Black fashion influencers haven’t always been given the shine and recognition they deserve. Despite constantly setting trends around the world, they are often overlooked compared to their white counterparts. Fashion and style influencer Jeneé Naylor, aka High Low Luxxe, went from being a store manager at one of the largest retailers in the United States to becoming one of the most well-known Black fashion influencers today.
Naylor has faced her fair share of obstacles along the way, from feeling like she always has to be over the top to spending countless hours making sure her content is top-notch. But now this fashionista has found her footing and is showing the world that you can wear whatever you want without feeling like you’re “over it” or “too flashy.” With 374k followers on Instagram alone, it’s safe to say she’s doing something right.
EBONY recently spoke with the fashion expert to find out more about her life as a rising style icon and her plans for the next five years, and she also named some of her favorite Black fashion influencers.
EBONY: What first got you interested in fashion?
Jenny Naylor: My first exposure to fashion was in middle school. I remember finding my first fashion magazines and spending hours sketching my designs and ideas. It wasn’t until I went to college and studied Fashion Marketing that my passion for fashion first emerged. Even after college, my first job was at Nordstrom and I really loved styling people and helping them put together different styles. That’s when I realized fashion came naturally to me and that I really enjoyed it.
Have you always wanted to work in this industry?
Absolutely! I just wasn’t sure in what capacity. This was before social media, so I had no concept or dream of becoming a content creator. When I was younger, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. Once I started working in retail, I knew styling would be my main focus. At this point in my career, I’m excited to be a role model for others who are passionate about building a fashion-related career.
How did you make the leap from working for a major retailer to starting your own brand?
I was a store manager at Target and loved my job. Not only was I great at my job, but I also really enjoyed interacting with people, leading a team, and applying my fashion marketing skills. I was very passionate about my career and truly knew I would make it to the C-suite level one day. However, as I began my journey into content creation, it became difficult to give 100% to both Target and my own brand. I couldn’t be equally good at both, so there came a time when I had to choose one. It’s always interesting and exciting when your passion takes on a life of its own.
How long did it take for you to gain traction among street style photographers?
To be honest, it’s something I’m still constantly working on – I’ve been doing fashion week since 2019, so it definitely takes time and patience – this industry is truly a marathon, not a race.
What were some of the obstacles you faced as a Black influencer?
To be honest, there are definitely some obstacles I face as a black influencer, and they can be frustrating at times. Everything from feeling like my style will be perceived as “too much” or “too flashy” to feeling like certain spaces simply aren’t for me or interested in accepting me. I think black influencers in general have to fight the underlying expectation of excellence when creating content. It can be exhausting to feel like everything we produce has to be the best. The struggle that affects me the most is feeling like my community isn’t always properly valued. I’m really proud to have an amazing and engaging online community that is primarily made up of women. Unfortunately, they don’t always feel like their value, engagement, or money is important to certain brands.
What was the career-defining moment that made you think, “Yes, I made the right decision”?
Being invited to host the Hanifa Digital FW22 presentation and hosting Nordstrom’s Live Anniversary Sale Lunchtime Livestream were hands down the most defining moments of my career so far. Both events epitomize the impact I want to make in the fashion industry and also show how much I enjoy hosting live events. I was happy to be able to contribute my fashion expertise and hope to do more live hosting opportunities in the future.
Where do you see yourself and your brand in the next five years?
In the next few years, I intend to create thoughtful and meaningful content for my community. My goal is to always provide value, be helpful, and be as useful as possible. The good news is, I’m still in the early stages of building my personal brand, so that will definitely be a top priority for the next few years. I’m so proud of the foundation and team I’ve built, and can’t wait to see the heights we reach. The possibilities are endless!
Who are your favorite Black fashion influencers that you follow on social media?
To borrow a phrase from Issa Rae, I support all Black people. I really enjoy following people who inspire my creativity and different ways of thinking. With that said, some of my favorite Black style influencers on social media are @TheYusfs, @MonroeSteele, @Tenickab, @TamuMcPherson, @SlipintoStyle, @HodanYousuf, @ItsCarolyngray, @CandiceBrathwaite, @_MarisaMartins_, and @TheInspiredi.
