Merging her love of fashion, children & her business savvy mind, Shade Newkirk launched Autographed in Pink Ink! Only at age 19, this young entrepreneur started her own company to create images for young talent, fashionistas, and future moguls across New York City. Exposing the children to some of the hottest designers, Autographed in Pink Ink builds custom looks that will turn heads for editorials, photo shoots, birthday parties, music videos, red carpet appearances, commercials and more.
Shade’ wants it to be clear that solely working on the outer appearance doesn’t complete the package. “Giving back and building up all youth is a huge priority. Yes, we want to provide looks that will speak volumes but we also understand that we need to create a generation of children that know who they are inside the clothes. We give back by mentoring, motivational speaking and helping build the future moguls of the next generation.”
Already having sights set on making headlines throughout the entertainment industry Autographed In Pink Ink doesn’t just want to stop there. They are laying the groundwork to launch into other areas such as apparel, boutiques, books, cosmetics and more.
Let’s get to know Shade Newkirk a little better…
You’re an incredibly talented young lady, with a great sense of style & business! What made you dive into the fashion industry at such an young age?
Thank you so much, I would have to say the credible sources and celebrity fashion stylist I had around me who allowed it, to be possible for me to experience the industry with them. Which opened the door and paved a way for me to enter the industry so young.
Young kids are inspirational but can be a bit challenging at times, what made you solely focus on styling for kids?
I get this question quite often lol. However, I’ve had the opportunity to work with celebrities in the industry and their character was all wrong. I dont like working with people I cant have a good time with or who I feel I always have to be on edge working with. I’ve worked with children since I was 14 years old in summer youth , leading up to working in daycares and the NYC Department of Education there after. So I decided to deter from a and path that everyone was taking (styling celebrities) and mixed both of my passions together which was fashion and children and started making my way on a new path.With my artistic vision,children make it possible for me to create anything I want and allow my imagination to take me places an adult wouldnt ever consider. Not to mention children are unpredicateble,funny,enthusiatic and energetic. My sets are always so much fun and unpredictable.
You make it clear that working on the outer appearance doesn’t complete the package, how do you inspire youth on improving their full selves?
Simply by encouraging them to be comfortable in their own skin and daring them to be different.If you like something, make it work for you DONT like it because it’s name brand or because it’s “IN” Everything starts from within! So once I can encourage them to love their self first and boost their self confidence. We can make magic happen after that because they dont allow the clothes to wear them. They wear the clothing!
You’ve already accomplished so much at an young age! If you had to choose, what would be the biggest highlight in your blossoming career so far?
Many people would think that I would say working with celebrities and their children but I would have to say. A clothing drive that I put together about 2 years ago a week before Thanksgiving .It was the most rewarding thing that I could have ever done and still look forward to doing. I reached out to my friends,family,social network community and church family for clothing,shoes,coats and etc and rented a van/driver for the day and delivered the items personally to two shelters one which housed women and another that housed teens and children. It was something that I’ve always wanted to do and now I was at a fortunate part in my life that I could do it and help someone else. I was 20 at the time ,There was one young lady that asked why us? and from that point I just broke down. I told her never to question why you? great things happen to great people never count yourself out cause as you can see there will always be someone to count you in. Many times youth and young adults think people have forgotten about them because of unfortunate circumstances that may have occured in their lives early on but always remember “the last shall be first and the first shall be last. I will never forget that experience and I’ll be looking forward to more.
Being young and having responsibilities can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?
“And because GOD is the greatest power, I shall not be defeated” I never speak defeat or embody that feeling.However, when things get a little overwhelming I simply pray,travel and have me time.
What advice would you give girls who want to follow their dreams and passions?
Stay consistent and dont allow anyone to tell you that you can’t. There will be 100 no’s on your journey before you get a yes.Stay true to yourself and never compromise your integrity to get to where you want to go.
Your future is shining extremely bright! What projects can we expect from you in the near future?
There are a couple of things I have in the works but I don’t want to say before they’re made official. However, You can definitely expect a childrens book, that I’m currently working on.
We are all about empowerment, What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
EMPOWERMENT to me means uplifting,encouragement and selflessness.When someone takes the time out to empower someone its simply heroic. If you can take down from your self to pour into someone else’s life to help better them in a way that changes their life forever you are a hero.
Time for the Faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?
Celeb Crush: Channing Tatum
Favorite Artist: Miguel
Favorite Food: Maccaroni and Cheese
Favorite Movie: Titanic
Check out more of Shade here…
