Way back when, I started a styling business, I had a couple of clients, a great idea and a super cool name. Concurrently I found myself making hats and jewelry. One thing moved faster than the other, and success came making in the form of accessories making. Thus 'Stylesmith' was born.
Thing is, Stylesmith was never, ever meant to be the name for my accessories business, it all just "happened" that way. Stylesmith was the name for my styling and photography business!
Well now that the accessory business has gone the way of the dodo ( a wise decision, that I don't regret) I'm left with an awesome name/persona and clients hiring me for styling, photography, PR, brand management and social media management…so what's a girl to do?!
Stylesmith is going back to it's roots. The Smith of Style, a full service agency. And I'm so excited. Whilst I've been doing this forever, it feels so good to be organising it into one space and one position. So watch this space as the website and my work portfolio grows!
Anyhoo, much of the reason I'm sharing this with you all now, rather than waiting until the launch of the website, is a request for feedback. The idea I'd had, four years ago, starting Stylesmith, was to offer online styling and consulting services. Now at this stage I'm confident this service does already exist (maybe not 4 years ago…sigh) but with all my skills combined, it's something that I feel I could make really special.
Some of you may know, my sister is a professional musician who is currently working with a big producer in the UK on her launch, it's all very exciting as she's enormously talented (listen here). She has some promotional shots coming up, and together we have been working on her branding and "identity" as well as her wardrobe. Above are the results of our consultation, with my advice (I'll absolutely share the pictures when they're done – I WISH I could be there in person!)
All in all, minus consultation time, the above booklet is a result of about five hours work. It's something I'm exciting about pursuing but first I have some questions for you!
– Is this a service that you or someone you know would be interested in?
– What do you think it's worth in value?
– What services/pages would you want to see added on?
– Any other feedback?
If you can answer those questions, not only will I be eternally grateful, but I'll enter you in a draw to win the service yourself!!
So go ahead and answer/enter, and I'll draw a winner at the end of the week!
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Kelsi x
1. I would be interested in it and I think many others would be as well.
2. It’s hard to say how much it would be worth. I would start small and work your way up, that way you start with a wider range of possible clients. A fair hourly price (let’s say 15 an hour?). Those that can afford it will pay for the service and will more than likely tell their friends, co-workers, etc. if they are pleased with the results. Once you are more established and in demand you can charge a large flat rate like $500-$2500. It really just depends on how much you can offer to a client. I like the idea. It has great potential.
3. You should offer advice and ideas on all aspects of style: hair cuts and colors, fitness, makeup, etc. For clients that are completely clueless, makeup and hair styling tutorials, as well as tutorials on how to make an outfit “work” would be extremely helpful.
4. Like I said before, this is a great idea. I can’t wait to see your clients’ results. Before and after pictures would be awesome!
I have seen interior designers offer similar virtual design services. I think it’s a great idea! It would make styling services accessible to people who just need a little help within a price range they can afford.
– Is this a service that you or someone you know would be interested in?
Yes!
– What do you think it’s worth in value?
I think there must be huge price range for different types of people. Someone just needs a little help and another needs styling, photography, PR, brand management and social media management…
– What services/pages would you want to see added on?
Maybe makeup and hairstyling ideas?
– Any other feedback?
This is a great idea! Good luck!
1. Yes, yes, yes! I am so confused about what to wear. I know someone who does something similar, but only in person, and she lives hours away by plane, otherwise I’d be booking her services in a second! I think many many women would love this service. Looking around, it’s almost easy to “date” women by the decade they went to high school. After that period of knowing what’s stylish, we get lost!
2. Value: I’d start by charging on the low end; then increase your prices as you build up a portfolio. I’d definitely offer different packages (perhaps starting with a basic package and adding more over time). For eg. Some women could take the info in your example and easily put outfits together. People like me would be lost (that’s for my other comment!)
3. Personally, I’d like to see multiple combinations of outfits you could create from the clothing pictured, including accessories. Otherwise, I’d still have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. I’d also like to make sure my body type was factored in to the outfit and clothing choices–maybe a section on “Draw attention to this, this and this asset and detract from this, this and this by doing the following things. I wouldn’t be able to buy a whole new wardrobe, so I’d love to have my own clothing factored in–an expert to tell me what works and why and what doesn’t and why. Then a list of what to add.
Hope this helps a little. :)
I like how you used words to describe her style–I’d find that to be really helpful–perhaps you could provide a list of words with examples and the women could choose words to describe how she’d like her style to be.
Personally, I’d be absolutely thrilled to try out your services! Love, love, love this idea. :)
Are you trying to say they have a hidedn motive? All media is a business. Their business is to provide quality, real and hard hitting news in order to survive. Do some cheat? Yes, afterall they are run by people. Should they be prevented from reporting on some sensitive matters that may upset some groups of people or Governments? The answer to that is a great BIG NO. Their job is to let the WORLD know what is happening EVERYWHERE. Many times is is because of the media that Governments change for the better.