Growing up in New York, especially Harlem the pressure to be fashion forward is at an all time high. Imagine being 15 and realizing that all your classmates are dressed alike. You start drawing in the back of your notebook figuring out ways to make your style a little different. You then bring these ideas to life with the help of youtube videos. Amazing right? Well meet Shay Xclusive, that was the start to her very unique brand. Unlike many other designers Shay's designs are not influenced by another brand, she believes the underground brands are the most "xclusive". Although, she does admire Kellz Mania for his great work and dope sense of style. Another huge thing that sets Shay aside from other designers is the fact that no two pieces in her collection are exactly alike. You will not find yourself with the same jacket or vest as another girl in the club. Basically, all of Shay's designs are free-styled meaning they are not thought out before she puts them together. She usually plays music to get in her zone, starts working and always comes out with something spectacular. Shay's personal style is creative and is usually put together based on emotion. Her closet consists of mostly her own designs but you can catch a few pieces from Adidas ,Trukfit, Dead Couture, Famousgem and Flyboilifestyle. Competition? Shay doesn't see any! She's so focused on her career and brand right now that no one can really compete with her grind. Shay's so focused that she's put her love live on hold. When I asked her what does she look for in a mate she told me "my mate has to be a beautiful individual, focused, goal orientated, loving, caring, very swaggy, dope sense of style. I'm silly so she would have to be as silly as me. GAWGEOUS.... just a well rounded female I can enjoy life with." I think those are great characteristics and hopefully when Shay has some downtime she finds what she is looking for. Shay would really like to see Wale, Kanye West, Big Sean, Iggy Azalea, Teyana Taylor, Lashonte, Tyga, Lil Wayne and ASAP Rocky in her brand. I have a huge feeling that in the next couple of years her dream will come true. #SALUTE Shay Xclusive for her extraordinary designs and unique fashion sense. I love a girl that goes against the odds. For more information regarding Shay's pieces email S[email protected]