We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Edie O’Brien. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Edie below.
Edie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today
If I could start over in my business journey, the first thing I would do is invest in a mentor or coach to guide me through the setup process. For years, I was “winging it,” figuring things out as I went. While I’ve built a successful six-figure business, having that support early on would have saved me from many avoidable (and costly) mistakes and allowed me to reach this level of success much sooner—and with less stress. I’d also prioritize learning sales and implementing systems right from the start. In the beginning, I relied heavily on my creativity and people skills, which are essential in my industry. But as an entrepreneur, I’ve realized that scaling and success are rooted in understanding how to sell effectively and building systems that create efficiency. Entrepreneurship is a journey, but having the right tools and guidance from the start can transform how quickly and seamlessly you achieve your goals.
Edie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve been passionate about helping people express themselves through fashion for over 15 years. My journey began with diverse experiences in modeling, fashion retail, buying, merchandising, acting, and interior design, all of which gave me a deep understanding of the power of style and its ability to transform not just how we look, but how we feel and present ourselves to the world.
Over the years, I’ve honed my expertise as a personal and fashion stylist, and I’m proud to have built Edie Styles, LLC, into a thriving business that empowers our clients to feel confident, authentic, and fabulous in every aspect of their lives.
At Edie Styles, we offer a range of styling services tailored to meet the unique needs of busy professionals, executives, and anyone ready to elevate their wardrobe and mindset. Our programs include:
The Inspired Style Solution
The Inspired Wardrobe
The Inspired Virtual Closet, VIP
The Fully Inspired Styling Experience
The Elite, Inspired Style Concierge
The Inspired Photoshoot
Notice the theme of all our programs? INSPIRED: “Of extraordinary quality, as if arising from some external creative impulse.”
This definition is at the heart of everything we do. I’m deeply passionate about empowering our clients to feel truly INSPIRED not only by their wardrobes but by the confidence and joy that radiates from that, into every aspect of their lives!
We also offer virtual styling and wardrobe management through our proprietary INSPIRED VIRTUAL CLOSET app, which lets clients have their wardrobe digitally curated and organized for easy, stress-free styling AND shopping. Of course, more information is available on our website ediestyles.com.
What sets Edie Styles apart is our personalized approach. I believe style is more than just clothes—it’s about confidence, identity, and making an impression that aligns with your goals. Our clients know they’re not just getting outfits; they’re getting an experience that saves time, simplifies their lives, and empowers them to feel their best.
At Edie Styles, we’re committed to providing exceptional styling services that elevate wardrobes and inspire empowerment, helping clients show up authentically in their careers, communities, and personal journeys. I’m incredibly proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed—clients stepping into new roles, embracing their potential, and living more confidently.
What inspires me most, however, are the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the lasting impact of our work. Helping someone find the confidence to take on a new challenge, prepare for a big moment, or simply feel amazing in their own skin is at the heart of everything we do.
Whether you’re ready to revamp your wardrobe, define or refine your style, or make a bold statement, Edie Styles is here to help you shine with confidence and authenticity.
At its core, Edie Styles is about making style accessible, intentional, and transformational. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by their wardrobe or ready to elevate their look, let’s work together to create a style that reflects the best version of you. Because when you feel great in what you’re wearing, you exude energy, grace, and authenticity that leaves a lasting impression everywhere you go.
Investing in your style isn’t just about clothes—it’s about how you show up in life.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I made the pivot from being a full-time interior designer to becoming a fashion stylist, I found myself stepping into an entirely new world—one where I had to start from scratch.
In Orange County and L.A., having spent 15 years (and getting my degree) in interior design, I had established credibility and success, but in fashion, I was unknown. I lacked the connections to pull clothes for shoots, and breaking into the industry felt like an insurmountable challenge. I often found myself wondering how to get meaningful opportunities, let alone ones that were paid or published.
The balancing act of maintaining a thriving interior design career, while pursuing a completely new path wasn’t easy. I remember working unpaid styling gigs trying to build a portfolio, tirelessly into the night (often into the early morning hours), making the most out of limited budgets, and often questioning whether I’d ever be able to fully step into the career I truly wanted. But each struggle brought valuable lessons—about resilience, creativity, and the importance of betting on myself, even when it felt like the odds were stacked against me.
Looking back, those early challenges laid the foundation for everything I do today. They gave me a deep understanding of the hustle, setbacks, and triumphs that come with building something new from the ground up. They taught me perseverance, shaped me into the stylist and entrepreneur I am, and sparked my passion for mentoring others who are navigating similar transitions.
I know firsthand how tough it can be to feel like you’re on the outside looking in, trying to carve out your place in a new industry. That’s why I’m so committed to helping aspiring stylists overcome those hurdles and step into their own paths with confidence and clarity.
The journey was far from easy, but every late night, twist, and setback was worth it. It brought me to a career I love—one where I can empower others to succeed and show that with persistence, passion, and self-belief, anything is possible.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson I had to unlearn was that “if I want it done right, I need to do it myself.” As a business owner, this mindset was a major roadblock to growth. I quickly realized that trying to wear all the hats and do everything myself wasn’t sustainable, especially when striving to reach six figures. To truly grow and scale, I had to let go of total control.
The turning point came when I understood that building a flourishing business meant building a team. I had to develop, train, and empower people who could take on key responsibilities, allowing me to focus on leadership and strategy. I now follow the 10/80/10 rule, which helps me delegate effectively. This valuable lesson is one that I expand on with my mentees who are ready to scale their own businesses.
From my perspective, unlearning the “do it all on my own” mindset is crucial for any entrepreneur aiming for sustainable success. It requires trust and the humility to accept that a business can’t thrive without collaboration. Letting go of control doesn’t mean losing the vision—it means empowering others to help bring that vision to life while you focus on what you do best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ediestyles.com
- Instagram: @ediestylez
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ediestylez
- Linkedin: edieobrien
Image Credits
Jennifer Denton,