“When one door closes, she will be waiting outside of it with the master key to open all of the doors you’ve ever dreamed of.” - Unknown. When we think of Black women who are trailblazers, way-makers, and future changers, who comes to mind? For some it’s Michelle Obama, for others, it’s Keke Palmer, for me, it’s Dontaya Bobb. Dontaya Bobb is a beautiful soul and talent whose presence is made known to any and everyone she encounters. Dontaya is an extrasensory Wardrobe Stylist, & Founder of Inkloo (ink - lew), an online marketplace offering Black-owned luxury brands, to help authenticate your wardrobe and shopping experience. Dontaya is the kind of genius that you will find in art history books, museums, and proclamations worldwide. I was given the privilege to speak with Dontaya over inciting conversation and I humbly share with you her gems. I hope in Dontaya’s purpose, and heart posture you find your reason why.

Who is Dontaya Bobb?

I want to take a moment and say thank you for all that you do through your work, intention, and vision. You are a vessel.

I am a creative. I try to operate in a way that nourishes the artistic side of me. I feel very complete, and whole when I’m instructing, and collaborating with other creatives in both a corporate and creative fluid space.

“God uses some people as vessels” Do you believe that saying?

Yes! I believe God uses all of us as vessels. I believe in humanity and the notion that everyone has a purpose on this earth. If we were to think more in that sense, we would all have more unity. If we listened to one another and honored each other's challenges, I think there would be way more overlap and commonality among one another. We can all lean on each other and use each other to create something so grand. We have to take the time to see one another and get to know one another as individuals.

If you could have a face-to-face with 10-year-old Dontaya what would you say? Do you believe you're someone she would be proud of?

I would think she is a “badass”! I would thank her for being so open to trying different things, and not being in a space or state of fear. I hope that I continue to make her proud.

Inkloo was created to represent and “speak for”, at what moment did you have that epiphany to create something so groundbreaking?

I come from a corporate sales background, I worked for consumer packaged goods companies such as Hershey’s and Nestle. Although I experienced financial security, I found that it didn’t align with what I wanted to do in my life long term. Thus, me taking a pivot into the fashion industry at the end of 2019. I was interning for “Interview Magazine”, “Flaunt Magazine” to list a few, and it allowed me to be a part of some incredible projects they were rolling out. Amid these opportunities, I came across the experience of “pulling” from the same designers, and I saw less of me and my community in those pulls. I knew that there were so many talented designers that deserved a platform for their work to be shown and potentially purchased that didn’t have one. I decided to combine my sales background, and budding fashion career to put a marketplace together that would showcase these emerging Black fashion designers, and give the Black community a one-stop shop for support.

Your work has such a detailed way of telling a story, it’s very Solange-esque. What is your creative process like (if you’re comfortable sharing)?

If I’m working with a team, collaboration is very important to me, I don’t want my vision “alone” to be executed without understanding what someone wanted to accomplish and achieve as a team together. I love understanding the end goal, the reason, and the why whether that be model choice, location, or lighting. These elements tie into my sales background as well, what’s the need, and how can I provide a solution for that need? With that being said, I reach out to my designer network to see who’s able to help execute said vision. I love to construct garments (although I don’t sew), to help bring the vision to life. I believe I have everything I need inside of me to achieve everything I want creatively, and generally speaking.

Are you proud of who you are now?

Yes! I am so proud of who I am. I can be hard on myself a lot, but I’m alive, I’m breathing, I have beautiful relationships in my life, and I was able to see a new day.

What do you want the next 1 - 3 years to look like?

From a styling perspective, I would love to have representation. I would love to have my own studio, and pour into the future generation of creatives and stylists. As it pertains to Inkloo, I want to continue what I’m doing and understand my audience. I want Black designers to feel supported and feel they have a space in luxury retail. As it pertains to my personal goals, I want to continue to walk in my purpose.

What advice would you give to the next generation of creatives?

Understand your why. Why are you waking up every day? Why are you going to that job? Why are you surrounding yourself with this group of friends? Why is your routine the way it is? I believe understanding your why will encourage you to stay focused in your life and creative goals.

Are there any creatives you believe we should know about?

Brownie Brown. Brownie is the Founder and Creative Director of HighFashionThrift. The work she’s doing is outstanding.

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