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

Gabrielle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The Style Guru mission is to inspire growth through collaboration versus competition. I believe greater success is achieved by coming together and utilizing shared resources and connections. For over 5 years, I was solely online and found it challenging to stand out in such an overly saturated industry. I decided to launch a brick and mortar location to be able to showcase what sets my brand apart from others as well as provide a space for other local brands to house their products, host pop up shops, and create content. I want to be the business resource for others that I wished for in the beginning and current stages of this entrepreneurial journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was introduced to the world of fashion at an early age. My father would give me a shopping allowance every season and my cousin would take me to the mall to create looks. In fact, I accompanied my cousin on countless mall trips just because she babysat me all of the time. As I grew older, our weekly shopping routines blossomed into my love of style. I started working in retail and pursued an education within the industry. My most influential position was at Nordstrom where I completed my internship and worked in sales for over 10 years. I was exposed to all departments and aspects of the business during my tenure. I also received my Bachelor of Science in Apparel & Textile Design from Michigan State University. Retail hours can be gruesome, so I decided to branch off and apply for a typical 9-5 job in banking. I was successful in the financial industry but my passion for fashion never faded. I was still shopping–perhaps a little too much. To feed my passion, I birthed The Style Guru online as a side hustle. The same thrill I felt curating looks for myself, I felt from styling others as well. I always had hopes of becoming a full time entrepreneur and was catapulted into that position when I tragically lost my father in 2019. I felt obligated to continue his legacy within the business he owned and operated for over 30 years–a wheel and tire shop. Although unsuccessful merely because that industry was not my forte, I learned that I had what it took to become an entrepreneur but in my own lane. From that moment, I was determined to dedicate my focus to The Style Guru. Hence, the store opening Spring 2023.

The Style Guru offers women, men and children’s clothing and accessories as well as personal styling services. We fill a gap that encompasses brand exposure, content creation, and a small event space in one location. Our location is not just about selling clothes but providing a full experience that caters to the community and local brands typically found outside our city limits. We strive on quality, exceptional customer service, internal beauty, integrity and trust.

The Style Guru has styled Grammy award winning artists, been featured in numerous magazines and has collaborated on set of countless photoshoots. When you shop at The Style Guru you can expect must-have style advice, the latest fashion scoop, and wardrobe suggestions that will guarantee a complete look!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Prior to opening my brick and mortar location, I was knee deep in the process of purchasing a well-known franchise. I had completed the executive interview and submitted the initial fee. I opted for this business venture to become a full blown entrepreneur because it was an internationally recognized brand with a proven business strategy. It just felt safer but still my gut would not settle–it required a substantial amount of money without any guarantee. I pondered and prayed, prayed and pondered. Then, I thought if I am going to gamble why not bet on myself. Neither route was guaranteed but I realized the latter avenue felt natural. Creating the business plan and financial projections flowed easily. Whereas, I struggled and procrastinated for days and even weeks completing the same tasks for the potential franchise. It took me less than two hours to curate the vision and foundation for The Style Guru. It was then that I learned, if God instills the passion and gives you the vision, he will surely equip you with the rest.

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

Follows and likes do not equal sales. We live and operate in a world where social media prevails. Initially, I thought providing product to influencers for them to post would guarantee exposure and sales. Wrong! A large following does not always equate to trust and influence. There are some people with less than 5K followers that have more impact than someone with over 100K. I learned that there is no quick road to success. For longevity, the best way is to build your own community and clients by providing a solution to a problem and filling a gap within the market. Moreover, simply being authentic, engaging in genuine interactions and showcasing your knowledge will set you apart while gaining trust and influence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopstyleguru.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/shopstyleguru

Image Credits
RED By Morgan