*Celebrity stylist/designer Ty Hunter is changing the way we take selfies with his latest innovation, the Ty-lite, which is the only protective smartphone case on the market that has three lighting settings, ensuring everyone looks their “I Woke Up Like This” best in pics, videos and video calls regardless of environment.
Early news of the Ty-Lite is taking social media by storm as celebrities such as Kerry Washington, Regina King and Niecy Nash posting their Ty-Lite selfies. Ty also told EUR/Electronic Urban Report that Ms Tina (Knowles) loves the case, as does Michelle Williams.
So what does his #1 A-list client Beyonce think go Ty-lite? We asked him this, and more, during our recent chat ahead of New York Fashion week ,where Hunter and his team will be promoting the product.
Tell us about the concept behind Ty-lite, and your company Passion Projects.
Ty Hunter: Being that I’m the selfie king, I came up with the idea because we really wanted to have a case with a light setting because the sun doesn’t always shine in the daylight, so light is very important and that’s kind of how the process of the Ty-lite started. It’s three light settings, and you can also dim each setting. It’s really bright at first, so if you don’t need that much light you can dim it to what you need. It’s also a protective case.
You released Ty-lite through your company, Passion Projects. What’s the company’s goal?
Ty Hunter: Passion Projects is me, Amber Sabathia and Michelle Serafin. We started this company and our first product is the Ty-lite. We also have other things that are coming. We’re doing a lot of charities – meeting people and finding out what your passion is and trying to get you as close to your dreams as possible. So a lot of charity will be coming from Passion Projects.
Hunter said the response to the Ty-lite “has been beyond great.”
“The whole idea of Ty-light was for FaceTime and Skype and selfies, but people are using it for multi-purposes,” he said.
What does Beyonce think of Ty-lite?
Ty Hunter: She has it but I don’t get my clients to post it. It’s up to them. I sent one to Ms. Tina, she post it. Michelle has post it as well.
Are you working with new clients during New York Fashion Week?
Ty Hunter: We actually have an event (Ty-lite) during fashion week but of course, a lot of the top models have the Ty-lite, so it’s important for me to be there. A lot of those top models carry it and love it.
How important is fashion week for you?
Ty Hunter: Fashion Week is very important just to keep up with what’s going on in the fashion world. I also have a lot of social people that I work with. I believe in keeping up with what’s out there and staying in the know.
How do you stay updated on current trends?
Ty Hunter: I try not to stay too much into the trends because we like to set trends, but it is good to know what the kids are doing, and it’s not just from the shows, but also from walking in Brooklyn or Harlem, just seeing what kids are doing now. That’s kind of how I get inspired.
You have a lot of admirers, especially as a result of your relationship with Beyonce. Some may even want to follow your path. What advice do you give hopefuls about how to prepare for a career in styling?
Ty Hunter: Don’t give up. Don’t keep track of what the other stylists are doing. Just look at what you’re doing and better yourself. When I look back, I don’t look back at what my peers are doing. I look back at what I did to better myself. And don’t let your environment stand in your way because I’m from Texas, and to be from Texas and end up working with one of the biggest female groups is a dream that I never thought could happen, but I stay true to myself and I had a big dream and I just kept pushing. Me and Ms. Tina, we connected, and the rest is history.
That’s how you met Beyonce?
Ty Hunter: I was doing window dressing in a lot of stores and that’s how I met Mrs. Tina. Maybe like, three years before I even worked with her, and then she became a client and I helped her with a few things and we just built a relationship. One day she said, ‘I’m gonna get your outta here,’ and that’s kinda how everything happened.
What sorts of things are must-haves on your photoshoots?
Ty Hunter: Must-haves are undergarments and a kit. A lot of times, people don’t know undergarments can make you or break you, so it’s important to have the right undergarments for each look. If it’s a strapless dress then you want to have strapless bras. From spanks to corsets to whatever it takes to make the garment look great. A lot of people don’t worry about those things but they’re very important.
Who inspires you?
Ty Hunter: I would have so say my grandmother, who has passed. She inspired me and pushed me to not worry about other people’s feelings, as far as, I’m so quick to always make sure everyone else is happy, and she instilled in me to start putting a smile on my face and taking care of me, and be a better whatever it is. A better father, a better friend, just a better me. A better Ty.
You should also check out Ty Hunter’s emojis at the Apple App store, and visit his online store at ty-lite.com.
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