Student Spotlight: Photography, Fashion, Hair, Makeup, Modeling & More!

Temple University’s student body is abundant in talent and diversity, representing individuals who are driven to innovate, create, and pursue their respective passions. Right here on campus, there are countless opportunities to support and contribute to students’ small businesses or creative endeavors. Eigaht students are making waves at the intersection of fashion and business. 

Photography

Photography is essential to fashion because it captures and communicates the essence of style, design, brand identity, and more. It brings these elements to life through powerful, visually compelling imagery. Below, meet two skillful Temple University photographers. 

1. Savahn (She/Her/Hers)

The “Alchemist” 

Savahn quickly turned photography into a hobby after she began taking photos for the “Beauty Birds” at the 2024 Fashion and Business Professional Fair. From there, she continued developing her photography skills during an internship with Karnet Creative—a small business in West Chester with a focus on vintage and reworked styles. Savahn was grateful to learn from Kari through her internship position. 

“I’ve always loved capturing beauty and moments around me.” — Savahn Duerksen  

To see Savahn’s work in action, check out: 

@karnetcreative on Instagram or https://karnetcreative.com/

In addition, Savahn offers mini photography sessions at a discounted rate on a DM-to-book basis as she continues to grow her portfolio and fine-tune her skills. 

Contact her on Instagram: @savahnphotography

2. Jordan Victor Wallace (They/She/He) 

The “Opportunist” 

Jordan is a multimedia artist who primarily works within the realm of creative directing. 

“I’ve learned that what you wear is 50% of the story; how you wear it is the other 50%.” — Jordan Victor Wallace 

If you are interested in Jordan’s work, contact them at jordanvwallace@gmail.com or @jvwsworld on Instagram for bookings. 

Below are incredible pictures from Jordan’s photography portfolio. 

If you are seeking to collaborate with a photographer, highly recommend reaching out to either of these two! 

Clothing

The clothing we choose to wear can tell a powerful story about who we are, what we value, our cultural values, or even how we view the world. It serves as a meaningful form of self-expression and reflection of our identity. Below are three Temple University students embracing fashion and selling clothing items right here on campus. 

3. Cynthia Hopes (She/Her/Hers) 

The “Spontaneous”  

Cynthia is in Temple’s Fox School of Business, majoring in Management Information Systems. She currently designs and sells shirts for female college students. Her design features the phrase “Pretty Girls Go To Temple” on a white fitted t-shirt. However, Cynthia plans to expand her clothing line to include other schools as well. The goal of her brand is to give college girls the chance to embrace their unique beauty and style. Since launching her shirts, she has enjoyed the many different ways they have been styled. 

“I interpret fashion as an outlet to express yourself creatively and freely. My customers are given a white tee to freely customize and use to embrace their independent styles, that truly represents what fashion is to me.” — Cynthia Hopes 

If you want to make a fashion statement, you can purchase the shirt for $35 by sending a DM to @luvvcynnnn on Instagram with your size and availability for pick-up. 

4. Sundiata Evans (He/Him/His) 

The “Mindful” 

Sundiata resells clothing—primarily streetwear—including polos, shirts, jeans, jorts, sweatpants, hoodies, accessories, and more. He primarily operates through Depop, but is also accessible through Grailed and Instagram, where he taps into fashion communities looking for unique, trending items. 

“My work connects to fashion by closely following what’s trending across social media and online communities, allowing me to source and offer pieces that reflect the current culture. This allows me to offer what people truly want to wear, and allows others to be able to enter the fashion world.” — Sundiata Evans 

If you are interested in purchasing from Sundiata, additional information is below.  

Main Instagram Page: @sundiataforpeace

Clothing Resale Instagram Page: @closetsundiata

Clothing Brand Instagram Page: @lapenewyork 

Prices range from $ to $$$ and are negotiable. Shipping is available anywhere within the United States. 

5. Surayah Smallwood (She/Her/Hers) 

The “Optimist” 

Surayah learned to sew from her grandmother when she was about seven or eight years old. Together, they would sit in the living room, sewing fabric into bags, pillows, or skirts. Today, Surayah mainly sells Muslim women’s clothing (such as garments and abayas) and offers special-occasion pieces like prom dresses, party wear, or even alterations. She aims to keep her prices relatively inexpensive, allowing customers to purchase quality, handmade items at a reasonable price. 

“In the near future, I plan to expand into modest wear outside of Muslim garbs!” — Surayah Smallwood 

To contact Surayah about her services, you can find her on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook: @shop.zuriel

If you are looking to refresh your wardrobe, consider reaching out to these three to purchase some new pieces. 

Content Creators, Makeup, & Hair  

Content creation, makeup, and hairstyling all play a significant role in shaping how we present ourselves to the world—especially within the fashion industry. Jordan Lee and Onna Danay are two Temple students taking the lead. 

6. Jordan Lee (She/Her/Hers) 

The “Creative” 

Jordan creates college and lifestyle-based content on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. She connects with fashion through her “Get Dressed With Me” and “Outfit Of The Day” posts. Her work as a content creator has earned her spots in communities like College Fashionista and the New York Fashion Week. Jordan has also impressively collaborated with Valentino Beauty and Prada Beauty. In addition to being a content creator, she is a makeup artist and has worked at fashion shows here at Temple. 

“Being a content creator has gotten me into various communities.” — Jordan Lee 

Engage with her content or book her makeup services: 

Instagram Handle: @jordanterrrii & @doneupglam 

Email for Collabs: jordanterri1@outlook.com

Email for Makeup Services: doneupglam@outlook.com

Collab Pricing: $50 - $100

Makeup Pricing: $45 - $75

7. Onna Danay (She/Her/Hers) 

The “Ambitious” 

Onna is a dedicated hairstylist and content creator who specializes in lifestyle, hair, and fashion-based content. She offers superb hair services, including but not limited to knotless braids, barrel twists, cornrows, wig installations, and more. 

To engage with her content or book a hair appointment, you can find her on: 

Instagram: @onna.danay or @thespoiledbratfactory (for hair appointment inquiries) 

TikTok: @onna.danay  

Modeling & Fashion Magazines

8. Karen Dayanna Barba (She/Her/Hers) 

The “Self-Possessed” 

Karen adores diving into her closet and playing dress up with heels and clothing. If it were not for the blisters, she says she would walk, run, work out, and probably live her entire life in heels. Karen loves mixing things up and reimagining pieces beyond their intended use by turning accessories into statement pieces or layering items in unexpected ways. Alongside her passion for fashion, she is also a model and created AURORA, a magazine for unique voices. It features advice, stories, and opinions, all from authentic perspectives. The magazine’s goal is to highlight a person’s individuality and explore fashion rooted in their heritage by showcasing designs, traditions, and facts from their countries. Her ultimate goal is to have the magazine focus more deeply on cultural fashion at its foundation and show a journey of progress, not perfection.  

“Fashion, for me, is more than just style—it’s a way to connect with my culture and express who I am. Being able to dress freely is a privilege, especially knowing that not all women around the world have that same freedom. That’s why I’m so passionate about self-expression through fashion. I want others to feel empowered to wear whatever they want and be whoever they choose to be. If we all dressed the way we were “supposed to,” we’d erase what could make one unique.” — Karen Dayanna Barba 

For magazine collaborations or inquiries, email Karen at auroramagazine.us@gmail.com 

or find her at @karendbc or @aurora.magz on Instagram for content or fashion-centered collaboration.

About Me The Writer 

Ashley Gray (She/Her/Hers)

The “Multifaceted” 

Hi, my name is Ashley Gray. I am an Honors student majoring in advertising at Klein College of Media and Communication. I have always had an adoration for all things fashion. I love experimenting with my style and curating outfits that reflect my individuality. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of being a writer for Fashion and Business Diaries. Through this role, I have learned a plethora of new things about fashion history, style identification, and the ways fashion reflects both diversity and culture. 

Outside of writing about fashion-centered topics, I enjoy creative expression through poetry. In my spare time, I have modeled for a clothing brand, student photographers, and Temple’s Fashion and Business Professional Wear Fashion Show. Looking ahead, I aspire to continue modeling in more shoots, pursue other endeavors, and try my hand at social media content creation. 

“Don’t dull your shine for anybody, always be true to who you are and embrace your unique qualities.” — Ashley Gray 

For contact and modeling inquiries, my Instagram is @ashdgray 

This article highlights the value of supporting and networking with fellow students. Please contact these students if you are interested!