Tyler Hunter, Beyonce’s stylist for more than 18 years, has talked openly about his choice to leave his position.
Hunter admitted that he struggled with the choice to leave, but that he ultimately decided it was time to put his own ambitions and mental health first.
Tyler Hunter opted to leave his 18-year job behind and concentrate on his personal life after understanding this on his daughter’s 21st birthday.
To record his journey and share his experience with others, Hunter authored a book titled “Makeover from Within: Lessons in Hardship, Acceptance, and Self-Discovery”.
Hunter said in an interview with The Grio that the knowledge that he had missed out on countless family moments while pursuing his career served as the driving force behind his choice. The 50-year-old is currently putting his family and personal objectives first.
“Even though I had the dream job that everybody wanted, I also wanted to just do other things. So, I just stepped out in faith, and I’m glad I did because I learned so much more about myself,”
he added.
Hunter credits Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles with helping him succeed. Hunter was working at a fashion store in a Texas mall in the late 1990s when Knowles entered. She pledged to give Hunter opportunities since she saw something in him.
Hunter was able to collaborate with Destiny’s Child on their “Survivor” music video because Knowles maintained her word. Hunter has gained more popularity and success ever since.
The 50-year-old stylist claimed in an interview with Insider that his interest in fashion began when his mother, who had him at the age of 19, would consult him on what to dress when they went out with her friends.
Hunter’s family supported his love for fashion from an early age, and he was able to develop his unique style by thrifting and styling second-hand clothes. His fashion talent earned him admiration from others, even those who would otherwise mock people for wearing thrift clothes.
Today, Hunter is a head stylist and creative director for Porter and other celebrities. He left his career with Beyoncé in 2012, but he had a chance to participate in a fundraiser for Barack Obama while working for her.
Hunter had the opportunity to meet President Obama a few times before, but he was surprised when Obama invited him and his wife, Raquel Smith, to take a picture with him.
They were there to dress Beyoncé, but Obama commended them for their great job and asked Hunter what his next move was.
Hunter took a three-month vacation to reassess his career path and tried various things, including tech and clothing collaborations.
“Leaving my job as Beyoncé’s stylist was one of the hardest things I had to do. Not only was I leaving a steady paycheck behind, I was leaving a familiar loving family,” he said.
He revealed his struggles with depression and how