Bobbi Schwartz is a personal stylist. She shops for people and runs a successful business doing so. We asked her to write an article exclusively for Attire Club. In this article, she shares her thoughts on her job, the challenges she faced and what she would advise someone who wants to go into this business.
I am Bobbi Schwartz, a personal stylist who has held pretty much every position available in the fashion industry, worked for a number of the world’s top fashion houses and has a global clientele.
I have been out on my own as a personal stylist for over ten years and office in what is known as the Rodeo Drive of Texas.
When new potential clients call, we visit about what need they have for my services and then I ask about their lifestyles. One of the things that is important in the initial discussion is to determine whether or not they can afford my services. In sales this is called qualifying.
Clarity is key. It is critical that you are extremely clear regarding your charges and how you work. The last thing you want is an unhappy client who is surprised by the bill from your services.
This is a great time to tell you that if you are going to be out on your own as a stylist that you need two sets of skills.
- Your innate talent and taste that you bring to styling
- Your business skills
I cannot tell you how critical this is. You will be out of business before long if you are clueless and remain clueless on what business skills are needed. Since my background was education (I was a school teacher), I have no formal business training. Thus I have two business coaches with whom I consult when I need guidance. You will want to find someone with whom you can connect; who is willing to help you. I encourage you to find business and marketing classes you can take. They are fun and learning new and useful solutions is a “wow moment”. Enough said about this but please remember it is critical to your success…..really equal to your talent as they go hand in hand. If this is horrifying to you maybe you should consider staying in house for a fabulous retailer.
After our initial phone consult I begin in their closets as I believe this sets the foundation to both better understand their current style inclinations as well evaluate what they already have in their closets that we can use as I build their new wardrobes.
Once the closet has been completed we begin shopping. My clients prefer I shop without them. So, essentially the best of what is out there comes to them in their homes for the “try on” process. We try on and then we adjust. Some goodies are kept and others are either just returned or exchanged for other sizes. We work until the current agenda has been completed.
I have clients who use me constantly for whims, events, season’s dressing, travel, gift giving etc. And I have clients who use me only occasionally; for instance with beginning of the season, sales, a big trip, an important event etc.
Along with all this comes the aspect of service. Service is the key to all. It will be a major reason people stay with you so be sure to cross your t’s and dot your i’s in everything you do.
What do I recommend as the best path to becoming a personal stylist?
It is my firm belief is that in order for anyone but family and your best friend to pay you for your services (and I am not sure even they would pay you) you must have credibility.
And credibility equals experience. You must pay your dues. My personal recommendation is you head to Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus and get a sales position. The benefits of working with these particular companies is endless, providing you access to an extensive array of products, vendors and clients who will, if you serve them well, be potential clients when you are ready to go out on your own. Both of these companies offer growth paths but if your dream is to become a personal stylist you only want to be in sales. I cannot stress enough … you do must pay your dues. Here you will learn the details you need to know, make a lot of money (or you can if you are good), learn so much about product and make connections with clients that will be invaluable to you.
I often run into people who want to do what I do but do not want to work retail….hmmm. Don’t know what to say to that.
If personal styling is your passion every piece of what it takes to be successful will be a joy in learning and an incredible journey.
People often wonder if after all these years, I ever get tired of shopping? Are you kidding? I love every minute of it. And what do I love best? Watching the expression on a client’s face when they see how good they look from something I found for them. Watching that confidence build in someone is a rush!
Hope this helps. Go forth and prosper my friends!
Bobbi Schwartz
For more, go to Bobbi’s website, www.thebobbischwartzgroup.com/
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