In Conversation with Jamie Lewis of Styled By Jamie Lewis

Describe Styled By Jamie Lewis in a few words?

Personal styling services for women wanting guidance on defining and fine tuning their personal style.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

COVID made me re-evaluate where I wanted my career to go and a desire to independently build something .

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

10+ years in luxury retail with various roles surrounding visual merchandise and wardrobe styling.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Truthfully, I’m not sure I ever saw myself as an entrepreneur in a real sink or swim situation but now I would never have it any other way. To be able to earn an income that you have created through a vision really is an accomplishment. 

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

My business is still so new, only six months in and my strategy was small by design. Keep costs as low as possible and grow off the clientele that I had spent years building in my previous role. My industry really is a referral based industry; it has somewhat gone as planned although I have also learned to continue to pivot and think larger.

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

I naively assumed when first telling clients of my new venture that because they were loyal to me in one setting it would translate to them wanting to continue my services in another setting. I learned fast I had better have my elevator pitch ready and be able to clearly explain all of my services instantly to anyone with confidence.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Taking the leap to start this business during the height of a pandemic. I had a vision of what I wanted to do and followed my gut to go for it.

How has your business or industry been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

COVID has created a need for the personal styling industry to pivot their services into a virtual setting. A year or two ago, the thought of doing a closet edit or shopping experience virtually really was not on the radar and now there are multiple platforms to help guide these services and really grow with them to a larger audience.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

I see personal styling as an attainable service for all ambitious women wanting guidance in elevating their wardrobe. I see growth in unique services offered in the virtual world at entry level price points from my membership club, to shopping links direct to your inbox. All women can have a touch of personal styling and really use the services as a resource for themselves.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

To embrace some of the curve balls thrown at us, it’s only going to make us push harder and question our values and where we want to be.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

Have people in your corner you can learn from and keep educating yourself. Honestly, a year ago I never really understood the importance of having a mentor and/ or business coach and now I have surrounded myself with a handful of women that I can bounce ideas off of and seek guidance from. Having a small network of like minded individuals that you can consistently learn from is so crucial for your growth both professionally and personally.

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

I’ve been inside a New York apartment with a 2.5 year old. Learning the patience of being attached to him while growing my business has without a doubt kept me grounded.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

Yes, that was one of my biggest lessons this year! COVID showed me that it’s okay to slow down and appreciate little moments.  You do not need to check your social platforms, emails, etc while you are still in bed and it is okay to decompress and have time for yourself.

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I am an extreme introvert and very socially awkward. I love styling and wearing an outfit that makes me feel great but it does not come naturally to me to introduce myself to new people and I really need to force myself daily to go outside of my comfort zone.

What are your top 3 tips to stay productive each day?

Time blocking schedule/ step away and take a walk/ declutter your surrounding.

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

Sky's the limit and we’ve taken a risk in our financial futures because we truly believe in our message and what we are trying to do.