Meet Kiley Grant | Model, Stylist & Fashion Events Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiley Grant and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiley, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Greensburg Pennsylvania. A small town about 45 minutes from Pittsburgh. My love for fashion began as a small child about 10 or 11 years old. As soon as I first started watching America’s Next Top Model, I knew that fashion was my calling. I initially wanted to become a model but my Mom wanted me to pursue a degree just in case modeling didn’t work out for me. I decided to pursue fashion design. After attending the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and having the school close down three semesters before I was supposed to graduate, I decided to switch my major to Fashion Product Development and graduated from The Academy of Art University in 2021. Since then, I have become a stylist, brand ambassador, creative director, and fashion events producer. Having my school close down so suddenly was one of the biggest challenges that I had to face. Despite various set backs in my career, I have learned to adapt to the situations that I can’t control and to trust my intuition and self confidence.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Styling by Kiley aims to provide bespoke gender inclusive styling services to individuals of all sizes and backgrounds. Whether you are doing a photoshoot or planning a night out on the town, you will always be prepared with on trend garments and accessories. My experience as a model, brand ambassador, designer, and artist allow me to share my expertise to create timeless looks that you will never forget.

So far, I’m the most proud of producing the Diversity Summer Showcase. In honor of Juneteenth and Pride Month, I wanted to showcase a variety of performances including drag, hip hop, ballet, and a fashion show by Olesya Couture X Styling by Kiley. Accurate representation in the fashion industry is so important. It was an honor to bring together so many creative people of all races, sexualities and body types. I’m the most excited about producing two upcoming fashion showcases that will be happening this fall. For the future, I hope to expand my network of talented individuals and bring my diversity shows to bigger cities.

I got to where I am today by trusting my intuition and networking with the right people. It took one person (Olesya) who was just as passionate about fashion as I am, to give me the guidance and confidence to build my own brand. It took nearly 10 years of rejections, set backs, and overcoming insecurities to get to where I am today. I spent many years doubting myself and frustrated because I was not where I wanted to be professionally. As soon as I let go of expectations and timelines, I flourished like I never thought possible. What I learned the most on my journey is that you can’t rush success and never base someone else’s success on your own. Never be afraid to network with professionals around you. ALWAYS have your business cards on you. Lastly, don’t be afraid to say no to collaborations or projects when you’re feeling burnt out.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that the woman behind it has dedicated years of passion and hard work. Fashion to me is so much more than getting likes on social media. I want to influence the community around me by producing events that celebrate our differences. Allowing someone to be 100% themselves is the loudest way to love them. I hope to lift people up and encourage them through showcases and fashion styling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Greensburg really has hidden gems that make the town so cute and wholesome. I would definitely start out going to brunch at Sundawg Cafe. They have the best breakfast in Greensburg hands down. After breakfast I would take them through Art in the Alley which is an alley that has beautiful art installations made by local artists. My favorite place in Greensburg is the Green Beacon Art Gallery. They have weekly events that include live music, painting classes, little festivals and so much more. The gallery was the perfect location for the Diversity Showcase and I’m forever thankful to the owners for bringing something new and exciting to our small town! To end the evening I would grab dinner at the delicious Italian restaurant Olives and Peppers and get drinks at a small bar called Hugo’s thats right up the street from the gallery.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dear friend Olesya Nova absolutely deserves credit and recognition. We first met as students at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. In the Spring of 2021, she asked me to become the face and brand ambassador of her brands Olesya Couture and Olesya Textile. After a few photoshoots together, she suggested that I start my own styling brand and create looks that would pair well with her jewelry collection. We call this collaboration; Olesya Couture X Styling by Kiley. Styling by Kiley was born because of Olesya pushing me to contribute my creative ideas. Fast forward to the present and we are now organizing fashion events aimed at showcasing diversity and inclusion. Without Olesya’s genius creativity, mentorship, and encouragement, I wouldn’t have the confidence to start my own styling business or produce fashion events!

I would also like to thank my friends, family, and wonderful boyfriend Philip for constantly supporting me and helping me with every photoshoot and fashion event.
Lastly a huge shoutout to my Grandma who knew from the very beginning that I would find success in the industry, even during the times where I wanted to give up.

Website: https://kileygrant3309.wixsite.com/my-site

Instagram: @styley_kiley

Facebook: Kiley Grant

Image Credits
First picture of me (Blue Top): Jenna McCloy Olesya Couture X Styling by Kiley: Graphic Design by me (Kiley Grant) Picture of me with white head piece: Sergey Polstyanoy Mafia Photo of Olesya and I: Sergey Polstyanoy Styling by Kiley statement: Graphic Design by me Me in gold dress: Anytime Picture Olesya and I in black: Philip Hrabic Girl in red dress with tattoos: Skene 19 Films Girl in white dress: Philip Hrabic