Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Nicole.
Hi Drew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in style and fashion started when I was 8 years old. I started cutting up my church socks and making clothes for my Barbie dolls. Not something that my mother was too happy about of course. My late great-grandmother Macie was also a solid influence when it came to my interest in fashion. She owned so many great quality pieces and jewelry that I use to play with while visiting her some summers.
Fast forward to graduating Auburn University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Product Development, I had a quick stint at a fashion label named Tuleh as an intern. It was there I was able to see the creation of pieces from thought conception to the runway. I didn’t realize back then the gravity of what I was experiencing, but being able to participate in the planning and presentation of their line during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in the white tents at Bryant Park in NYC created a core memory for me. Once my internship ended, I journeyed back home to Atlanta and applied to be a Wardrobe Assistant Stylist for Ebony/Jet Magazine’s Ebony Fashion Fair, and I was chosen. If you recall, Ebony Fashion Fair was an all-black production and annual fashion show that traveled all over the world since the late 1950s. Ebony Fashion Fair was created by Eunice Johnson, and she would meticulously choose pieces to be showcased from fashion houses all over the world to be in the show every year. Again, this was one of those moments for me where I didn’t realize the gravity of just how monumental that opportunity would be for me as I was a part of history. Forever grateful for that platform as I was able to travel to places, I would probably never go on my own and meet some truly incredible people that I am still close with today.
After the tour ended, I returned home and entered into retail as a visual merchandising manager and also brand manager for brands such as Tommy Bahama, GAP, Vince Camuto, and Ralph Lauren. While in that stint of retail, I had the opportunity to work alongside a celebrity stylist as her assistant and got a taste of what the world of celebrity styling was. That experience gave me the “styling bug,” but not in the celebrity lane. It drove me to find a new avenue of styling where I can help transform the wardrobe of others who aren’t celebrities or don’t feel like wardrobe styling is accessible to them. I then started my business Curated Image Design and “Curated by Drew” was formed where I am a personal stylist to high-performing CEOs and entrepreneurs, C-Suite executives of men and women alike, and anyone who feels they are in need of a transformation in their style.
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?
Absolutely not. The journey of finding the right recipe for what gives you joy that’s not mundane, or you’re just there to collect a check, is constantly evolving. I think we are conditioned to believe that we’re supposed to “have it together” by a certain age and that’s just not realistic. I constantly pivot in my business either because what I am providing no longer fills my cup or I want to provide a better experience to clients. Entrepreneurship, I’m learning, is a journey that is supposed to have ups and downs, but I love what I do so much, and I understand my purpose and impact are greater than me. Styling is the gift that I was given. My purpose is to impact the world with that gift.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Curated by Drew is my personal brand that took formation a year ago that aligned with the purpose of style and transformation. I help individuals transform their wardrobes and style through authenticity. What that means is I help my clients bring their true selves and personalities into their wardrobes. Allowing them to operate unapologetically and in confidence. It is incredible to see the smiles they give during working with them.
I am most proud of how my work on clients has often given them a better return on engagement and even revenue. I have countless reviews on how transforming their style has improved their visibility and increased their sales. One of the aspects of my business that I take pride in is I build personal relationships with my clients. I’ve always believed that it is important to do so as a personal stylist helping a client tap into their truest self. I find it quite beautiful that I have clients who have been with me for 2-3 years. I am grateful for that.
I also have been called to share my knowledge and created a course called Profitable Personal Stylist. This course helps individuals who are interested in building a business in personal styling do so. I also have other resources to help build a capsuled wardrobe and learn your body type. Understanding your body type is such a pivotal part of transforming your style.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I grew up in Atlanta during the 90s, my family moved here when I was an infant, what I love about my city is the culture and history here. It’s nothing like Springtime in Atlanta. Festivals, great restaurants, events and networking. I don’t believe I have any least favorite moments about Atlanta. Most people would say traffic, but I lived in LA for 6 years and for me, absolutely nothing compares to the 405 traffic. Nothing! Lol!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.curatedbydrew.com
- Instagram: curatedbydrew
- Facebook: curatedbydrew
- Other: www.profitablepersonalstylist.com
Image Credits
Kelley Raye Photography
David Mahone Photography
Lyfe Photography
Smarche Photography
Simone Renee Photography
