We recently connected with Pam Harris and have shared our conversation below.

Pam , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I left my full time career in Education to pursue Entrepreneurship full time in 2022. I became a vintage reseller and made a living from thrifting women’s clothing and accessories then reselling them to women who loved vintage. I created an instagram business page where I showcased all of my thrifted items for sale by styling them for my followers. My business page was growing so fast because people were intrigued by my styling of these pieces to the point where TJMaxx, Marshalls and 2ndavethriftstores reached out to me for collaborations to style their pieces. This made me realize for the first time that brands saw talent in me just like my followers did which encouraged me to pursue influencing (style influencer). I always loved getting dressed and styling pieces which I used to draw attention to my business. The thought that I could do it for a living pushed me harder to create my style influencer page in March of 2023. Once I stepped out in faith and started putting myself out there, doors began to open for me. I received fashion week invites, brand partnerships and currently partnering with a television network for fashion week. I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Pam and I am a style influencer from New Jersey. I was always into fashion especially during high school. While my friends were into the latest trends, I was at the thrift store buying unique clothing items to style for school. I wanted to pursue a career in fashion but my Caribbean parents wanted me to pursue a career that was more stable and professional. I ended up going to school for Education but my love for fashion never left. Fast forward, while being a teacher I started a reselling business on the side. I made some extra money thrifting women’s clothing and accessories then reselling them to women who loved vintage. I used instagram to showcase my style and love for second hand fashion on my business page by styling and creating outfits with the items I thrifted. The attention I was getting for my styling on my business page was growing which ignited the idea for me to start a style influencer page. A place where I can fully showcase my own personal style and encourage women to step outside of the box with their personal style. I wanted to create a community where women aren’t afraid to wear what they want because it doesn’t fit the norm for their body type, profession, etc. When my followers see me I want them to feel empowered to wear what brings them joy without worrying about popular opinion. What matters is how you feel about yourself in what you’re wearing. My unique and daring style has opened doors for me with brand partnerships and opportunities because I wasn’t afraid to show up as myself.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is freedom. Freedom to be myself. Freedom to create. Freedom to work around my own schedule especially as a mom. Freedom to design the life I desire for myself and my family. When I was working in Education I was confined to dress codes, work schedule, and specific roles and responsibilities that left me exhausted with little energy by the time I got home to my family. Now I have control of my time and what I do with my time. Being a creative has allowed me to see that life is meant to be lived on your terms.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I finally took the leap to start my influencer page my first post was about my journey and why I decided to start my page. It was a vulnerable post but a relatable post as I’ve learned so many people want to step out and do the very thing they’ve always wanted to do but fear has crippled them. By starting my page I was showing them that yes I’m scared to do this but at least I started and I’m doing it. From there I showed up consistently as my authentic self. I challenged myself to show up at least three times a week on instagram. I read somewhere that “If you can’t be disciplined, be consistent”. That has stuck me with on this journey. My first piece of advice is to show up for your audience. If you want them to show up for you, you have to show up for them. Figure out what consistency looks like for you and do that every week. My second piece of advice is quality over quantity. Whatever you’re posting make sure you love it and you’re not posting just to post. Your audience can tell. And lastly, show up as your authentic self. Be you and your people will find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pamelaharris.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theestylishp/