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

Erin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My story starts around 2009. I had just graduated from college and was having difficulty finding a wardrobe that was suitable for the post-collegiate, professional world. I’m petite and almost 15 years ago there weren’t very many stylish clothing options for my body type. I would jokingly tell my friends and family that one day I’d open a boutique and sell clothes for my fellow petite ladies. I’ve always enjoyed shopping and fashion and after grad school, family and friends would ask me to style them for events. It never really felt like work because I had so much fun doing it and one day I was talking with a good friend and he encouraged me to start a styling business. In 2017, I earned my Image Consultant Certification and began offering personal styling services in January 2018. So while I haven’t opened my boutique (yet) I love that I’m able to help men and women cultivate their personal style and look and feel their best.

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

Erin Nicole Styling is an image consulting and wardrobe styling service for men, women, and children. I’m based in Columbia, SC but I do offer virtual styling services and work with clients from all across the U.S. I work with a photographer in Charlotte, NC to style some of her branding photography clients but I also do special event styling and even help people who want a wardrobe overhaul. I truly take my time to ensure that my clients absolutely love their looks and that they look and feel their best. I want their experience with Erin Nicole Styling to be a memorable one.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The power of social media and word of mouth are unmatched when it comes to growing my clientele. As I mentioned before, I’m based in Columbia, SC but I’ve had the chance to work with clients from Illinois, Washington D.C., Texas, Florida, and NC just to name a few places. I truly appreciate my amazing family and friends who will drop my name when they know of someone seeking styling services as well.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My side hustle hasn’t turned into my full time business (yet) but it definitely keeps me pretty busy. I’m a nurse practitioner by day, wardrobe stylist by night (and on the weekends).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erinnicolestyling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinnicolestyling/

Image Credits
Denise Benson Photography