And the Winner is…

Winning the Fashion Insider contest is definitely a blessing. Just seven months ago I was in Buffalo, New York thinking to myself, “I need to get to New York City and start my career.” Never did I think in a million years that I would be going to Fashion Week so soon after moving here. I was browsing one of the magazines’ websites when I saw an ad for Redken’s Fashion Insider Contest, so I decided to enter. And let me tell you, this contest wasn’t your typical “pick a name out of a hat” contest; I really had to work for this—something like interviewing for a job.

First round I had to submit two writing samples, one of which was a mock fashion blog, another was a 250-word essay describing my fashion icon. The second round was a phone interview with three Redken representatives. This is where I really had to sell myself. I talked about my career goals, my blog, my love of fashion, beauty and words, and my aspirations to fuse them all. I was a nervous wreck after the phone interview. I waited a week to get a call back, only to hear I didn’t make it to the final round—I was bummed.

A week later I get a call from Peggy, one of the Redken representatives, to tell me I did make it to the next round…What?! Apparently one of the three finalists couldn’t make it to New York for the in-person interview and I was next in line—I’LL TAKE IT!! I was excited, exhausted from my excitement and anxious all at once. I scoured 34th Street for a perfect outfit, but to no avail; I ended up wearing something I already owned.

Then came the big day—the in-person interview. I knew that there were two other contestants I was up against for this, and I knew I needed to be myself, be outgoing, and bring it! I left the interview feeling pretty good. I answered their questions as best as I could, and I didn’t regret anything. My position as Fashion Insider was contingent upon the answers of my competitors.

So I went back to work, feeling a little bittersweet. I felt honored because knowing that I passed the first round meant my four years of studying English grammar, and journalistic writing paid off, but man…going to Fashion Week would defiantly be the icing on that sweet cake. Not even three hours had passed when I got a call from Peggy, “Hey Kinya, how do you think the interview went?”

“I think it went well, I don’t regret anything,” I said while laughing.
“Well guess what?” Peggy said, her voice a little menacing.
“What?!”
“You won! You’re going to Fashion Week!!”
“No way!” was I could say.

So I went from fourth to first in the matter of one interview. Being Redken’s Fashion Insider will be an incredible experience to see designers, hair stylists, make-up artists and models at their best. I can just imagine the people I would meet, and hopefully make some great connections. Thank you so much Redken for giving me this opportunity!