Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Schofield.
Amber, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When it comes to my journey as a stylist, I would say I feel it is just beginning. I have always been passionate about anything related to fashion and art. When I was younger, my grandmother always had me involved in some sort of arts and crafts activity. She taught me how to sew, draw, make jewelry, and taught me so much about fashion. I remember always playing dress up and making dresses out of blankets and pieces of fabric I found around her house.
I get my sense of style from my grandmother and my mother; they are both unbelievably stylish women. I started to develop my own personal style at a very young age. I remember in middle school, I loved wearing dresses, skirts, and anything cute and girly. I was teased a lot about how “skinny” I was and the way I dressed… so I changed it. I started to wear jeans all of the time to hide my “skinny” legs, I started to wear tennis shoes like Air Forces and Timberlands because that is what everyone else was wearing. I didn’t want to keep being made fun of for just being myself. Looking back, I truly cannot believe I changed my entire wardrobe just to fit in with people I didn’t necessarily like in the first place. I learned a valuable lesson, you should NEVER try to be anything other than yourself. If you have to change yourself to make people like you, those are not people you should be around.
As I got older, I started to realize how many people would compliment my style. It surprised me because I didn’t feel I was doing anything special other than wearing whatever I liked. Throughout high school, I really took an interest in art. I took an art class and an interior design class every semester until I graduated. In interior design, I learned things very quickly from being exposed to sewing at an early age. I was able to start perfecting my sewing skills and learned so much about fabrics and techniques. In my art classes, I was able to learn more about colors, and different ways to play with shades, which in turn helped me in interior and fashion design as well. I finally felt comfortable expressing myself through fashion, design, and art.
My college years were when I realized that I could actually do this, be a stylist. I never thought about it. My friends would ask me to find them outfits or help them look for outfits at the mall. I just assumed it was because I love to shop. It never crossed my mind that maybe it was because they actually valued my opinion more than that of others. When I finally made an Instagram, I received so much positive feedback about my outfits. Over the years, and I mean many years, I have been trying to decide if I was going to actually pursue Styling as a career. In 2018, I decided I will.
In July of 2018, I did the first photo shoot that was styled by me and shot by my friend Kendal, @champagnenupe. I was so excited to work with someone that believed in my dream from the start! Taking pictures doesn’t sound like a milestone, but this was a huge step for me. I was completely out of my comfort zone and I loved everything about it. I made the first step. Over the next few months, Styled by Scho was born. All of my friends call me Schoffie, Schoff, or Scho. I started receiving styling inquiries though Instagram and from there I knew I had to really make this work. I had already put it out there, and there was no going back.
In December of 2018, I decided to start what I thought was a little project. I took old pants to set I had and made it into a dress for New Years. Everyone loved the transformation! I started receiving questions about making and selling clothing. In my head, I was thinking who me? Lol. Over the next few months, I made three more transformations. The positive feedback told me it was definitely time! I did three more photoshoots with my friend Mike, @teddy_atl and the response was overwhelming. I will be releasing something very special at the end of April with the help of Mike. It is so amazing to have people around you that completely support you!
In March, I decided to bring Styled by Scho to life. As of March 22, 2019, Styled by Scho, LLC is active!
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?
As you begin to embark upon any journey, you will eventually face a few challenges. My first and main challenge was me doubting myself and my abilities. Once I finally let go of all of my uncertainties, I was able to move forward and is to really start working on my craft. When I started making outfits, they were always custom made for myself. I had to learn how different everyone’s body is. As a woman, I already know the size you wear isn’t going to fit the same in every store that you go to; which is beyond frustrating. One of the main reasons I want to focus on making custom pieces is so that women are able to feel comfortable in every outfit they purchase from me. The outfit will be specifically designed to fit them beautifully and comfortably.
Learning about different fabrics, where to buy them, and how to work with them takes a lot of trial and error… which can get very expensive! I learned quickly to do a lot of research on fabrics before purchasing them. I am still in the beginning stages of creating custom pieces for others, so I am sure I will run into may more obstacles along the way. The one thing I try to keep in mind is that when I make any mistakes, I am only creating a self-taught lesson for myself in the long run!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Styled by Scho – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Starting on May 1, my main focus will be designing and making custom pieces. I will still be offering styling services upon request. I am able to assist in putting together looks for special occasions, trips, and everyday looks. I will also be offering wardrobe consultations if you’d just like to vamp up your overall look!
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
I would tell any young woman that before you decide to anything, make sure that it is something that you truly want to pursue. By that I mean, don’t be influenced by what anyone else is doing or what they have. Social media is one of the biggest influences today, however, it is also one of the biggest facades we see as well. I learned that just because someone seems to have a perfect life, career, or even relationship, that is only what they are choosing to show the world. Perception is everything. Someone may be a millionaire and seem to be living their “best life” but you don’t see the whole story. We don’t tend to advertise our failures and mistakes as much as we do our successes.
You have to always remember that what is meant for you will always find its way to you. Success comes quickly to some, while others may seem to have a more difficult path; but remember that is YOUR path. I strongly believe that every situation we are handed is preparing us for the next step in our lives. Think of a relationship you thought meant everything and that person you thought you couldn’t live without… now look at you, glowing and flourishing without them. Life goes on. Don’t get hung up one mistake or one failure. With a positive mindset, a failure is only a lesson and guide to improvement.
Contact Info:
- Email: amber.schofield11@gmail.com
- Instagram: @schoffie_
Image Credit:
@champagnenupe for the personal photo with white outfit and the two other images with the all white outfit, @teddy_atl for the picture with the all white outfit with red jacket, all black outfit, outfit with pink jacket, and picture with the dog
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
