Interview With Fayisa Webb: Stylist Defining South African Red-Carpet Moments

Interview With Fayisa Webb: Stylist Defining South African Red-Carpet Moments. Fayisa Webb is a South African entrepreneur and founder of Stars Lifestyle Boutique, a brand that customises garments and also hires out outfits for special occasions. Her hard work, paired with passion and creativity, has led her to build a successful empire and become a force on many red carpets. Fayisa has dressed the likes of renowned actress Nunu Khumalo, BET Award winner – Mahadzi, DJ and influencer Cyan Boujee and Club hostess Inno Morolong. StartUpMag recently had an insightful conversation with Fayisa about her journey from Klerksdorp to the red carpet, her brand Stars Lifestyle Boutique, and her philanthropic work. Read all about it below!

You started your fashion journey from humble beginnings in Klerksdorp — what do you remember most about those early days?

What I remember most is the pure passion and resourcefulness. I didn’t have access to fancy materials or equipment – just a big dream and a lot of determination. I used whatever I could find to bring my ideas to life. Those early days taught me how to be creative with very little and to appreciate every small win.

How did your experience working at a luxury boutique in Sandton shape your approach to running your own business?

Working at that boutique taught me the importance of detail, quality, and exceptional customer service. I learned how luxury clients think and what they expect – from how garments are presented to how clients are treated. That experience helped me build Stars Lifestyle Boutique on a foundation of professionalism and excellence.

You’ve mentioned that your mother inspired your love for fashion — what are some lessons or values she taught you that still guide your work today?

My mother taught me humility, hard work, and the importance of presenting yourself with pride. She always believed that fashion is not just about clothing but about confidence and self-expression. Her sense of style and strength continue to inspire everything I create.

Starting a fashion brand from scratch can be challenging. What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced when launching Stars Lifestyle Boutique?

The biggest challenge was funding and building a client base from nothing. I had to rely on word of mouth, social media, and my own persistence to grow the brand. There were times when I doubted myself, but passion and consistency kept me going.

Looking back, what was the moment you realized your brand was becoming something special?

It was the first time I saw a celebrity wear one of my designs on a major red carpet and people started asking, “Who styled that look?” That moment made me realize that my work had a voice and that Stars Lifestyle was starting to make an impact. Which was Makhadzi.

How would you describe the signature “Stars Lifestyle” aesthetic?

Stars Lifestyle is all about bold elegance – pieces that turn heads but still feel timeless. We mix luxury with a touch of street glamour, combining sophistication and confidence in every look.

What’s your creative process like when styling celebrities for red-carpet events?

It starts with understanding the client their personality, the event, and the message they want to send. Then I brainstorm themes, fabrics, and silhouettes that bring that story to life. Every look must feel authentic to the person wearing it.

You’ve worked with big names like Makhadzi, Nunu Khumalo, and Cyan Boujee — how do you tailor each look to reflect their personality and brand?

Each artist has their own energy. Makhadzi loves drama and vibrancy, Nunu is more sophisticated and refined, and Cyan brings a bold, trend-setting edge. My goal is to capture their essence while keeping that signature Stars Lifestyle polish.

As both a designer and stylist, how do you balance creativity with practicality when creating garments for clients?

I always think about how the garment will move, fit, and photograph. It has to look stunning but also feel comfortable. The key is marrying artistic vision with real-life functionality — fashion should empower, not restrict.

Your boutique offers both custom designs and outfit rentals — how did the idea of introducing a hiring service come about?

I wanted fashion to be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford custom pieces. The rental service allows clients to experience high-end fashion for special occasions without breaking the bank.

Every year, you donate matric dance outfits to learners in need. What has the response been like from the young people you’ve helped?

It’s been incredibly heartwarming. Seeing the smiles and confidence on their faces reminds me why I started. Many of them say they feel like stars for the first time and that means everything to me.

Why was it important for you to give back in this specific way — through fashion and design?

Fashion changed my life, so it’s only right that l use it to uplift others. Every young person deserves to feel special on their big day, regardless of their circumstances. Giving back through design allows me to connect my craft with purpose.

How do you see Stars Lifestyle Boutique expanding its community initiatives in the future?

I want to grow our outreach by offering fashion workshops and mentorship programs for aspiring designers. The goal is to empower more young creatives with the skills and confidence to build their own brands.

You’ve come a long way from designing at home to styling red-carpet stars — what’s next for you and the brand?

The next step is expanding Stars Lifestyle internationally and launching a ready-to-wear line. I also want to collaborate with other African designers to showcase our talent on a global stage.

Finally, what advice would you give to young, aspiring stylists or designers who are trying to break into the fashion industry without formal training?

Start with what you have. Learn as you go, stay consistent, and never stop believing in your vision.
Passion, patience, and persistence will take you further than any qualification ever could.