I am a Personal Style Consultant and Fashion Blogger/Writer who loves to help others create their own personal style in this fast paced world of fashion and work it into their daily lives. After gaining a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandise Management and Business Administration from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, WI. I went on to become a Stylist/Style Director at the #1 women’s boutique in Milwaukee, Fred Boutique working in the retail world for 7 years. Now living in the city of Chicago, I have been dedicated to helping my clients (Men, Women, Kids, Tall, Petite, and Plus Size) find their own personal style through advice, Styling Sessions, Closet Clean-outs, Consignment, Look Books, and Speaking Engagements throughout Chicagoland, Southeastern Wisconsin, Southwestern Michigan, and NYC for over 9 years. I also worked as the former Wardrobe Stylist for The Whitney Reynolds Show in Chicago and previously a Contributing Writer/Style Editor for Chicago Woman Magazine.
What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture or to make significant changes in an existing business?
I had known that I didn’t want to always work “for” someone because I had so many ideas and wanted the freedom to grow. Once I graduated college I had the confidence and experience in my field to go out and try and make something of my own!
How did the idea for your business come about?
I wanted to have my own business coming from an entrepreneurial family and I knew it had to be in the realm of fashion! Originally I had wanted to open my own boutique and do personal styling in-store as well, but I found that I love to be “on the go” and the bustle of being out and about so starting KS Style Consulting was the best of both worlds.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
I think the biggest hurdle I had to overcome was starting a small business and hoping for success in 2010 (during the recession). I had to get creative with marketing, attend local events to network, and really hustle to get my name and business name out there any way I could.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
I am influenced by my clients the most. Every time I work with a client and have made them feel special and give them an experience that was helpful and positive it influences me to keep doing what I am doing knowing that I am on the right track.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
That there will be high highs and low lows. Being an entrepreneur isn’t for the weak or impatient because it takes a lot of extra work to keep the momentum going. Sometimes even when you think you are doing all you can to grow it can be slow, but good business karma will always keep your business moving in a successful direction.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Success happens over time and you work many many hours that you aren’t paid for. It will be harder than you know to achieve the success that you are wanting to obtain, but worth every second of the ups and the downs to get to that point. And when you do get there, set new goals!
