Yolanda Scott: Styling the Future of Culture through YS Studios

by WavySasso

Yolanda Scott

In the ever-evolving South African creative scene, there are a few names bubbling under the surface, quietly but powerfully shaping the future of style and culture. One of them is Yolanda Scott; a culture curator, stylist, and creative director whose work through YS Studios is proving that fashion isn’t just about clothes, but about storytelling, identity, and legacy.

From turning childhood sketches into bold visions to collaborating with global powerhouses like Nike and S.W.A.N.K. Scott has carved out her lane as a creative force unafraid to push boundaries. With YS Studios, she’s building more than a brand — she’s creating a hub where styling, creative direction, and talent management intersect, amplifying voices and visuals that resonate beyond the surface.

I had the chance to chop it with Yolanda about her journey , from her first sparks of inspiration, to navigating high-pressure projects, to her vision for the future. What follows is a conversation with a young visionary whose work is as intentional as it is ground-breaking.

Take us back to the beginning — when did you first realize you wanted to work in fashion, style, and creative direction?

When my sister and I were younger, we used to turn the books my dad bought us into little houses and actually “live” inside them. Later, we’d grab magazines, flip to the last pages where the credits and phone numbers were listed, and pretend we were running our own fashion house — calling in outfit orders and designing them ourselves.

We even kept a file filled with garment sketches, complete with price tags. I also loved taking my old clothes and recreating outfits for my Bratz dolls. Looking back, I think that was the moment I realized I wanted to work in fashion — to create things that don’t exist yet. It gave me a deep sense of fulfilment.

Before YS Studios, what did your journey in the creative space look like?

I used to curate events under CMCS Events — the real ones know the energy of a ThugOut event. I also served as the Marketing and Public Relations Officer at North West University during my time at varsity.

What shaped your early eye for style?

Definitely my dad! That guy could spend an hour in front of the mirror, figuring out the perfect outfit. He always wore quality pieces and made sure we had quality clothes too. And my mom? She was the cherry on top — her style is elegant, sophisticated, and effortlessly simple.

“Fashion is a language everyone speaks. It’s opened doors I never imagined, and it’s shaping culture every single day.”

YS Studios blends styling, creative direction, and talent management. How did you decide to merge those worlds under one umbrella?

Those worlds are truly what make me who I am. At first, I thought I’d make an Instagram page for my fashion styling portfolio, but that didn’t feel right — I’m more than just a stylist, and I wanted a space to document all of my work. That’s when it made sense to call it YS Studios — short for Yolanda Scott Studios.

These worlds overlap because everything we do is done in style, which is why our slogan is “curating memories in style.” On the talent management side, we focus on brand management, helping communicate each talent’s unique brand to their audience, always with a touch of style.

What’s the mission behind YS Studios, beyond just visuals?

My mission has always been to give people a platform to express themselves, bring their dreams to life, and help them take one step closer to their goals. It’s never been about me — it’s about the people. Everyone who collaborates or works with YS Studios will feel like a part of their dreams has been realized, even if just by 1% or more.

What makes your work distinctly “Yolanda Scott”?

Exactly that! It’s distinctly Yolanda Scott. Everything I do is intentional, with a bigger picture behind it, and eventually, people will catch on. I put my blood and sweat into every project because it matters that much to me, and the audience can feel it from their screens — it’s an energy, an aura I can’t explain. At the same time, I keep things simple. I’m not one to overdo anything.

Walk us through your process — from concept to final product.

I thrive on concept development — it’s where the magic begins. I start by creating a moodboard treatment on Canva, mapping out the vision. Then I bring the team in, brief them, and align on the plan. Once we lock in a date, it’s full execution mode. Every project is about turning an idea into a cohesive, powerful visual experience — intentional from start to finish.

“Everything I do is intentional. It’s an energy you can feel from your screen — distinctly Yolanda Scott.”

How do you balance trend awareness with creating something timeless?

I always say inspiration is everywhere, and trends come and go. To balance that with timelessness, I start by researching what’s current — the colors, styles, or visuals that are trending — but then I filter everything through my own taste and vision.

I ask myself: Does this feel authentic to me? Will it still feel relevant in a year or two? By sticking to my instincts and only incorporating trends that align with my aesthetic, I create work that’s both fresh and enduring.

You’ve worked on big projects with brands like Nike alongside names like Renaé Mangena and Nhlanhla Buys. How do you keep your creative integrity intact while meeting their vision?

I make it a priority to deeply understand their vision first. I listen, research, and immerse myself in what they want to achieve. From there, I find ways to inject my own style and perspective in a way that complements the brand, rather than competing with it.

It’s about creating a balance — honoring the brand’s objectives while ensuring the visuals reflect intentionality, quality, and my creative integrity. Collaboration is key, and I treat every project as a conversation between their vision and my signature style.

How do you calm your nerves when working with big icons like Mateki2shoes?

All I do is match their energy, and that works really well for me. It helps me see the person behind the brand or title and reminds me there’s no reason to be nervous at all.

“Network. DM. Email. Just start. Be intentional from day one — that’s how you build a legacy.”

In your eyes, what role does fashion play in shaping culture right now?

Fashion plays a huge role! It’s a language everyone speaks, across every industry. For me personally, it’s opened doors I never imagined — getting to sit at tables with people I grew up seeing on TV, and making so many of my dreams come true.

So you can only imagine the impact it’s having on others and on the culture as a whole. That same energy ripples out, influencing others and shaping the culture at large.

Looking at South Africa’s creative scene — where do you see it heading in the next five years?

Right now, creatives are cracking the code. I truly believe we’ve figured it out — collaboration is incredibly powerful in the creative scene.

I love that competition is no longer the focus. Instead, we’re bringing our unique creative minds together to build projects we’re all passionate about. The creative space is on the verge of something huge!

Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment that perfectly captured the YS Studios energy?

We were shooting an 8-ball 🎱 concept and wanted a smoky effect in the background. Nothing was planned, but Junior, our head of photography, pulled out his vape and handed it to me — and even though I don’t vape, I immediately knew what I was supposed to do!

That’s the kind of sacrifices we make to bring a vision to life. It perfectly captures our energy at YS Studios: aligned, passionate, and always knowing what’s needed to make the magic happen.

What’s one look you’ve styled that will always stay with you?

The project actually hasn’t dropped yet, so I can’t say too much — but I pieced together a look for a former Miss South Africa, and I still can’t believe she loved it!

She even told me, “Thank you for not putting me in a ball gown — this has to be my favourite shoot.” Y’all better keep an eye out; it’s dropping soon!

“It’s never been about me — it’s about giving people platforms to express themselves and realize their dreams.”

If YS Studios were a mood board in three words…

Underdog. Groundbreaking. Dynamic.

What advice would you give to the next generation of creatives?

Please reach out and network! Honestly, 90% of my accomplishments come from sending a DM, shooting an email offering my help, or telling people what I do at events.

Another thing, which might sound cliché: just start. If you don’t, you won’t have a portfolio to show your capabilities.

Lastly, be intentional from the very beginning: before you go somewhere, ask yourself why you’re going and if it truly adds value to your life. If not, maybe it’s better to stay home and work on that email or project instead.

Looking ahead — what are your future goals for YS Studios and for yourself?

I see myself establishing a physical YS Studios headquarters — a hub that offers creatives everything from show production and photoshoots to styling and internships, all under one roof.

One of my personal goals is to be featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, and I’m hopeful that the work I put in over the years will earn that recognition.

Most importantly, I see myself impacting and touching many lives, because at the core of it all, I just want to serve God and His people with the gifts He’s placed in my heart.