Stylist Zerina Akers on Collaborating with Marshalls, Fostering Community and Prioritizing Self-Care

This past weekend, stylist Zerina Akers, owner of Black-Owned Everything, spoke to attendees of Marshalls Good Stuff Social Club in Atlanta, Georgia, about how she got her start and how she’s fostering community for herself and the Black community as a whole.

Known for her impeccable eye for fashion and ability to create stunning looks for her clients, Akers has an impressive client list that includes celebrities like Beyoncé, Chloe x Halle and Tiffany Haddish. She has solidified her reputation as a go-to stylist in the entertainment industry. Her unique ability to blend high-end designer pieces with more affordable finds allows her to create looks that are both aspirational and accessible. Akers’ work is celebrated for its boldness and creativity, making her one of the most sought-after stylists in the industry today.

“Partnering with Marshalls is such an organic, full-circle moment for me. I remember when my grandma would take me school shopping at Marshalls. Back then, Marshalls was one of the only places with layaway, which was a big deal for us. It gave us access to stylish clothes and allowed us to buy in bulk, which was exciting and important for our family.”

Now, as a fashion stylist, partnering with Marshalls feels significant. It represents a shift in who their customer is and aligns with Akers‘ beliefs about fashion. She believes in mixing luxury items with affordable pieces, and Marshalls offers great prices without compromising on style. This partnership reflects who she and her audience is.

EBONY: When did you know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Zerina Akers: As a young girl, I always envisioned myself being in business for myself. I didn’t know how I would get there, but I knew the typical nine-to-five wasn’t for me. Even though I did internships and learned under other people’s guidance, I always knew I wanted to have my own business one day.

What does community mean to you?
You’re nothing without your community. I love what we’re doing here with Marshalls, giving tools and access. I came from the hood, not knowing what was even possible. I’m the second person in my family to go to college and the first to move away from home, so this journey has been important to me. As I navigated life as an intern at W magazine and other places, I saw that success was about who you know. This is especially true in fashion, where relationship-building is crucial.

Early on, I recognized the power of building relationships with other designers. When I had the opportunity to work with someone like Beyoncé, my first client, I saw the immense influence that platform had. I thought, why not use it to support independent and young Lebanese designers by giving them visibility? This approach blends luxury with the chance to redefine the perception of luxury. For instance, why can’t a handmade artisan bag, which is very special, be considered luxurious?

By giving emerging designers these opportunities, we created moments that benefitted both sides. It also extended the shelf life of our work. While people might dismiss larger brands’ collections as last season once a celebrity has worn them, an independent, one-of-a-kind piece maintains its allure.

I’ve seen designers grow from employing seven people to 50 simply because one of my clients wore their garments twice in a year. The reach and impact of such exposure are immeasurable.

What does self-care look like to you?
For me, self-care is about taking space to breathe, even something as simple as that. When things get crazy, I often say, “You have to schedule your pleasure because pain will schedule itself.” The world is frustrating and stressful, so I prioritize physical therapy, regular massages and stretching. I make sure my body is mobile and can handle the demands of being on set and maintaining a hectic lifestyle.

What stand-out pieces/silhouettes from Marshalls should customers get this summer?
I’m all about crop tops. I love pairing a crop top with a maxi skirt—it’s my go-to uniform. Another favorite of mine is super cool matching sets, like a button-down with matching shorts. It’s all about easy, stylish pieces.

Capri pants are making a comeback and so are micro mini skirts. Capri pants were so chic when they first came out, and now they’re becoming popular again. It’s exciting to see these styles re-emerge.