Ask an Expert: Talking Personal Style & Business with Stylist and Buying Consultant Paulina
#SCProTip Ask An Expert . If you are familiar with our page and follow our hashtag, you know we share a wealth of information and tips to help you succeed on social and business. In our Ask An Expert series, we hand the mic over to industry leaders for a chance to hear what works for their business and strategies.
Meet Paulina, Houston-based buying consultant and wardrobe stylist. Paulina has spent her career in fashion and retail, working with some of Houston’s most beloved retailers and dressing the most fashionable Houstonians. Building her personal brand and making a name of her p, Paulina has tapped into social media to showcase her style, increase brand awareness and connect with her clientele.
We’re sitting down with Paulina to chat on this, that and everything. Here’s a peek into our conversation:
Tell us a little bit about what you do.
I’ve worked in the fashion industry for a while, mostly for stores. Now, I work for myself which is such an amazing opportunity! I am a wardrobe stylist and buying consultant. I shop, style clients wardrobes according to their lifestyle, and offer closet organization/edits. I also style photoshoots for local businesses. As a buying consultant, I attend LA and New York market buying womenswear for boutiques.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Oh, wow. Every day is truly so different! 6:30am workout, 9am client appointment, 1:30pm grab a quick lunch before a 2pm consulting appointment, then usually 3:30 shop for a client before 5:30 catch up on phone calls and e-mails.
What is your favorite and least favorite part about your job?
Fave is all the interesting people I get to meet. From clients, vendors, designers. Least fave is invoices/billing haha…
What advice would you give to people wanting to enter your industry?
Build long-lasting relationships. Connect with people. Be open-minded. Stay focused, inspired, and true to yourself.
How do you use social media for business purposes?
I use Pinterest to create mood boards and share lots of Instagram stories when I am shopping or at market buying.
What social media strategy have you seen the most success with?
Authentic and consistent.
Any social media fails?
When I use to work for stores and help with their social media, it was a lot of work (most people do not realize the amount of time involved) so I never focused on mine. That was something I should have been better about. I am now!
How much of what you see in trends and personal style is influenced by instagram?
A lot with fashion trends and "influencers". I would say, everyone uses IG almost like Pinterest and magazines these days. Not so much with personal style because I try not to follow too many trends for myself and clients. Everyones style is different. Thats why it’s personal.
How would you describe your personal style? We are obsessed…
Minimal. Simple. Clean lines. Laidback cool. I dress for comfort and tend to gravitate to eco-friendly clothing. I am about quality, not quantity. I love items that I can dress up and down with just changing your shoes, throwing on a cool piece of jewelry or handbag. I’m always on the go so I need easy, cool.
What have you shopped/bought recently for yourself?
Funny. I actually do not shop much for myself. I am a true minimalist and have collected most of my wardrobe staples over the years. But I have bought a few fun, pieces for summer though!
Freya Straw Brand | Mirth Caftans Dress | Citizens of Humanity Denim Shorts
If you could pick one person’s brain in your field, who would it be?
"Easy. Heidi Merrick. I think she’s the coolest person in fashion.” @hmerrick
Where do you find inspiration?
"Travel. My husband and I travel a lot. Obviously it’s taken a pause for now but traveling is beautiful and so inspiring. - My friend's who are creatives and designers. It just pours out of them and into my soul. - Fashion and interior design magazines. I’m old school and love flipping through the pages and tearing out things I want to hang on my mood boards.”
A few favorite Instagram accounts?
Jacey Duprie @jaceyduprie She’s a Texas girl in Cali. She’s been a fave since IG first became a thing and I have enjoyed watching her grow, finding her voice.
Janelle Marie Lloyd @waityouneedthis She has great style! Minimal, cool, and natural which I love. It doesn’t hurt that she’s drop-dead gorgeous too.
Amanda Alagem @amandaalagem Mostly fashion which is right up my alley but I like that she sprinkles in her personal life into it. I like her aesthetics a lot.