From Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé to Diddy and Jay-Z, Marni Senofonte has styled some absolute legends over the course of her decades-long career. So it should come as no surprise that the sought-after celebrity stylist is low-key the mastermind behind some of the most iconic fashion moments in recent memory.

Let’s list a few, shall we? Beyoncé’s entire wardrobe in “Lemonade” (that yellow dress! that wide-brimmed hat!). Queen B’s visually arresting and powerful Black Panther-inspired Super Bowl XLVII halftime show ensemble. Every single Slayoncé outfit for “Homecoming,” her Coachella-performance-turned-Netflix-special, for which the stylist earned a much-deserved Emmy nod. And Kendall Jenner’s black latex floral lewk at the 2019 Emmys.

But Senofonte’s influence extends well beyond red carpets and music videos. She’s also responsible for Jenner’s ultra-cool off-duty looks, Beyoncé’s highly-anticipated IG style drops (ahem, that epic pregnancy announcement), and, as if her resume wasn’t impressive enough, she’s even styled Barbie (!). The mega-stylist has single-handedly inspired so many trends that The Guardian has aptly deemed her the “Anna Wintour of the social media age.” Talk about iconic.

As Create & Cultivate stans already know, we’ve been blessed to have Senofonte share her words of wisdom with us from the stage at Project Women and on the WorkParty pod. Here, Senofonte fills us in on the dream run that is her career, including the #1 lesson she’s learned from working with the one-and-only Beyoncé.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: After meeting Beyoncé, you claimed to have met your match because you both share an insane work ethic. How has your work ethic been important to your career? What do you attribute to that self-discipline?

MARNI SENOFONTE: Sweat equity is really only visible by the like-minded, it attracts them. When you work with artists who are all working in the same realm, the final product is usually pretty good! I think the discipline comes from not knowing any other way. I grew up watching my entrepreneurial parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles all working really hard. 

What is the best lesson Beyoncé has taught you since working with her? How have you applied it to your life and career?

Unbeknownst to her, I think her trust in my creativity gave me greater confidence in myself. I humbly carry it with me in every aspect of my life.

When you hit a bump or hurdle in your career, how do you #FindNewRoads + switch gears to find success?

Usually, I look back at every rough patch and remind myself every time I thought I lost, I inevitably won. Every bump or hurdle in my past has always been the starting point of something unplanned or unimaginably great.

You were recently nominated for an Emmy for dressing Beyoncé in her Netflix special "Homecoming." What was your favorite memory from making that Netflix special? Did you ever think you would be nominated for an Emmy? How did it propel your career? How was that project different from others you've worked on?

My favorite memory was when it was over, ha! My favorite memories of most projects! I usually never get to see the final performance so having it documented on a platform easily accessible is a dream! Also, more than the Emmy nomination, it’s been especially rewarding running into people at Target or when I’m walking in N.Y.C., having them explain how much that performance meant to them. Also, seeing so many people in the Insta-universe replicate the clothing and performance surpass any statue of recognition!

Still a bit surreal to have “Emmy nominated” in front of my name! I should change my profile name! The cultural impact of “Homecoming” (and “Lemonade”) kinda takes them out of the ability to draw any comparisons to anything I’ve ever done.

You work with some of the biggest celebs, and as their stylist, you must develop close relationships with them. How do you cultivate good working relationships with your clients? What are the key traits you need to be a stylist in such a demanding and competitive environment today?

I think gaining the trust of your clients is most important. Once a client trusts your intentions, it’s much easier to push them to try new things. Integrity is key, always has been!

What do you wish people knew about the fashion industry? What are the biggest misconceptions?

I think that Miranda Priestly's cerulean-blue sweater speech in “The Devil Wears Prada” solidified the credibility and importance of fashion. We are all that cerulean blue sweater personified. The biggest misconception is what goes into turning something into a tangible good. Everyone can make a cool Pinterest board, but to actually create something from nothing? Yes, try that!

What is the best advice you’ve been given? Or a favorite piece of #realtalk?

Five people need to tell me “no” before I even think there’s a possibility it can’t be done.

What is the #1 piece of advice you'd like women to know when starting out or building a business? Why?

Ask questions, don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know how something works. Sometimes "fake it till ya make it" works, and sometimes, when ya fake it, ya break it!

You've achieved phenomenal success, but that didn't come without hard work and determination. What's it really like beyond the highlight reel of social media? What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way and what have they taught you?

Honestly, we’re all mess in one way or another. I think we need to show a bit more of the mess! In terms of lessons I’ve learned along the way, just keep your eye on the prize and don't get wrapped up in the bullshit. It applies to all fields, whether you’re in finance, retail, medical, or fast food, the same bullshit occurs, same cast of characters, same personalities... there’s always someone plotting and scheming behind your back, someone taking credit for something you’ve done, someone thinking they can do better, someone who shouldn’t have an opinion giving their unsolicited opinion, blah, blah, blah. Ya just gotta stay focused and keep moving forward. When you get wrapped up in the bullshit, it stops your momentum.

You always seem so bold and self-assured, where do you think this confidence stems from? What advice do you have for people who are feeling self-doubt and want to have more courage?

I was very lucky to have grown up in a “you can do anything as long as you work harder than everyone else” environment. The encouragement and work requirements I had as a kid definitely made me believe I was capable of accomplishing anything. I never felt like I deserved success unless I worked for it, and I certainly never felt I was entitled to anything! If you feel like you need encouragement, give encouragement. Also, even though it sounds like some stupid inspirational meme, you have to move forward in spite of fear; it’s the only way you’ll gain confidence in yourself.

Over the years, you partnered with Barbie to bring fashion to the doll world. What was it like to design for Barbie? What are you hoping to achieve with that partnership? What will Marni bring to Barbie's wardrobe? And are there plans to design for us too?

Working with Barbie was another surreal moment in my life that didn’t hit me until I saw my name on a Barbie box. It’s still very weird. Mattel and those who work on Barbie are truly the coolest people on earth! We’ve definitely formed a bond, I look forward to doing some more projects with them. Barbie is constantly aiming to remain a current role model for young girls. Their outreach is constantly growing, and their encouragement of inclusivity is what’s the most attractive aspect of working with them. Barbie and “us” clothing on the near horizon.

You've said you try to make fashion fun, and you certainly show that on your Instagram. Where did this "fun" approach come from? What advice do you have for stylists looking for their unique approach?

Actually, I’m not much fun when I work. When I’m on an intense project, I’m laser-focused and super serious. Once I’m prepped and know I have what I need, I can relax and have a bit of fun. I have a goofball spirit and quick wit, but I think my seriousness is what has kept me unique to this industry.

How has the way you view fashion changed since you first entered the industry? Why?

The accessibility of fashion has changed. Social media has opened up a world of “you can only wear something once” if it’s on a post. It makes it harder to find unique things for your clients, but it also makes a stylist more creative. Social media has also helped make fashion a “branding” device for the masses, so now, unfortunately, there’s a constant race for new, never seen clothing, shoes, accessories which then turns into a sustainability issue.

What is the #1 book you always recommend? Why?

No one ever asks, ha! But if they did, some oldies but goodies—The Seat of the Soul andThe Last Lecture—both still hold their weight.

Photographer: Jenna Peffley

Hair: Styled by OGXpert & Celebrity Hairstylist Jillian Halouska

VIEW THE FULL CREATE & CULTIVATE 100 FASHION LIST HERE.