We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mena Vincelli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mena, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love fashion and styling, even as a young girl I would push the style envelope, creating looks in my head and offering to help others with their outfits so they could feel their very best. So many friends, family members and even coworkers would ask me to shop with them, pick out their pieces, look through their wardrobe and even style them for events- always asking me “why aren’t you doing this as a business”? I kept pondering and wondering if it would work, could I really do this, and one day I told myself to be brave, to be vulnerable and just put it out there and see what happens. The feedback was incredible, men and women reaching out to book appointments, I started posting looks and style tips to inspire others. People began asking for gift cards for their loved ones, friends, even kids! The radio, podcast, photography, and magazine industry began reaching out and it just took off. This past year Windsor tunnel approached me to be on their billboard to represent take the tunnel campaign! I have collabs with both Windsor malls that offer giveaways for style makeovers too!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began Style Me Mena because I believe in celebrating your individuality and that there is no right or wrong way to be yourself. What you say, wear, and do should honour who you are and what you stand for. What you wear tells a story…

We wear clothes for many different reasons. It’s a form of self expression, can speak to one’s inner child, tells the story about who you are, where you have been and where you are going. The clothing we wear provides our subconscious with tools to help achieve our ambitions and add value to our confidence.

Whether we dress for fashion, comfort, or both, what we wear is a part of who we are. How we dress symbolises our unique individuality. From the casual t-shirts and jeans to the over the top avant-garde designs, what we wear tells the world who we are and what we want.

I can share my passion and help you feel your very best…give you the confidence and inspiration you need to look good, feel good, and do good. I offer a variety of services that include in-store or online shopping sessions, in home or virtual wardrobe consultations where I create new looks with existing pieces and leave you with a wardrobe supplement list, develop company dress codes, style you for special events and photo shoots, I style on set with models and photographers and help you pack the perfect wardrobe for your getaway! All of these services are $50/hr, and I work within your budget and time frames. I also regularly post style tips on my instagram and facebook account since I feel like it’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to educate and inspire others.

Joy. Confidence. Courage. That is what inspires me… The look on a client’s face when I know they feel like they can take on the world. Knowing that my passion and creativity has sparked something inside someone else. Helping my clients achieve the wardrobe needs uniquely designed by customising a wardrobe best suited for their style and body shape. Knowing that I can teach them which style is most flattering, how to build a comprehensive wardrobe, how to combine clothing to create a one-of-kind ensemble while pushing to try new things. “My clients always say, I never would have picked that out, but wow, you’re right, I love it!” I call this the evolution of fashion. The end result leaves you feeling confident, uniquely stylish and never second-guessing your outfit again.

My first priority for each and every appointment is the client. The appointment is all about you. While the aim of the day might be to take you on a colour discovery, educate you about body shape, give you a style overhaul or fill those gaps in your wardrobe, your confidence and self-image come first. Mutual trust and respect are my priority and really make the appointment special. I am more than just a shopping partner, I am your confidant and your supporter. My clients leave their appointments feeling better than ever about themselves, happier and more confident than when they arrived. While there’s a style-over on the outside, there’s definitely a makeover on the inside, as well. You will not only have a wardrobe full of clothes that were hand-picked for you and fit you perfectly, but I will also show you how to pair everything together in multiple ways so you are never left wondering what to wear. Before your Personal Styling Appointment, I spend time getting to know you and your style. You will complete a Client Questionnaire covering key factors such as your body shape, size, likes and dislikes, occupation, lifestyle and budget, which allows me to plan and research your shopping trip before meeting you.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Knowing my brand values and staying true to them has allowed me to avoid being reactive when things pop up. It allows me to respond rather than react to issues and challenges that arise and gives me a foundation for making decisions and directing my course of action. I’m not afraid to put myself out there, I have cultivated a beautiful support system who encourages and supports me when I need it. I take a step by step approach, it’s easy to become eager when working to accomplish or complete a goal. I practise gratitude in everything I do as a reminder to be patient, and tackle a piece of the goal one day at a time. Don’t forget to give back and give help to those who are looking for it. The more you can learn and the more you can be involved is essential to continually grow and educate yourself.

Whether you’re trying to find your voice, struggling from the do-it-all mindset, or looking for fellow women to bounce ideas off of, I hope that you take a minute to step back and appreciate all that you’ve already accomplished. There are going to be hard days. There are going to be challenges. But you are full of grit, passion and perseverance. Embrace your fear, you can do this.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media has always been difficult for me. Many times I would close my eyes tight while hitting that post button. I was afraid of being judged, focusing on that number or lack there of. My advice is to feel the fear and do it any way. I kept it real and authentic; I showed my playful side and my helpful side. I started giving tips that would engage and showcasing my looks to inspire-I don’t ever want to be an influencer but an inspiration. Be real and kind, engage with your audience and don’t use filters!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Style_me_mena
• Facebook: Mena Biafora vincelli
• Linkedin: Stylememena