As a firm believer of "Follow Your Dreams", I find inspiration in other people who have pursued their dreams and are doing things that they love. I recently interviewed Dawn Del Russo, a fashion stylist and owner of Bella Dawn Boutique, who went with her own dream of opening up a fashion boutique. Dawn has been featured in In Style, Redbook, Real Simple, and Elle Girl as an expert in helping women look fashionable, of course!
TRS: What advice would you give to someone who aspires to become a stylist?
DDR: The Best advice I could give to becoming a stylist is to get out there, know your client, and love it! When I talk about getting out there I mean networking with people like photographers, modeling agencies, designers, magazines, basically anyone that can get you your next big job. Once you have that it is oh so important to know the client you are working for, you don’t want to be dressing a conservative women in a funky trendy pair of skinny jeans and over the knee boots! Most importantly, you must love what you do, I don’t ever wake up wishing I didn’t have to go to work, I adore it, I can’t wait for my next adventure in fashion!
TRS: What has the journey been like for you in creating a successful fashion business?
The Journey so far has been very tedious, and perhaps if I might have known this in the beginning I would have been afraid to jump in like I did. I have had to make adjustments to my original business plan, I altered some of the merchandise I sell to my target audience, and moved from using my advertising budget for marketing Bella Dawn and myself to using Public Relations. Each change or adjustment has been a positive one that has increased the overall sales of the business and exposure.
TRS: What is the most common concern or issue that you get from clients in terms of being stylish?
DDR: Most of my clients want to know the easiest way to update their wardrobe without spending a fortune. I have a few quick and simple tips:
1. Choose clothes that flatter you: they should fit well; this means possibly having them tailored to your shape.
2. Work with pieces you like, you have to love what you are wearing.
3. Add a couple of trendy accessories.
4. A fabulous pair of shoes will always update your wardrobe.
5. Finally purchase a perfectly fitting pair of denim – however they may have to be tailored to perfection.
TRS: What's the biggest challenge you face in your business and what are you doing to overcome it?
DDR: The biggest challenge is balancing everything. It is so important to know the ins and outs of running a business, because not knowing is the fastest way to run yourself into the ground. I always felt like I knew about fashion and trends and could do it with my eyes closed. Knowing the details of finance and merchandising is a very important part of running a successful retail business. I began my business with a degree in business management, but looking back over the years I have learned so much, I would tell anyone to get as much experience by working in the industry. This way you can learn from someone else’s mistakes without necessarily having to make them on your own.
TRS: How did you find products to stock in your boutique?
DDR: I find products many different ways, I go to designer showrooms, trade shows, and many times they contact me. My favorite way is finding up-and-coming designers searching on the web. I have found so many of my designers this way. It is not very conventional and not always the easiest way, but I tend to find unique products by doing this.
TRS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to open up their own shop?
DDR: Do your research! It is so important to know your business, whatever it is that you want to do, be ready for the challenges. Starting your own business can make you become very independent and dependant on yourself since it is up to you to make it successful. You end up relying on only yourself and all things good or bad fall on your shoulders. If you are a strong willed individual with perseverance you can create a thriving business for yourself, one that you can look back on and be proud of. Lastly, I think it is very important to have a mentor, someone who knows business and can help guide you in the right direction when you might be at a loss. They can help you stay focused on your dream.
As I browsed through the Bella Dawn website, my eyes immediately focused on this fun and sparkly Swarovski crystal hair clip. This would be nice to wear for those holiday gatherings! Find this and other items by visiting: www.belladawn.com
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