We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patrece Wright. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patrece below.

Patrece , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is to help postpartum mamas of color reclaim their identities and live their lives authentically and passionately through personal style. After becoming a mama, I experienced some rude awakenings… I had undiagnosed postpartum depression, living in a city/state with no family, struggling to breastfeed and I just felt so unprepared, traumatized and neglected. I knew that I couldn’t just live in that space, and I had to find a way to “get back to me.” My personal style was my outlet. I was able to get myself on a journey of healing and confidence by dressing for the person I saw my future self as. I dug out of that hole, got rid of the baggage (old clothes) that were no longer serving who I was, and over time, style saved me… and I know it can save many other mamas too. So, that is why this is my mission.

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

I got into the beauty and fashion industry when… honestly, when I was a kid! I had always been into clothes, hair and makeup… playing dress up and styling everyone else, even sketching out some designs. By the time I was in high school, I had big dreams of working for Baby Phat (needless to say, I haven’t done that… yet). So, I went to school and received my associates in Fashion Merchandising. I served many retail stores in leadership positions, dressing mannequins, merchandising stores, putting up window displays and all. I needed more and that pushed me to cosmetology school. I transitioned from retail to beauty, but never left fashion behind. After having my son and going through postpartum depression and then switching to a more “professional” career, I felt the lack of passion in my life. That’s when I started personal styling. I knew I needed my creativity back, but going back into retail was NOT an option. I needed something where I could control my time and truly serve others like me. Now, here I am combining my passion for fashion and beauty. But the greatest part about it is serving the mamas who feel left behind. The services I provide for my clients (closet edits, shopping together, styling, the fitting, etc.) help them to transform through their personal style. Too often we don’t realize the lack of effort (or too much effort) that we put onto our bodies is reflected by the world around us. If you want to be chosen for that promotion, you must look like you already have the position. If you want to go out on a date, you must look approachable. Examples like these are some of the reasons why my clients come to me. They are looking for a physical change, which actually turns mental as well.
I want more mamas to know that they do not have to be a celebrity to have a stylist. You don’t have to be the wealthiest in your group, and you won’t have to throw out all of your clothes, but you will need to be ready to change… and not just your clothes, but your mindset too.
It brings me so much joy to be in the process with my clients. It may sound cliché, but it really is amazing to watch a mama bloom… and this time… it is finally about her.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth, referrals, and actually social media.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Through social media and my email list. I also follow up with my clients after they’ve worked with me to see how they’ve been progressing.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.simonelenetstyles.com
• Instagram: @simonelenetstyles
• Twitter: Simonelenet
• Youtube: Simone Lenet
• Other: Pinterest: simonelenetstyles

Image Credits
Chemberli LaChaille- photographer