Photo by Brian Guido
Zeyna Sy’s perspective is shaped by her global upbringing. The content producer for Outdoor Voices was raised in London by her Senegalese father and Jamaican mother; spent high school in Jamaica; and has carved out her career in New York and Los Angeles. Her talent for creating a visual narrative, however, extends beyond her current geography and transports — with colorful, dynamic images that zoom in on the details or capture the holistic view. We caught up with Zeyna about what’s inspiring her now.
How would you describe your style?
Simple, uncomplicated. Just classic and sometimes tomboy chic. I’m into the idea of uniforms recently. Simple variations of the same. A printed top or colorful jacket or shoe for some jazz.
Who is currently inspiring you? Sartorially, culturally, or otherwise?
I’m inspired by those who are telling stories of cultural importance through various mediums. Whether it’s filmmaking, media and advertising, fashion, music, dance or agriculture and farming. I’m inspired by those who are audacious enough to use their voices, bodies and minds to inform and reform.
What do you look for when you shop? (i.e. quality, sustainability, value, etc)
I do not like the idea of continually having to replace things. I’m pretty committed to what I like and I generally buy things that I can grow with. Things i can remix and reuse over the years with ease. Recently I’ve made the effort to support more brands with those same values. As well as understanding where and how the things I buy are made.
What is your current favorite shoe from Emme Parsons?
Susan in Light Blue.
How would you style it for a full day on the go?
With everything this summer, next spring and the spring and summer after that.
Favorite travel destination?
Last year I traveled to all of my "homes." Dakar, Senegal. London, England where I was born and all over the island in Jamaica. Every time I land in Jamaica I feel balanced and grounded. That’s where I feel most inspired by everything. That’s where I feel like I can fully be "me."
Must visit places at said travel destination?
Cranbrook Gardens / Mayfield Falls / White River / Blue Mountains / Blue Lagoon / James Bond Beach. I could go on and on...
Guilty or not guilty pleasure?
Right now... Black Rom Coms and a good indica - maybe even combining the two for double trouble.
We both share a love of running and have talked about the athlete’s or runner’s mind. Can you explain that mentality and how it shapes your life?
I used to hate running. It was a huge challenge for me. I have always been into fitness as a form of meditation, focus and discipline. Running can feel monotonous and boring, its crazy but I think changing what shoes I wore switched it up for me — I was no longer thinking about the act of running and more about the feeling I got when I returned from a run. The feeling I got when I was in perfect rhythm and flow. There is a hyper-personal goal that is set and reached and set and reached again. There is no faking it, you have to put in the work to feel results. I’ve found that I can apply that same thought pattern to all areas of my life. I can commit to things and see results. That’s a powerful feeling.
