Rising Stars: Meet Cidni Ford Breanna Powell of Raleigh/Durham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cidni Ford Breanna Powell

Hi Cidni Ford, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Styling a Story started as an idea based off of our personal style(s). Cid is the sneaker chick and Bre is the ‘fit girl, and Bre had this bomb outfit idea that she knew would go crazy with a pair of 1s, but had no idea where to start. So we sat down at lunch one day to chat about an idea where we would tell the story of our lives while styling an outfit from Bre’s closet with a pair of sneakers that Cid loved, or styling a pair of Cid’s sneakers with an outfit that Bre put together! From there, we pitched the idea of working with a sneaker retailer in the Raleigh area; and as we flushed out that idea, we realized that we each had a much deeper connection to our personal style choices than simply putting outfits together and partnering with another brand. Thus, Styling a Story was birthed so that we could connect with a broader audience, and tell our stories, our way.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, the process has been extremely smooth! The hardest part about the podcast so far has been making sure that Cid actually hits record when the podcast is supposed to start LOL. Oh! And trying to make sure that we keep each episode under 2 hours. Otherwise, it has been a great opportunity for us to connect as friends and tap into new levels of vulnerability with each other and the people that we’re in community with – near and far.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
CID: What sets me apart from others is my authenticity. Ya know, I think we live in a time where a lot of people are trying to “fit.” People are trying to feed what they believe is going to inherit the biggest return – which isn’t a bad thing – but choosing to show up fully as yourself in today’s creative landscape is rebellious af. So, I think what I bring is refreshing and fun. Even my aesthetic…it’s just ME. I just show up as myself and that means that you’re not just getting one thing…you’re going to get substance, humor, style, etc…and I don’t really care so much whether it resonates with others; but if it does, I’m cool with that too.

BRE: I am most proud of my ability to create community with the people that I’m connected to! I’m really big on building genuine and authentic relationships, and to Cid’s point, the only way we’re able to do that is if we’re willing to show up authentically in every space we occupy. So in the content I create, in the words I speak on our podcast, my goal is always to connect with someone in some way or another. The truth is that everyone just wants to be seen, feel like they’re being heard and to find safe spaces to be themselves – and I’m proud of the fact that I offer myself as a safe space for all of those things to occur.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Ehh…luck hasn’t played a role in a damn thing over here because it’s been all favor. Whether that favor led to something that felt good in the moment or not, the favor is what has brought us to this point!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylingastorypod/