Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Sibala.
Hi Brooke, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Greetings, I’m Brooke Sibala, a 19-year-old fashion enthusiast proudly hailing from the vibrant city of San Diego. As a dedicated fashion designer and stylist, my journey into the world of style was ignited during my childhood through captivating shows like Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model. My early introduction to the art of sewing by my grandmother set the stage for a lifelong passion for creating.
Beyond my love for fashion, I discovered a love for business early on, initiating my entrepreneurial journey by selling my creations to friends and family. Venturing into online reselling in 2016 became a significant chapter in my life, shaping my skills throughout middle and high school. Although my focus shifted, my dedication to fashion persisted, evolving into in-person reselling at pop-up markets such as Lucky Stars, Mercado Del Ocho, Kobey’s, and the inception of my very own market, “Barrio Market.”
Collaborations with prominent brands like Hollister and Disney marked pivotal moments in my career. As a junior in high school, I proudly served as a Hollister Brand Agent, organizing events, hosting giveaways, and spreading the brands love at my school. During my year as an agent, I was also able to design and create a piece with Hollister and showcased it in New York. This experience not only enriched my knowledge of behind-the-scenes operations in the clothing industry but also provided a supportive community that believed in my vision.
My involvement in the 2023 Disney Dreamer class during my senior year further enriched my journey. Selected among 100 students nationwide, I had the privilege of working with industry luminaries such as Jerome Lamaar and Misa Hylton, gaining valuable insights into styling and the fashion world. I was able to assist them in styling my fellow dreamers. These transformative experiences left an indelible mark on my perspective and fueled my inspiration.
Currently, I’m wrapping up my first year in college as a fashion design major, undertaking freelance and commissioned projects for various brands. Collaborations with fellow creatives, whether in modeling or styling shoots, have become a fulfilling aspect of my present endeavors. Additionally, I’m diligently working on materializing my dream – the launch of my own clothing brand within the next year or two. The journey so far has been incredible, and I am eager to see where the path of creativity leads me next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has truly been a transformative journey to reach where I am today. Overcoming the challenges of struggling with my confidence and social anxiety has been a significant part of my growth. Initially, I was apprehensive about interacting with others and putting myself in social situations. The fear of judgment and rejection was daunting. Recognizing the importance of networking and social skills in the fashion industry, I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone.
Confronting my fears, I attended events and functions alone, even during high school, such as LA Fashion Week. These experiences compelled me to initiate conversations, make new friends, and confront my anxieties head-on. Admittedly, there were moments of embarrassment and awkwardness that felt overwhelming at the time, but the eventual payoff was undeniable.
Another challenge I confronted was a struggle with self-confidence. Constantly comparing my style and appearance to others, I felt pressured to conform to certain fashion norms. This led to a period where I didn’t feel authentic or satisfied with my choices. I realized that true confidence stemmed from embracing my unique style and expressing myself authentically.
In the process, I learned to trust my instincts, allowing my personal vision to guide my fashion choices. Liberating myself from the expectations of others, I began dressing in a way that resonated with my true self. This shift not only made me happier but also significantly boosted my self-confidence. While I may still feel a bit nervous in new social settings, I can now approach people with genuine confidence, knowing that I am true to myself and my style.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently thrive as a stylist and fashion designer, embarking on a journey that started with curating looks for myself and friends, ranging from photoshoots and events to everyday outfits. This initial experience propelled me into the dynamic realms of San Diego and Los Angeles, collaborating with models and photographers on various shoots and diverse projects.
The power of social media has been instrumental in my styling career, with numerous opportunities arising from individuals reaching out or posting calls for stylists. My versatility shines through in the diverse range of themed shoots I’ve undertaken, spanning from goth/grunge aesthetics to vibrant gym sessions. Much of my inspiration is drawn from my vintage business, constantly sourcing unique pieces that serve as the foundation for myriad styling possibilities.
In addition to styling, I specialize in crafting custom pieces, spanning clothing and jewelry. My creative skills extend to sewing, embroidery, polymer clay work, jewelry making, bedazzling, beading, and more. When a vision captivates me, I possess the expertise to bring it to life through various artistic mediums.
In the realm of fashion design, I’ve been actively engaged in freelance and commissioned projects. Currently, I am privileged to serve as a designer for the emerging brand ‘Pretty Mindset,’ collaborating closely with the owner to introduce fresh and distinctive pieces to the collection. Another exciting project on my plate involves designing and creating bespoke fight day boxing shorts for professional boxers. Combining my passion for the sport with my flair for style, I aim to infuse a new level of aesthetics into the world of boxing.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, I define success as so many different things. It involves not only the realization of personal goals and aspirations but also the profound impact one can have on others in a positive way. Given my passion for clothes and fashion, success, for me, lies in the ability to inspire and influence individuals through my work. I aspire to empower others to feel the same confidence and joy in their clothing choices as I do in mine.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/stylingbrookie
- Other: tiktok.com/@stylingbrookie
