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

Alright, Carole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

My sutainable styling business grew organically from my background in the film industry, where I spent 11 years working on productions as an assistant costumer and later as a costume supervisor. After relocating from Paris to San Francisco, I initially planned to continue in that field, but the birth of my second child and the onset of the pandemic shifted my professional objectives. There is a need here in the Bay Area, especially amongst professionals to seek out for stylists – the climate, the laid back work culture, and the lack of clear aesthetic directions! I pivoted toward styling individuals so they could explore and refine their unique style. My Costume design studies continue to feed me every day to bring depth and storytelling to each client’s wardrobe. I’ve also found a niche need among tech clients who are seeking to stand out from their peers and express more of their personality through what they wear—something I love supporting them with

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’m Carole, I was born and grew up in France before heading to the UK to study art and then Costume Design at 18.

Growing up in a creative family that hunted vintage treasures, I was dragged through many flea markets and antique fairs since a young age. We had tools at home to play and create with, making creativity second nature to me. As an only child, I spent hours drawing and designing outfits for my dolls, and sewing them altogether.

My costume design background taught me how fabrics, colors, and cuts shape character identities—skills I now bring to personal styling.

I adore that first visit to a client’s home, where I become a detective of sorts, observing everything from kitchen organization to furniture choices and music preferences. This immersion reveals who they truly are beneath surface-level style concerns.

I always start by “shopping” my clients existing closet—a process that uncovers the persona they’ve been crafting and honors sustainability principles I deeply value.
During that visit we talk inspirations (I believe that the approach of collaborating visually through research will make our collaboration more successful and impactful)., we take their measurements, and analyze their color palette and review styles aspirations, budgets etc.
Then comes the magic of integrating finds from second hand platforms, local flea markets and small businesses.
I like to create a wardrobe that is unique and reflects my clients story.

My greatest strength is weaving these elements together—threading past and future—with intentionality and that certain French flair for accessories that brings everything into harmony.

Once shopping for pieces is done, I create Style boards so they can refer to them once we have stopped our collaboration.

The best thing is when clients come back to me to work again after a few months. I then know how much they liked it!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Being a creative builds resilience through constant adaptation. As a stylist who relocated internationally twice, I’ve faced profound challenges—leaving a job I loved and had worked hard to get because it couldn’t accommodate the needs of my growing family, a global pandemic and a new life in the US. This difficult decision led to my next challenge: creating an entirely new career path that aligned with both my passion and practical requirements. The creative journey demands flexibility—establishing new networks while staying connected to cultural movements through exhibitions, concerts, reading, food movements etc. Economic uncertainty is part of the process, requiring innovative thinking when client work fluctuates or markets shift. Yet this very instability keeps me interesting and vibrant—I’m constantly renewing my approach, finding fresh solutions, and bringing evolving perspectives to clients.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is keeping clients aligned with their values and aesthetics—collaboratively creating artistic visions that truly represent them. This meaningful connection transforms obstacles into opportunities, allowing me to design a fulfilling career where I help others express their authentic selves while honoring my own creative spirit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://neatkind.eco/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neatkind/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-tarr-72836a45/

Image Credits

Nicole Seguin photography