Personal stylists Stephanie and Saundra have built their business by helping others look and feel their best. Each TAILORED by SS client receives a personalized wardrobe upgrade that’s designed to fit their individual style and budget. From finding each client’s perfect fit to cataloging their wardrobes into look-books, these ladies know how to take all the hassle out of shopping to leave their clients with a fun, empowering experience – and of course, gorgeous new clothes!
We’ve gotten to know Stephanie and Saundra through our business-boosting Key Pointes program. They’ve been amazing to work with, and for our lovely readers, they’ve agreed to spill their best advice for entrepreneurs and aspiring stylists, fashion tips, a STYLING GIVEAWAY, and more:
Do you have any childhood memories of loving fashion from an early age?
Stephanie: When I was around six years old, a bridal show came to town, and my mom, younger sister, and I were chosen to model in the fashion show. We all wore floral dresses and little bonnets. I remember how excited I was. I got to get my hair curled and put on a touch of makeup for the first time. My favorite part was when I got to the end of the runway and I had to stop and twirl around in my dress. I felt so pretty and loved showing off my outfit for all of those people.
Saundra: I actually wanted to be a fashion designer when I was a little girl. I had a list of my top three careers and they included a fashion designer, a whale trainer, and a singer. I would carry a notebook with me (I’m terrible at drawing, by the way) and I would sketch the same dress every single time. But I loved it!
What makes the two of you a great team?
Stephanie: Not only have we become great friends, but we’ve worked together before. Saundra was the store manager at ALDO in Robinson and I was her assistant manager. We built such a great working relationship and a great friendship at the same time.
Who are your fashion icon/s?
Stephanie: I love Kourtney Kardashian, not only for her style but because out of all of her sisters she, to me, is the most into business. I also like Lauren Conrad. I feel like these two represent my personal style – Kourtney is trendy and Lauren has a girly side.
Saundra: I hate fashion icons. I don’t like to look at other people for fashion. I like to draw inspiration from people on the street and when I travel. I might like an outfit a celebrity is wearing, but I always try to make it my own.
Are there any famous stylists you admire?
We both admire Rachel Zoe. We like that she focuses on building her brand before moving on to any other part of her life. She still seems relaxed and down to earth even though she does love her high-end designers.
Has anything surprised you about the process of launching TAILORED?
The amount of interest we have received so early has really surprised us. Pittsburgh, although we would like it to be, isn’t known for it’s fashion…yet.
The most nerve-wracking part was, are people going to want a personal stylist? When you think of stylist the first thing that comes to your head is probably celebrities. You don’t hear of “regular” people having their own stylists. But the truth is, a lot of people need one. Unless you’re really interested in fashion, it’s hard to put outfits together, dress for your body type, and know what’s on trend this season.
What we’ve discovered is that everyone is so incredibly busy with jobs and kids that shopping has become a chore. We want to bring the fun out of it and do all of the hard work for you so that all you have to do is try on well-fitting, stylish clothes that make you look, and more importantly feel, amazing. When you feel good about yourself and your appearance, you have more confidence to take on the everyday tasks in your life.
What inspires you to work hard?
We have so many dreams and goals yet to be launched within our business that we want to create awareness about us now so that we can bring our clients with us on our fashion journey.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of our job is making our clients happy. We love seeing the look on their face when they try their new clothes on and tell us that they feel amazing. It’s also rewarding to get asked to speak for a few non-profit organizations. We get to help people realize that they can achieve their dreams no matter what!
What advice would you give to aspiring stylists?
Stephanie: However you can get experience in fashion, do it, whether its volunteer work or a job. You will be so much more knowledgeable in your career.
Saundra: Don’t second guess yourself, and listen to your clients.
What advice would you give to aspiring business owners?
It’s really hard work but it’s incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing like waking up in the morning and knowing you have control over your schedule. Make sure you love what you do because you’re the only one pushing yourself to work.
What are your short-term and long-term goals for TAILORED?
Our short term goal is to build our business and fulfill our clientele base. Our long term goals are to be kept a secret. We have exciting things coming in the future!
What trends are you excited about?
PLAID! We are loving this fall print and think it pairs great with just about anything. We also love the blanket outerwear that is coming out. It’s so cozy!
Is there anything special going on at TAILORED by SS this season?
We are having a back to school promo for senior portraits. A $10 student discount will be taken off of our special event service. We can help seniors choose outfits to wear for their senior pictures, whether that would be pulling things from their own closets or taking them shopping.
We would also like to offer a special discount off of any subscription for anyone who mentions this blog feature when signing up!
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Whether you need help dressing for your body type, decoding the hottest trends, or just finding a spare second to shop for new clothes, Stephanie and Saundra have got you covered. Just when you though it couldn’t get any better, check out our TAILORED by SS giveaway! Enter below for your chance to win a free closet consultation! This includes giving organization tips, going through what you own and donating unwanted items, information on staple pieces you should add to your wardrobe, making outfits out of the clothes you already own, and a free look book of your closet as a reference to better help you get dressed in the morning. Giveaway will run from 9/10/2014 to 9/18/2014. Winner will be announced via Instagram on 9/18/2014, so be sure to follow @relevebyallyn! Once posted, you have 48 hours to contact us via email and claim your reward. Another winner will be selected if claim is not made within 48 hours. Participates must be located within Pittsburgh or it’s surrounding areas for valid entry.
TAILORED Closet Consultation Giveaway
For more style inspiration, follow TAILORED by SS on Twitter and Facebook. Good luck to all giveaway contestants, and happy shopping!
