Today we’d like to introduce you to Valencia Holland.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a thing for fashion and style. Before I started my brand, I worked in healthcare and didn’t have a lot of control over what I wore but would find ways to express myself. Outside of work when people would see me, they always complimented me on the way that I dressed. I quickly became the go-to-girl to my friends and family when it came to advising what to wear. I remember watching a show on VH1 and one of the ladies mentioned that she was a Stylist. Curious to what type of Stylist she was, I googled her and learned that she did what I was doing for my family and friends but on a professional level. Before that, I never knew it was an actual profession. I keep doing my research and discovered The School of Style which is a Fashion school for Stylist based out of LA. They had a pop of class coming to NYC that coming Fall. So, I saved my money and attended. I was able to learn the business side of things and hit the ground running. I worked as an intern in NYC for almost two years and then started to get my gigs as a Key Stylist. I grew tired of running back and forth to NYC (I’m originally from CT, born and raised). So, I decided to focus on Personal styling. I’ve been running my styling firm ever since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but it’s been worth it. I can think back to my intern days and thought everything was going to be glamorous. Being in the business of fashion, beauty, and image can be tough. I remember catching subways from showroom to showroom, dragging suitcases for blocks to catch a subway, doing things that I never imagined. I got a million No’s before I got the one yes. And when you become the boss of your own company, it doesn’t get easier. You’re now responsible for so much more. My advice to women, no matter what you’re looking to do would be, don’t be afraid to start from the bottom and work your way up. Just because you are passionate about something doesn’t mean you know everything. There is a business side to everything and today, there’s so many more resource available so take advantage. Become a sponge and soak everything up. Never stop learning and growing. When I started, social media wasn’t anything like it is now. I would also say don’t give up, no matter how hard it seems. Keep pushing! You have to make sacrifices, stay consistent, persistent, humble, and prayed up. There will be times when you feel like things aren’t happening as fast as you want or how you want, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get there. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Invest in yourself and your brand/business. Be it reading books, taking a class, etc. The last thing is to always believe in yourself, you have to be your biggest fan. Some people won’t understand what or why you’re starting on the journey but that’s okay. Make sure you’re doing something you love so that on the days it seems hard, you won’t give up…
Tell us about your business. What do you do, what do you specialize in?
I’m a Personal Stylist. I specialize in personal styling services for women. These services include makeovers, closet organization, personal shopping and more. I’m known for helping women learn and love to dress the body their in. In today’s world, everyone is looking to have a perfect body instead of embracing the one they have. Clothes are powerful they can alter the body naturally and make you feel sexy, confident, and beautiful, once you know and understand what you should wear and what you should stay away from. I’m most proud that I am my brand and when I say that I mean that I have walked in my client’s shoes, I can relate. During high school, I experienced a shift in my life that forced me to make some changes and one of those was my image and the way I dressed. I never knew how powerful clothing was until then. The way I felt after having my makeover was life-changing and it’s a feeling I strive to give to everyone I serve. Aside from that people often love that I’m down to earth and I’ve been told: “you’re not like most people in the fashion industry, I love your personality, I love your vibe and energy.” I believe all of this sets me apart.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I love to read, growing up, I wasn’t allowed to have a t.v. in my room. I had a desk and a bookshelf. So books are my thing. I’ve read so many different books be it self-help, personal development, and business. But I’d recommend The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, the University of Success by Og Mandino these are a few of my favorite. I also read a lot of industry-specific books and magazines.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ValenciaHolland.com
- Phone: 203-936-8864
- Email: info@valenciaholland.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestyleeducator/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStyleEducator/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valenciaholland/
Image Credit:
Steve Romero
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