Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kim Rodriguez.
Hi Kim, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I always loved fashion; in fact, my first job during high school summers was working for a women’s apparel store. I knew I needed to be in NY if I was going to be serious about building a career in the business, so I went to The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and, after graduation, spent 17 years there working in the fashion industry.
I worked for fashion photographers, Bloomingdales, Calvin Klein, and menswear company Wilke-Rodriguez. Although I had different job titles, my career was built around Visual Merchandising and Direction. I would tell stories of the brand’s vision through visuals, how clients can wear the clothing, why they should wear it, and how it will make them feel if they do.
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?
I think NYC is the best testing ground for any young person. My daughter is there now, starting her fashion career. It is never “easy” living in NY, but to me just being a very small part of the most exciting city in the world was the best teacher. When my family and I decided to move to Miami, that was a huge change for all of us.
Back then, Miami was still becoming a metropolitan city, so fashion brands weren’t as available here unless you went to Neiman Marcus or Saks, and the selections were edited for the Miami customer. Now it’s a different story, the world is here. But there were some growing pains because of that starting my own business. Trying to reach women with the message of incredible power and freedom in curating your wardrobe and personal style.
It is not something many people know how to do nor have the time to do, but because it is my expertise I wanted to build a business focusing on this. It took many years to truly have a successful business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I help busy women elevate both their professional and personal styles, giving them confidence through dressing. This is a process that includes closet edits, shopping, and, of course, styling. You can’t just buy a new wardrobe and understand how to style outfits.
It really doesn’t work that way. I help women understand their natural body shapes and proportions and how to best dress for them. In fact I have a masterclass offered on the subject. I help them shop their closets first and learn how to build an outfit, not just throw something comfortable on. I explain how pieces should fit and why, and help tailor their pieces, what shoes work best with each outfit, seasonal trends to buy or not to buy, clothes to resell, etc… A lot happens in our time together.
Once the closet is complete, we can then move on to shopping if needed. I always have a list of what she needs and also what she would like based on her personal style, so shopping is always intentional. We can shop together, but many prefer me to bring the pieces to them so that we can style them with their current wardrobe.
Since Covid, all of my services have been offered online as well. It has opened up my reach to women all over the country. I even have a few international clients. We work on Zoom, and I send them digital shopping boards to shop from directly, or I just ship their products to their home. As a stylist, I use stylist platforms that help me accommodate my clients more efficiently, and I have access to more brands because of this.
I’m most proud of my relationships with my clients. I have women I’ve been working with since I first started my company almost 14 years ago. Yes, they are my clients, and they pay me, but they are also my friends and a huge part of my life. I cherish their trust in me.
It’s a very personal relationship being in someone’s home, especially their bedroom and closet, and changing clothes. It is not lost on me how challenging it can be for some women to wrap their heads around, but when they do, we really can create magic!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think there will be more stylists in the mix as so many want to do their own thing these days, and they have many platforms on which to do it.
I also think there will be more applications for women to use for much less money but without the personal interaction. To me, when it comes to your personal style, your confidence, your self-esteem, and confidentiality, the human, in-person connection of a personal stylist will never be replaced.
I also think stores will continue to create better experiences for their customers. As the customers age and become more savvy and sophisticated with all that is available to them, they won’t really want to settle for less.
Contact Info:
- Website: krpersonalstyle.com
- Instagram: @krpersonalstyle
Image Credits
@purezealphotography
