Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Thomas.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I embarked on my fashion journey 15 years ago, starting at a small luxury personal styling company. As a girl from Portland, Oregon, breaking into the fashion industry was a thrilling achievement amidst limited opportunities. During my tenure, I had the privilege of styling high-profile clients, including NBA athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, and self-made millionaires.

My next step was to transition into corporate fashion, where I spent 8.5 years at Nike. There, I held various roles in buying, merchandising, and styling, and collaborated with esteemed brands like Nordstrom. This experience provided me with comprehensive insights into fashion, from product creation and design to buying and marketing. However, my time in the corporate world sparked a desire to engage more directly with individuals and explore beyond sportswear.

Today, I am the founder and lead stylist of Builtgracefully. Leveraging my extensive experience across different facets of the fashion industry, I realized that personal styling is my true passion. I launched my brand to work closely with individuals, helping them discover and cultivate their unique personal style.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not! But honestly, what really is? As you can see, my journey encompasses a variety of roles, and there were times I questioned how I would return to a career that truly sparked joy. When I decided to launch my brand, I wasn’t yet making any money from it. I had to start from scratch, knowing it would take time to build.

During that period, I chose to remain in my corporate role until I was financially ready to fully commit to entrepreneurship. Ideally, I hoped this transition would take a few months, but from the moment I launched Builtgracefully in August 2021, it wasn’t until February 2023 that I could finally take the leap. This meant working two jobs for an extended period, enduring a role that was detrimental to my mental health, and staying motivated to reach the finish line even when it seemed so far away.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Builtgracefully is a personal styling company dedicated to helping individuals develop, curate, and expand their personal style. I specialize in working with professionals, whether they are in corporate positions or entrepreneurial roles. My extensive experience in the corporate world provides me with a deep understanding of its nuances.

Over the past three years, I have built my brand from the ground up through hard work and determination. This journey has allowed me to style the C-suite of Nike, Inc., Presidents of Fortune 500 companies, and speak as an expert during media events for nationally recognized brands. However, my greatest satisfaction comes not from the high-profile clients or prestigious opportunities, but from my relentless dedication to pursuing this passion, even on the toughest days.

At Builtgracefully, we believe that great style should be accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. We are committed to working with you to determine if we are the right fit for your styling needs.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
A mentor doesn’t have to be in your dream field or role. Some of my greatest mentors have been bosses, coworkers, colleagues, and fellow female entrepreneurs. As a solo entrepreneur, finding a supportive network can be challenging and lonely at times. Don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone you admire in your area. Instead of focusing on how they can help you, ask questions and see how you can assist them. To me, networking is about building a community and sharing experiences. We can all learn so much from each other.

If you’re looking for a mentor or want to discuss becoming an entrepreneur but are struggling to make connections, I’m always available to chat!

Pricing:

• Foundation – Starts at $250
• Virtual Style 1:1 – $200

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits
Colleen Amelia Photography