my homie, Shane would tell me “ Skinny you are the connector, you connect the dots of bringing people together “aka ASAP YAMS (RIP). I basically strive off of motivating others like my peers to motivate me.
Music plays a big part in my journey as the person I am, all my homies music I listen to inspires me, from Cuzo key player type music to Tecoby Hines, Makeda, Cyanca, Autumn Rainwater, Elevator Jay Mercury Carter and so many more. Some days be tough but listening to them gets me through the week.
I’m just different, from fashion to how I am, as a person, I’m just skinny, a jack of all trades, but what stands me apart is how my mind process things creatively. My friends always give me my flowers, I just respond back to them, humble I’m just skinny.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking for me really supports, I say that to say support who really supports you.
I see my friend’s visions from pop-ups they have to virtual seminars. I try my best to make it to everything. Lol, you ask anyone if it’s something dealing with Art Skinnyjay is there. I’ve learned as you network it opens doors to resources you may never thought you had access to, where those doors open to even bigger doors.
Throughout my journey, I want to progress each year in a new way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_skinnyjay_
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Skinnyjay
Image Credits
Garrick @_geewes, B Lindsay @Shotbylindsay, Joshua Laws @jam.laws, Danielle Young @Danni_snaps, Jalen Marlowe @mrlo__, Kenny @Conc3ptsclt, and Mullah Mugzie @mullahmugzie.
