Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate these various personalities with us.
Kinya Claiborne is a true boss. This energetic woman is the founder and editor-in-chief of STYLE & SOCIETY Magazine. She oversees the core magazine and digital across all platforms.
A style influencer, TV host, entrepreneur, media maven and lifestyle expert with a major passion for all things communications-driven, Kinya launched the Los Angeles-based online publication as a platform to celebrate the best of entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, travel, food and red carpet events globally.
Kinya is also co-executive producer and TV host of The StyleList, a TV series delivering the latest fashion, trends, travel and pop culture in a fast-paced and entertaining format on Watch ONX, an online video platform and production studio featuring a diverse collection of content including news, entertainment, and lifestyle programing for the multicultural millennial.
Both a tastemaker and award-winning content creator, she travels the globe working with brands, hotels, and tourism boards on special events, editorial coverage and influencer programs.
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Kinya was nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) Fashion Award in the Influencer/ Trendsetter category honoring top individuals who drive tremendous economic growth in Los Angeles. Additionally, she was nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) Entrepreneur of the Year award, honoring achievements by powerful women who make a difference throughout Los Angeles.
Kinya is also a Style Influencer for StyleCon, an annual conference celebrating beauty and fashion and joined Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW) as a media partner for the spring/summer 2018 season where she co-hosted the LAFW red carpet influencer kickoff event and the LAFW Opening Night Gala.
A media maven with more than 15 years experience, Kinya began her career working within radio, TV news and print publications before transitioning into corporate communications, and later launching STYLE & SOCIETY in November 2013. Kinya earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications from California State University, Sacramento, and is a native Californian residing in Los Angeles.
Like we said she’s A BOSS.
What did You Originally Want to be When You Grow Up? As a child, I wanted to be a newscaster growing up. I saw the on-air personalities as a job that was glamorous and kept the public informed. I thought the job consisted of reading a teleprompter and getting my hair and make up done everyday, and boy was I wrong.
Who were Your Mentors? When Michelle Obama became the First Lady, she became my mentor and inspiration. From the moment Michelle entered the White House, she captured me with her flawless style, inspirational speeches and commitment in the promotion of healthy nutrition and the right to women’s education. One of the most progressive first ladies of our time, she made her mark coloring outside the lines of past traditional roles of first ladies. She is stylish, intelligent, passionate about her beliefs and taught us–when they go low, we go high.
What is Your Biggest Achievement? Since launching STYLE & SOCIETY, I am proud to have been nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) Fashion Award in the Influencer/ Trendsetter category honoring top individuals who drive tremendous economic growth in Los Angeles. Additionally, I was nominated twice for the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ) Entrepreneur of the Year award, honoring achievements by powerful women who make a difference throughout Los Angeles.
What is Your Biggest Disappointment? Working with some of my favorite fashion brands that have since gone out of business due to the rise of the fast fashion market like Clover Canyon, Geren Ford and Cynthia Vincent.
Name Your Biggest Pet Peeves? When we receive a post release from an event requesting editorial coverage, when we didn’t receive an invitation to attend/ cover.
Predictions for the Industry Over the Next Decade: I’ve never been a risk taker. I’ve always played it safe in work, life and relationships. Stepping out of fear and fully into faith, I left my consulting job at Metro + McKissack & McKissack after nearly a decade, to take the next steps in my career as a full-time entrepreneur, managing a dynamic team of two-dozen STYLE & SOCIETY team members spanning the globe. With the rise of the next generation, my prediction is that there will be more people quitting their jobs to pursue entrepreneurship over the next decade.
Name a Job You had that Would Surprise People: My first job was working at Macy’s in the women’s shoe dept. People tell me all the time how envious they are of my lifestyle and the success I’ve been able to achieve. I tell them to turn their passion into a business to create life they’ve wanted to live.
What Marvel or DC Superhero do You Get to Play? Wonder Woman because she has the hottest outfit.
What do You Wish You had More Time to do? I wish I had more time to take lunch. I almost always work through it.
What Drives You to be Extraordinary at What You do? Celebrating women empowerment, STYLE & SOCIETY Group specializes in strategic communications, community relations, event planning, creative services, and digital marketing to help other brands empower, inspire and influence communities with confidence. STYLE & SOCIETY Group is where STYLE represents lifestyle and SOCIETY is how we connect with influencers, stakeholders and the community at-large. We speak to an affluent audience of influencers, stakeholders and opinion leaders offering a 360-degree approach to integrated marketing to help brands inspire a highly engaged audience.
Congratulations, You Built a Time Machine! What do You Go Back and Tell Your 15-Year-Old Self? Success isn’t always measured by the amount of Instagram followers or the money you make. For me, everyday is a new adventure and my success is measured by reaching my own personal goals and using my influence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Follow Kinya:
Instagram: @Kinyaclaiborne, @styleandsociety