Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Smith.
Hi Jen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been artistic. And fashion is, at its core, a form of art and self-expression. I started out working for several clothing lines, and I also designed jewelry. At 22 and on the verge of attending the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, I decided instead to go into beauty to become a makeup artist and aesthetician. I became a successful entrepreneur and business owner with my salon. As my bank account expanded, so did my closet. My style was evolving, and I realized how much time I spent shopping and curating my wardrobe.
I love acquiring limited edition sneakers and pieces from designer collections that are hard to find. I love the hunt. I always want to have what I need to express my mood or have the right look for an event. My closet is my box of crayons, so I always need my crayon box to be fully stocked. I intuitively understand draping and how clothes should fit and feel. I have never been attracted to fast fashion or cheaply made clothes, preferring finer fabrics and detail in the design. I love discovering brands that have a quality ethos and vibe to them. So, it was an organic pivot for me when I began working as a personal stylist. I do it because I love it. It’s really that simple. I love every aspect of it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Knowing the character and lifestyle of your client and building them a wardrobe around that is key. I think a lot of the challenge for me is about not always infusing my own personal style onto my clients. Really getting to know people and what they like and then kind of running with that has been fun and challenging at times. I am often having to branch out of my own comfort zone and away from key brands and labels I trust to accommodate the needs of my clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do everything from creative collaborations with photographers, designers, and art directors to personal wardrobe overhauls. I specialize in decluttering my client’s existing wardrobe, editing it down to minimal pieces that are current and classic. From there, I shop for new clothes to add, the goal being to build a solid wardrobe with pieces from quality brands and designers that are chic and timeless. Finally, I create a personalized digital lookbook using my clients new and existing clothes to lend ideas on how they can style outfits moving forward.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice would be to find those you admire that are working in the field you want to be in. Contact them, ask them if you can intern.. work for free if you have to. Learn everything you can! If you love something you won’t mind doing it for free while you gain experience. Have another job that makes you money while you build a career doing what you love. Be bold! The world is going to give you what you expect.. so expect great things. Work hard, be a good person, and always follow your heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jensmithstylist.com
- Instagram: @jensmithstylist
