Today we’d like to introduce you to Cydni Stanford.
Hi Cydni, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story starts with my inability to conform and constrict myself into just one digestible category. People mainly know me as a Fashion Designer, Actor, and Model- I just hope that there isn’t much surprise if more titles are added to this list as my hunger for creativity is endless.
Fashion gave me the ability to world build at a very young age, and I’m only getting stronger in my vision as the years go by. I officially launched my sustainable clothing brand Décalage as a Freshman in college in 2019. Since then, I’ve consistently released several collections and have been featured in fashion shows, including KC Fashion Week in 2021. I’m motivated by the desire to make fashion that’s absolutely iconic and also eco-friendly, so that we can continue to enjoy it for many years; not just for short-lived trends.
Although business ownership was the first major thing I pursued, Acting found its way to me when I needed it most. I’ve always loved the feeling of performing, of making people feel something; whether it’s laughter, release, or fear. I realized the power of movies after watching “Call Me By Your Name” for the first time at age 17. On paper, me being from a lower income family in KC, heterosexual, Black, and a girl, I didn’t have much in common with the male, wealthy, highly academic, White, gay characters that the film centers- it was the humanity of the film that hit me the most. Despite the circumstances that would separate the characters from myself, I somehow still felt seen in them. That movie created an even deeper love for filmmaking and performance in me, so much so that I wanted to be in movies rather than just consume them. It was in that moment I recognized that I could be a vessel to tell stories, and hopefully impact people in the same way I was.
Today I feel so blessed to be able to create every single day, whether it’s through Décalage or on set as an Actor. I have two films on the way: “Break The Cycle” is my first feature film and revolves around 2 brothers coming of age with the weight of trauma separating them along their journey. My character “Shunta” is the best friend and love interest of the Lead character “Jay”. I play “Mia” in an upcoming short film called “Mia Eats” which is a Greek mythological thriller that centers a young couple whose loving relationship quickly shifts into a nightmarish chronicle.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve encountered many unexpected challenges on my journey, but nothing makes me stronger than getting through adversity! My first design studio was in a building that had a mouse infestation that I wasn’t privy to upon moving in. It got so bad that a mouse found its way into one of my clothing pieces, and I had to quickly move out before any more damage was done. It was so upsetting and stressful being back at square one, running a business in my cramped bedroom. I was thankfully able to move to a different (pest free) studio space a couple months later, and my business has been thriving since then!
As an Actor, i’ve worked hard to be better in every project I do, which comes with a lot of introspection and discovery of what I have to offer to the craft. Rejection is a big part of the process in this industry, but it isn’t easy. I’ve had to become comfortable with hearing “no” more often than “yes” and still be confident in who I am and the value that I bring. The biggest thing that makes all of it worth while is the love of the art, and the dedication of the people I get to create it with.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m most proud of my curiosity when it comes to Fashion and Acting. In order to be a mainstay in these industries, you have to be continuously inventive and invested in creating something that hasn’t been done before. I truly feel like creating is my purpose in life, and I’m almost obnoxiously dedicated to finding the truth in everything in a way that others may not be. To be curious is to be daring, and I’m definitely known to be a bit of a daredevil.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can reach me through my email [email protected] or Instagram with their ideas, I’m always open to new opportunities to connect! I bring my brand Décalage to different pop-ups around the KC/KS area and appreciate meeting customers in person at those events as well. I’m planning to collaborate with visual artists on clothing pieces and would love to connect with people who are interested in making their art wearable. I’m also itching to be in another feature film, so if anyone’s casting don’t hesitate to reach out!
Pricing:
- For commercial work, reach out to my current representation at Moxie Talent Agency for pricing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shopdecalage.com/
- Instagram: Cydni.rose and decalage_
