Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmin Machell.
Hi Jasmin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I like to think that in a way, I’ve always been a stylist. When I was in middle school, my mom and I would plan out my first month of outfits and take polaroid pictures of each look. I remember all my friends loved getting dressed at my house because they could raid my closet. And I discovered my true love for thrifting and vintage clothing when I was in college and many of the pieces in my personal collection today I obtained in those years.
When I discovered wardrobe styling as a career, I was around 21, fresh out of college and had no idea what to do with it but was completely fascinated. I connected with a local stylist Mattine, Owner of @tameyourstyle, and she allowed me to shadow her and assist with her upcoming fashion show. This access gave me so much insight on what it takes to be a wardrobe stylist and how creative you can be.
This experience catapulted my journey as a stylist and I went on to assist designers in NYFW 18 & 19 while running a branding agency, J. Machell, where we developed ‘purposefully stitched’ brands in the beauty, fashion, health & wellness industries.
Things slowed down a bit for J. Machell in the summer of 2019 and I was kind of lost on what to do with my career. I pivoted back towards styling fully and launched Tailored Looks. Part of the reason I named the brand ‘Tailored Looks’ was because I wanted to be able to customize a look to be however I wanted. I wanted no limits to my creativity. So, I learned to sew. I met my mentor and friend, Jasmine Corral @_sewjasmine, and she committed to helping me learn.
All the experiences of my journey have brought me to where I am today. It is a full-circle moment when I think back and it all makes sense. I style and upcycle new, used and vintage garments for those who know where they are going just not what they’re wearing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. I struggled a lot with comparing myself to others and sometimes not feeling like I measured up. I still struggle with this but I’ve grown a lot. I now look to others who are “ahead of me” as inspiration and fuel because I know I’m headed there too.
I look at others’ success as a confirmation that my success is just around the corner.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a stylist first and a tailor/seamstress directly after. My motto is tell me where you’re going and I’ll tell you what you’re wearing. I create looks with new, used and vintage clothing. I also upcycle garments to create one of a kind pieces that are available on my online store.
I am most proud of styling projects that tell a story. I am collaborative, I love working with clients who come to me with ideas that we can develop further.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned to be present and enjoy the moment because now is all that matters. I really don’t have much control on what life throws at me but I can control how I respond to it. By learning to stay in the moment, it’s a bit easier to enjoy the little things and you don’t get shaken up as easy when things get a bit rough.
I also learned the relationships in my life are far more valuable than any material things. People need people.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@tailoredlks.com
- Website: tailoredlks.com
- Instagram: tailoredlks
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tailoredlks
Image Credits
Kendall Telep Marco Perretta
