Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Gafa.
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Fashion has always been woven into my life. My Grandfather worked for Condé Nast, both my father and brother are in the shoe industry and my mother always instilled in me that how you dress impacts how you feel and how you’re perceived—so style was really part of the conversation from an early age.
I began my career as a Writer and Editor, covering fashion and music editorials, and later transitioned into the Digital Agency and Tech world. Although, I’ve always felt pulled back to what I love most: Empowering people to look and feel their best through their personal style. To me, style is more than just clothes—it’s about your confidence, your mood, and the way you show up in the world.
I aim for my clients to love getting dressed each day. For me, getting dressed in the morning was the most creative part of my day for many years working in Tech from home. I may not have been going into an office, but what I put on for school drop off, virtual meetings and to sit in my home office, had a huge impact on how productive I was and how I felt throughout the day. I started a morning ritual of getting up a bit earlier before the kids, having my coffee, putting on some music and deciding who I wanted to be for the day. Determining what you wear each morning should feel creative and fun, not something that causes stress.
My goal is for my clients to feel the best version of themselves every day. To me, your style is part of your story—it’s how you how you walk into a room and express who you are. As your life evolves, so should your style and I know how powerful it can be to feel good in what you wear—especially when you’re juggling a million things.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been some bumps along the way, but that’s to be expected when going down a new path.
Like most people who take the leap into something new, I’ve had to navigate some uncertainty. Shifting from a career in Tech back into the Fashion world wasn’t necessarily linear. There have been moments of doubt, especially when starting a business from scratch while raising two young daughters. You don’t always know what you don’t know. But you have to take chances, slip up, and learn from mistakes. I’ve always viewed any challenges as an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone, learn and grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Personal Stylist, I work with a wide range of clients—from overwhelmed moms tired of a wardrobe that no longer fits their lifestyle, to busy Executives who don’t have time to shop, and men who want style guidance, but don’t know where to begin. I offer everything from closet edits and personal shopping to full wardrobe overhauls and photoshoot styling, and I always tailor my services to fit each client’s unique lifestyle and goals.
I focus on making the process approachable and fun, not intimidating. I meet my clients at their current phase of life, working with what they already own, and build from there. There’s no pressure to chase trends or buy a whole new wardrobe in every case. The aim is to curate a smart, thoughtful style that reflects both who my clients are and who they want to be.
What sets me apart is the unique lens I bring combining my background in writing, fashion and tech. To me, every wardrobe depicts the story of my client’s lives and the clothing is like the words included in each chapter. Sometimes you need a fresh pair of eyes to edit what still fits, what should be crossed out and what language should be added to make the book more interesting. Growing up between the East and West Coasts—I understand and appreciate the contrast of New York sophistication along with the more laid-back California style. I love blending unexpected finds with timeless staples—layering vintage treasures with clean classics, preppy with edgy, feminine with more masculine pieces. I also understand the role tech now plays in our world and use a personalized styling platform to make sharing closet items, shopping finds, and digital look books seamless.
It’s so rewarding when a client looks in the mirror and they light up or when they tell me they’ve received a compliment while walking down the street, during a board meeting or at school pickup—not because they’re wearing something flashy, but because they’re dressed uniquely as themselves and that reflects in how they’re carrying themselves. That shift in their mood and energy is what makes me love what I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m a firm believer in keeping yourself open to new opportunities and connections. Growing up, I was lucky to be immersed in a world where fashion, creativity, and storytelling became second nature, Although, I’ve also always been focused on personal and professional growth, being thoughtful in seizing new opportunities along the way.
I’ve learned that luck tends to show up when you’ve done the prep work and you trust your intuition, and it hasn’t always looked like lightning bolts or big breaks. Sometimes, it’s been disguised as detours. Stepping away from Fashion to work in Tech wasn’t on the roadmap, but it ended up being the right pivot to sharpen my strategic skills and gave me the tools I needed to build my own business. Becoming a Mom also reset everything—my perspective and my priorities changed and it reignited my confidence to do what I really love.
So yes, I’ve definitely had some lucky moments—but I’ve also followed my instincts, worked hard, and learned to turn pivots into opportunities for growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brunellestyle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunellestyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568610779598
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gafa-8086313/
Image Credits
Nicole Smith
https://nicolesmithphoto.com/
