We recently connected with Jasmin Machell and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmin, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Unknowingly, I have always been a wardrobe stylist. When I was in middle school, my mom and I would plan out the first month of outfits for school and take polaroid pictures of each look.

I can remember spending hours with my friends putting outfits together for basketball games, parties and cookouts throughout high school. During my Senior year summer, we would shop at Goodwill and Plato’s Closet before going to any party, never wanting to repeat an outfit.

College is where I discovered my true love for sustainable fashion through thrifting and vintage sourcing. I was working as a Claims Adjuster while attending school full time. My job was conveniently located right across the street from a mall and down the street from what became my favorite thrift store. When payday hit, you know exactly where I was going!

My co-worker and I developed such a routine that we knew when the sales were. We would scope out what we wanted the day before and go back the next day on our lunch break to get everything we wanted. Many of the vintage pieces in my personal collection today, I obtained in those years.

I discovered wardrobe styling was a viable career option when I was 21! Fresh out of college and I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I was completely fascinated by the idea of curating looks, as a job. I shadowed a local stylist during the prep of her fashion show and it sold me on the whole career.

Shadowing gave me the confidence to put myself out there to get an opportunity to be a styling assistant for NYFW. I assisted designers such as Stevie Boi, Temraza, Tisharth by Shivani in my two seasons of working in NYFW. During that time, I was also managing a branding agency, J. Machell, where we develop ‘purposefully stitched’ brands in the beauty, fashion, health & wellness industries.

Things slowed down a bit for J. Machell when the pandemic hit in Spring of 2020 and I was kind of lost on what to do with my career. I pivoted back towards styling fully and shifted my attention to Tailored Looks. Part of the reason I named the brand ‘Tailored Looks’ was because I imagined having the ability to alter clothes to look how I wanted, with no limitations. I knew I needed to learn to sew.

I took classes at the local library and connected with a seamstress who was willing to share her knowledge and time. I quickly was able to create the ideas I dreamed about.

The culmination of my experiences in business has helped me to get where I am today. During my entrepreneurial journey, I have learned that taking the time to set a firm foundation and building valuable relationships in the beginning, sets you up for major success along the way.

I still feel like I’m just getting started, but the journey thus far has been one that I have so much gratitude for.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Tailored Looks is a premium sustainable brand and service. We offer wardrobe styling for both personal and editorial projects as well as produce upcycled garments and accessories. Due to our team’s diverse skill set, we are able to offer a customizable and convenient experience to meet our clients needs.

We are most excited about rework and storytelling projects. I got into this industry because fashion has always been an outlet for me to express myself, one where I can really let go and create. For me, any project that allows collaboration and creative freedom is a dream come true.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I can confidently say that I’m still working out the kinks of building a social media presence. Though my audience isn’t the biggest however, when I began focusing on building community, is when I began seeing success.

For those just starting out, I would say to put a plan in place and stick with it. Give your plan a fair amount of time to actually work. Social media is not something that you just ‘get’ on the first day. With the algorithm constantly being updated, results come with time and consistency. I’m really speaking to myself when I say this but, keep focused on what you’re doing and try not to let the success of others distract you from your mission.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

“Get Noticed. Be Remembered.,” helps you to recall things that make up the essence of who you really are. As I was reading, memories of the big dreams I had as a child and even a young adult began to come up and gave me clarity on what truly brings me joy today. I realized that my interests haven’t changed much from when I was a kid but they just evolved.

The realization brought clarity of my current goals and the courage to pursue them fully.

Contact Info:

• Website: tailoredlks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailoredlks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailoredlks

Image Credits
Pineapple Goddezzz, LLC