Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cchico Bailey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Cchico thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

It was 2018 and I had just left the magazine that I had worked for 2 years. My intention was to get started on my own but I wasn’t really sure where to start but my parents always taught me to just figure it out. 2 months after I left the publication I linked with Farrah PR & Consulting who I knew through a friend of mine who also did PR. Farrah needed a stylist for her client Don of Black Ink Crew Chicago who was in town for a photoshoot. She provided me the opportunity to style him and that was the most exciting feeling ever. That was the first high profile client & paycheck I had received on my own under my business name. It was at that moment where I knew I could do this.

Cchico, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My start as a fashion stylist simply started with me inquiring about opportunities with a magazine. A year later I’m on set working with high profile talent. Once I started my own pursuit it wasn’t easy at all. I didn’t really have connections in the industry so I had to put myself in those places to create them. Currently, I’ll get inquiries from reps of high profile talent to style the client for anything red carpet, photoshoots, appearances etc. I’ve worked very hard on my portfolio and it shows. It’s the main reason why clients take interest in my talent. I pride myself on knowing & understanding my client because everyone is different. This means, I’m not being hired to do makeovers but to enhance one’s style and give a cohesive complete look. I believe one of the great things about me is that I am very versatile in my work. I can do streetwear, couture, & all in between. I can style men and women and I have an understanding of how important the fit of a garment is.

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

When I first got started officially on my own, obtaining clientele was my main focus because that’s how the money comes in. In the beginning I started working w/ a publicist who would send clients my way. Then I began to start managing my business on my own. I created an outreach campaign and that’s how I was able to continue booking talent & continue to grow my roster. Currently I’m working with 3 clients.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was bad financial habits! Working as a celebrity stylist can be very lucrative but not if you’re constantly running up a check. In order to continue to be successful you must get your finances in order. For me to change my bad habits I had to seclude myself from extracurricular activities for a while to unlearn bad spending habits & learn positive financial habits. I feel like this came from never being taught the value of a dollar.

Contact Info:

• Website: Lacedbycchico.net
• Instagram: Instagram.com/lacedbycchico