We recently connected with Laura Spriet Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Being a freelance creative sounds dreamy, but it is extremely hard work. To keep yourself financially supported whilst pursing your craft requires a strict dedication. I’ve been living in New York City for over 6 years as a freelance fashion stylist; styling celebrities to everyday people. I started out as an intern to a fashion stylist here in the city, living off my savings account I had built up from work during high school and college. After a couple months, I became a full-time styling assistant, finally earning enough to cover my rent and basic bills.

A few years later, I decided to take a leap and began to freelance style on my own. With consistent daily effort, I have been able to earn comfortable living off personal styling. In addition to styling, I have recently opened an online vintage store, Ellis Brown (that has all of those staple pieces you’re searching for). For years I have been sourcing stunning condition designer items from all around the world for my clients…One day it clicked – that I should be sourcing these perfect capsule wardrobes to not only my clients, but to everyone.

I would be lying if I said there weren’t days that had me in tears over financial stress, but as an artist you learn how to hustle in your busy periods and take the slow times as moments to recharge, save, and grow your creativity again. And that is extremely difficult to accept; I wish I had understood that sooner rather than wasting precious energy stressing over the things I couldn’t control. You really do to learn the ebb and flow of your industry after a few consistent years.

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 am a fashion stylist and vintage store owner in New York City. I work with celebrity clients on their red carpets, press and magazine shoots, as well as personal clients (everyday people) with their wardrobes and style.

Working with my personal clients is what really inspired my vintage store. I am constantly haunting vintage and consignment stores all over the world for their specific capsule wardrobes (AKA staple clothing pieces) and I found that I wish I could help everyone find that perfect designer piece they’ll have forever AND at a price they can afford.

I truly believe that the better you feel in your clothes the better you feel in life, and the majority of clothing today is quite literally made with chemicals that will harm you, not to mention not built to last. Clothing you wear should be made of natural materials (and no crazy dyes), and it is nearly impossible for me to find clothes in-store today that fit that description. Everything is mixed with stretchy/man-made fabrics and petroleum byproducts, most likely made by underpaid workers. So instead of buying your little black dress at Zara, or your white tees at Uniqlo, find the perfect piece from Ellis Brown or your favorite vintage spot. I guarantee that you will never have to replace it.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best way to support artists is to quite literally engage with their art; by reading their book, walking into their gallery, seeing their movie in theater, reposting their new work on social media, and on and on.

We create for everyone to feel and experience something…and perhaps not always in the way expected. True artists don’t want to be billionaires, they want to leave this earth having felt something more substantial, something deeper – and hope that others grant themselves the freedom to do the same.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Helping others feel their absolute best. As exciting as it is to have fun fittings and play with beautiful one-of-one designer masterpieces, it’s the final result that is the most rewarding.

Everyone’s style, personality and life experiences are different, so aligning and constructing their looks in ways that makes them confident is pure magic. Seeing someone radiate from the inside out because they feel that good brings tears to my eyes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauraspriet.com/
• Instagram: @lauraspriet_
• Other: Vintage Store: @ellisbrownofficial
  Personal Styling Appointment: @emmestyling

Image Credits

Shots of Laura and studio. All photographs courtesy of Evan Brown.