We were lucky to catch up with Swapna Patel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Swapna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

The latest buzz in personal styling isn’t about bags, shoes, or the comeback of skinny jeans—it’s all about personal color analysis, thanks to TikTok. While Gen-Z might claim ownership over this trend, the reality is, personal color analysis has been a thing since the 1980s. Its roots trace back almost a century, to when artist and professor Albert Munsell developed a comprehensive color system.

Nowadays, you’ll often hear people identifying themselves with a season—winter, spring, summer, or autumn. Based on our unique skin tone, eye color, and natural hair shade, we’re categorized into one of these four broad seasons, sometimes even into 16 sub-seasons by experts. The purpose of color analysis is simple: to help us figure out which colors complement our natural features best. By discovering our ideal colors, we can shop smarter, avoiding items that end up collecting dust in our closets with tags still attached. Plus, it can even help cut down on frequent trips to the hair salon, as it guides us towards the most flattering hair colors.

Wearing the colors that suit us best not only makes us feel vibrant and genuine but also saves us a pretty penny on unnecessary clothes, makeup, and salon appointments. While TikTok has brought newfound attention to the practice of ‘getting your colors done,’ this art and science have been enriching lives for years. It’s a valuable tool for those seeking to be more deliberate in their appearance, savvy shoppers, or simply looking to streamline their getting-ready routine

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’ve been obsessed with clothes since I was sewing dresses for my dolls! This love of clothes and handmade things led me to pursue an education in fashion design and merchandising followed by a decade long stint as a fashion designer in New York City. Here, I spent countless hours finessing the fit, identifying the best fabrics and designing new collections each season.

After the birth of my kids, I decided to stay home with them but 5 years into motherhood, I missed the stimulation and creativity my worked offered. I also missed the social interactions and dressing up daily for work. After that I started being intentional about the way I dressed even if I was home with my kids or only going to the playground with them. Gradually, the compliments started coming in. With them the invitations of help with wardrobe, or picking out the perfect interview outfits also flooded in. I recognized an opportunity to create a business that would be a perfect marriage of my creativity and the confidence boosting style that women were asking me for help with.

Most of us have a lot of stuff in our closets and use only a tiny percentage of it. That’s why I named my business Style Remixx so we can remix what’s already in your closet and wear it in many different ways to infuse new life into your existing wardrobe. This philosophy itself sets me apart from other stylists because I always believe in starting with what you have and then being super intentional about adding new pieces to your wardrobe.

My clients come to me when the have huge spotlight opportunities coming up like SXSW, SharkTank etc. but I also help them re-imagine their everyday style through an elevated lens. Having great style is not just for lifes big moments like a TV appearance, a high stakes speaking engagement or a job interview. But changing the way we dress changes not only the way others see us but also how we see ourselves. It impacts our sense of self worth, confidence and even productivity.

I love educating my clients and students about this psychology aspect of fashion and understanding this really creates a transformation for them.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In life only change is constant. Cliched but true.

Shortly after launching my business, the global pandemic turned everything upside down. People traded fancy outfits for pajamas and hardly left their homes. Even now, four years later, many of us are still living in a mixed-up world, with Zoom meetings allowing for comfy bottoms and business attire on top.

In the summer of 2020, with no client work on the horizon, I decided to share my expertise by creating a digital course. I tailored the same strategies I used with my high-paying clients into a four-week program. The aim was to empower women who wanted to elevate their personal style but not quite ready for 1:1 support and willing do some of the work themselves.

Fast forward four years, and my digital course, CEO STYLE SOCIETY, has reached women entrepreneurs worldwide, from New York to Germany and Singapore. My students are taking charge of their own photo shoots, attracting their ideal clients, and experiencing positive growth both personally and professionally. This course allows me to connect with women on a deeper level and expand beyond my local reach. Plus, it’s become a great additional source of income for my business.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building trust, fostering relatability, and attracting the right people are paramount in my line of work.

In the realm of styling, establishing trust is essential, given the vulnerability my clients often experience. Whether through social media, my weekly emails, or face-to-face interactions, I always present my genuine self. It’s crucial for me to connect with clients who align with my values and vision. Sharing my own challenges, such as budget shopping or occasional body insecurities, underscores my authenticity and relatability.

When I recommend products, I only endorse those I’ve personally tested and found beneficial. I refrain from partnerships with brands or stores to ensure that my recommendations are solely in the best interest of my clients.

Collaborating with like-minded professionals in complementary fields has significantly bolstered my standing within the industry. Partnering with experts who share my values has not only forged enduring alliances but also expanded my referral network, proving instrumental to the growth of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.styleremixx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/style.remixx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swapnadhond
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swapnadhondpatel/

Image Credits
Mallika Malhotra