Three letters. One text — “omw.”
And then, chaos ensues. But can the frenzied tidying up of your hallway or the fluffing up of your woven wool throw pillows on your overpriced sectional sofa truly be considered chaotic if it’s all in the name of connection?
For some, a last-minute text like that can spark panic; but for someone like style architect and new age cultural it-girl Sierra Rena, it’s those kinds of messages she looks forward to the most. Thumbing back a swift “can’t wait,” in response, Rena carefully prepares her home for the frenetic arrival of her closest friends — an eclectic mix of hometown faces and her NYC orbit. In a career as hectic and demanding as the SIV founder's, having time to wind down with your inner circle is not only wanted but needed.
“In this life, I’ve learned that I can’t do things without help,” the sartorial maximist says. “Having my community and their support gives me a lot of confidence. It’s reassuring, too, because it reminds me that I’m doing good — that I’m not just stuck with my own perception of myself.”
Cozied up in Rena’s conversation pit, the in-the-know crowd, dressed in each other’s IYKYK clothing brands or hard-to-get-but-worth-the-price pieces, trade secrets and share unhinged stories from the summer, sipping on Hennessy’s new Very Special Cocktails as the 24-year-old’s no-skips playlist sets the mood. It’s the foolproof recipe for restoring and recharging her energy, a must-have for riding out the highs and lows of her online whirlwind.
Making her close-knit community feel comfortable in her home is one of Rena’s love languages. Coupled with her attention to detail — which also bleeds effortlessly into her blossoming brand and career — the style savant has all the makings of a dream host and an intentional friend.
“I love making someone feel at home,” the stylist shares. “I want [my friends] to walk in here and be like ‘Wow, I don’t want to leave.’” Her instinctive thoughtfulness, perhaps a reflection of her zodiac sign, shows the lengths she’ll go to for her loved ones, but it’s not one-sided; she always gets what she gives in return.
After moving to NYC, the Maryland native had to rebuild the strong support system she cultivated back home. And like any new 20-something in the city, bright-eyed and ready to take it all in, she cycled through some friendships and weathered her fair share of trying, subtweet-worthy seasons. But after these transitional phases, she's finally found “real ones” who ground and guide her when “shit hits the fan.” “They’re my safe space,” Rena says. “I love being surrounded by genuine people, and honesty is huge to me. I don’t like yes men; that’s never going to benefit anybody.”
That mindset has helped her go far, because growing a social media following as large as Rena’s is one thing; translating that community IRL is another beast entirely. But having people in your corner who keep it real — while still keeping it cute — makes all the difference, even if you’re too stubborn to get with the program at first. “I listen a lot more and am more receptive to constructive criticism without taking it as a jab,” she confesses. “Before, I tried to figure out everything by myself, but now I really lean on my friends to tell me what I need to hear.”
With that level of openness and accountability, it’s no surprise why the Gen-Z tastemaker makes room for those reciprocal relationships in her off-hours. All the shared, sacred moments — including late-night dance parties fueled by sweet sips of Hennessy’s Very Special Cocktails — bring her back to center, curb burnout, and help her maintain a healthy balance between her personal and professional life. The cognac brand’s new selection of fruity ready-to-serve cocktails is the finishing touch for Rena to unwind and properly celebrate everything she’s built for herself. Choosing from a spread of flavors like Henny-Rita, Henny-Rita, and Henny Iced Tea, she and her crew let the pre-mixed drinks add to the laid-back atmosphere they cherish with just a quick pour over ice.
“I can get burnt out quickly sometimes, because even when I have a break, my brain is always on go,” Rena admits. “Finding activities that take me away from my tasks is really, really important.”
Whether she’s spending time alone or chilling with friends at her crib, she’s always making space for the things — and people — that bring her back to herself and keep burnout at bay.
And with her brand continuing to grow — kitschy campaigns and, of course, cool-girl-certified bags under its belt — Rena is making moves of her own, all worth celebrating with those closest to her. After all, they’re only a “wyd” text away.
Take notes from Sierra Rena and schedule your group chat’s next wind-down with Hennessy Very Special Cocktails available here.
