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

Hi Tiana , thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Embracing the Unknown: My Journey to Los Angeles for a Styling Career! Taking a risk is never easy, especially when it involves uprooting your life and moving to a city as dynamic and competitive as Los Angeles. For me, this leap of faith was driven by a passion for fashion and a desire to carve out a successful career as a business owner and a Personal Stylist. Moving to Los Angeles for my styling career was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. The decision was driven by a combination of ambition, passion, and the desire to elevate my career in the fashion industry. Leaving behind the familiarity of my hometown, I ventured into the unknown with hopes of making a name for myself in one of the most competitive markets in the world.

Los Angeles, with its vibrant entertainment industry and dynamic fashion scene, offered endless opportunities but also posed significant challenges. I knew the competition would be fierce, with countless talented stylists vying for the same opportunities. The cost of living was another major consideration. L.A. is known for its high rent and overall expensive lifestyle, which meant that financial stability would be a constant concern until I established myself.

Despite these challenges, the potential rewards were too great to ignore. The city is a hub for celebrities, fashion events, and photo shoots, providing a platform that could catapult my career to new heights. The chance to work with high-profile clients and collaborate on major projects was a dream worth pursuing. Upon arriving in L.A., I faced immediate hurdles. Networking was essential, and building a solid client base from scratch required persistence and resilience. There were moments of doubt, especially when faced with rejections or when gigs were scarce. However, each setback fueled my determination to succeed.

Through relentless networking, continuous learning, and seizing every opportunity that came my way, I began to carve out a niche for myself. Slowly but surely, my efforts started to pay off. I landed styling gigs for photo shoots, fashion shows, and even a few red carpet events. These opportunities not only enhanced my portfolio but also built my reputation within the industry.

The risk of moving to Los Angeles for my styling career taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of taking bold steps to achieve one’s dreams. It wasn’t an easy journey, but the experience has been incredibly rewarding. Today, I look back on that decision with pride, knowing that the risk I took was instrumental in shaping my career and bringing me closer to my aspirations. I was able to release my website Charlie Noir and build a name for myself.

Tiana , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the world of styling began with a deep-seated passion for fashion and a keen eye for aesthetics. From a young age, I found myself captivated by the way clothing could transform not just appearances but also the way people felt about themselves. This fascination led me to pursue a degree in fashion Styling, where I honed my skills and developed a strong foundation in the industry.

After graduation, I started working as an assistant stylist, which provided invaluable hands-on experience. I learned the intricacies of the trade, from understanding clients’ needs to coordinating outfits for photo shoots and fashion shows. This experience was crucial in shaping my approach to styling and gave me the confidence to branch out on my own.

Today, as a professional stylist based in Los Angeles and Austin Texas, I offer a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of my clients. These services include personal styling, wardrobe consulting, and event styling. Whether it’s for a red carpet event, a photo shoot, or everyday wear, my goal is to help clients look and feel their best. I also provide custom styling services for brands, helping them create cohesive and visually appealing looks for their campaigns and marketing materials.

One of the key problems I solve for my clients is the challenge of finding the perfect outfit that reflects their personality and enhances their confidence. Many people struggle with putting together looks that are both stylish and appropriate for various occasions. I take the time to understand each client’s unique style preferences, body type, and lifestyle, crafting personalized looks that highlight their best features and align with their individual tastes.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my personalized approach and commitment to building lasting relationships with my clients. I believe that great styling goes beyond just picking out clothes—it’s about creating a positive and empowering experience for the client. My dedication to understanding each client’s needs and my ability to curate looks that truly resonate with them have been pivotal in my success.

I am most proud of the positive impact my work has had on my clients’ lives. Seeing the transformation in their confidence and the joy they feel when they see themselves in outfits I’ve styled is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder of why I love what I do and fuels my passion for styling.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is driven by a genuine love for fashion and a desire to help people express their best selves through their style. My brand is built on a foundation of creativity, authenticity, and a commitment to excellence. Whether you’re looking for a complete wardrobe makeover or just need guidance for a special event, I’m here to make sure you look and feel amazing.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Several factors have contributed to building my reputation in the market as a stylist:

Consistency and Quality: Delivering consistent, high-quality styling services has been essential. Each client interaction is treated with care and attention to detail, ensuring that every outfit curated reflects my expertise and the client’s unique style.

Networking and Relationships: Building strong relationships within the industry has been crucial. Networking with photographers, designers, makeup artists, and other professionals has not only led to collaborative opportunities but also endorsements and referrals.

Portfolio and Showcase: A strong portfolio showcasing my work has been instrumental. It serves as a visual testament to my skills and capabilities, demonstrating the range of styles and projects I’ve successfully executed.

Client Satisfaction and Word-of-Mouth: Satisfied clients who feel empowered and confident in their styled looks often become vocal advocates for my services. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations have been a powerful tool for attracting new clients and establishing credibility.

Adaptability and Trends Awareness: Staying current with fashion trends and being adaptable to different styling needs has been important. Whether it’s a celebrity event, editorial shoot, or everyday wardrobe update, being able to meet diverse client demands effectively enhances my reputation.

Professionalism and Reliability: Consistently demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic has built trust with clients and industry peers alike. This reliability ensures that clients feel secure in entrusting their styling needs to me.

Personal Branding and Marketing: Effectively communicating my personal brand through online platforms, social media, and industry events has helped to increase visibility and credibility. Consistent branding reinforces the qualities and values that define my styling approach.

Overall, building a strong reputation in the market as a stylist has been a combination of delivering exceptional service, nurturing relationships, and effectively showcasing my skills and creativity.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been word-of-mouth referrals and recommendations from satisfied clients. When a client is pleased with my styling services, they often share their positive experience with friends, family, and colleagues who may be seeking similar services. This organic form of marketing is powerful because it comes from a trusted source and carries significant credibility.

In addition to word-of-mouth, leveraging social media platforms has also been instrumental. Platforms like Instagram allow me to showcase my portfolio, share styling tips, and engage with a broader audience interested in fashion and styling. By consistently posting high-quality content and interacting with followers, I’ve been able to attract new clients who discover my work through these channels.

Networking within the industry has also played a pivotal role. Attending fashion events, industry parties, and collaborating with other professionals such as photographers, makeup artists, and designers has not only expanded my network but also led to referrals and collaborative opportunities.

Moreover, maintaining a professional website and online presence has been essential. A well-designed website serves as a centralized hub where potential clients can learn about my services, view my portfolio, and easily get in touch. This online visibility helps to establish credibility and makes it convenient for clients to reach out and book consultations.

Lastly, offering exceptional customer service and ensuring that each client feels valued and understood has been crucial. By providing a personalized experience and exceeding expectations, I’ve been able to foster long-term relationships with clients who return for repeat business and refer others to my services.

Overall, combining these strategies—word-of-mouth referrals, social media presence, networking, a professional website, and exceptional customer service—has been effective in steadily growing my clientele and establishing a strong reputation in the styling industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charlienoir.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlienoirrr/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tianavee4993

Image Credits

Photographer: Diana Driver.