Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissia Baker.
Hi Chrissia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for fashion before I became an educator. Trying different trends while finding myself in college was the formula for finding my style. I tried various genres of fashion that included bohemian, vintage, artsy, classic, chic, sexy, and even exotic! I had a lot of fun! Once I landed my first professional job as a substitute teacher, I knew I had to channel my inner business casual, but I also knew I didn’t want to be so dull. Like many new teachers, I landed a job with experienced teachers who had more than ten years under their belt. I was always getting compliments on the outfits that I wore and, at first, never really overthought it. It wasn’t until teachers started approaching me, asking me for fashion advice. Questions like, “where did you get your outfit from?” or “how did you put that together?” were opposed to me.
So then, I thought people wanted my advice, and when I began giving it to them, they were very thankful and wanted more information. I decided that this could be a way actually to help people. I did my research and compiled many surveys on what educators wanted. They wanted to be comfortable because of the amount of movement done during the day, and they also wanted to look good on a budget. That’s when I decided to start up This Stylish Teacher—providing helpful tips and tricks for educators who wish to spruce up their look.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road has had its bumps and sharp turns. While on this ongoing journey (because I’m learning new things every day), I had to learn a lot about a business and how it should work. What makes people interested in the service I’m providing has been a challenge because people seem to want different things at different times. I had to learn a lot about being a stylist and how to make body types look great. I had to learn about the kind of stylist I wanted to be. I had to find the primary audience that would like my service. This was challenging because I thought everyone wanted a personal stylist, but I quickly learned that people did not want it as much. I spent hours on webinars with other stylists and taking pointers on how they did things as a stylist. I made several consultations with like-minded people to help me organize my thoughts and guide me to build a bigger clientele. I spent lots of money on making myself a brand.
Another challenge that I came across is having people pay me for my services—being in the environment where my potential clients were made it easy for people to approach me and pick my brain at the copy machine, lunch line, or recess. Also, We all know that educators don’t make much, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look their best. I had to find a way to convince my clients that style and fashion could be found within their closets. I also had clients struggling with their body type and just weren’t ready to have a personal stylist to help them. This was something else I had to convince my clients that your body type should not define your look.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently a teacher that focuses on students who need support. In the education world, we call this an interventionist. I received my undergrad at Kennesaw State University in Early Childhood education. I then got my Masters’s degree in Educational Design and technology.
While studying for my master’s degree, I spent time abroad teaching English to Taiwanese students in Taiwan. I spent an entire year there. While there, I also dabbed in a bit of fashion as well. The students and teachers also complimented me on my stylish look, and with my unique look, I was able to turn heads with many different looks. Once I returned to the states, I spent most of my education career in elementary schools. I’ve taught grades K-2.
I then decided to focus more on Edtech and got my specialist in Educational Technology. During this time, I trained several teachers on how to use technology in the classroom. This was very beneficial during virtual learning. I was then granted an opportunity to work with MIT on a robot that taught the students in the school. I was a part of a team that programmed the robot to ask and answer questions on texts used from the curriculum. I also taught several kindergarteners how to troubleshoot computers and begin typing lessons in the classroom.
After completing this school year, I will have ten years of teaching in my profession with three degrees and experience in education technology.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
With technology in my background, I learned that tech is the way to go. Finding alternative ways to communicate with people is essential. Knowing how to troubleshoot and explore different ways of technology helps everyone in the long run.
I learned that adjusting is the best thing to do so life can still happen.
Pricing:
- Closet Clean Out $300.00
- Pinterest Mood Board $150.00
- Take a Look $200.00
- Throw it in the Bag $750.00
- Private Group Styling Session $35.00
Contact Info:
- Email: chrissiabaker@gmail.com
- Website: www.thisstylishteacher.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/this_stylish_teacher/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisStylishTeacher
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ThisStylishTeacher/_shop/
Image Credits
Photos taken by Kelley Raye Atlanta based Photographer
