We were lucky to catch up with Zarina Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zarina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Nine years ago, I took a life-changing risk by moving from Kazakhstan to the USA to pursue my dream of working in the fashion industry. It was a leap into the unknown—I had no clear plan, limited resources, and a culture completely foreign to me. I shared a tiny space with multiple roommates, often skipped meals to save money, and faced scams that tested my resilience. But every challenge shaped me, teaching me the value of perseverance and adaptability.

Being exposed to such a different culture was eye-opening. I gained a deeper understanding of people, their diverse perspectives, and how hard they work to chase their dreams. Despite the struggles, my family’s unwavering support kept me going, even when homesickness hit hard.

Initially, I worked in retail and wholesale, gaining insight into the industry. But something felt missing. The turning point came during a shopping trip with my family. I styled everyone within 15 minutes, and they pointed out that I had a talent for it. That moment sparked an idea—I could pursue fashion styling, but it was a completely unfamiliar field.

The fear of failure was real, but I pushed through by taking courses while maintaining my full-time job. It was exhausting, and I sacrificed sleep and free time, but I knew it was worth it. Today, I look back on those challenges as stepping stones that brought me to where I am now, and I’m proud to have taken that risk.

Zarina, 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?

I’m Zarina Williams, a fashion stylist and creative based in Los Angeles. I specialize in helping people—from influencers and retail brands to everyday individuals—enhance their style and wardrobe. My work focuses on solving the problem of confidence when it comes to clothing. I guide my clients on how to wear pieces effectively, advise on structure, and suggest styles tailored to their unique needs and lifestyle.

One of the key things that sets me apart is the personalized approach I bring to every project. For individual clients, I create custom style books that serve as a go-to guide for their wardrobe. For creative projects, I provide competitive pricing, making it accessible for brands and individuals alike to bring their visions to life. I also pride myself on going the extra mile, ensuring that everyone I work with feels happy, confident, and seen.

I’m especially proud of the opportunity to work with multiple influencers, helping them curate looks that align with their personal brands and resonate with their audiences. But whether it’s a high-profile project or helping someone revamp their everyday wardrobe, my ultimate goal is the same: to empower people through style.

For anyone considering working with me, know that I don’t just style clothes—I create solutions. My mission is to make fashion approachable, help clients feel their best, and bring creativity and care to everything I do.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that truly illustrates my resilience is how I balanced working in wholesale while pursuing my dream of becoming a fashion stylist. Styling was a completely new field for me, and I knew I needed to invest time and effort to build the necessary skills. I enrolled in courses to learn the craft, all while managing a demanding full-time job in wholesale.

It wasn’t easy. My days were long and exhausting, starting early with lessons and ending late with assignments and practice sessions. On top of that, I faced self-doubt—wondering if I was good enough or if I could make this transition work. Financial constraints added to the pressure, as I had to carefully budget for courses and materials while maintaining my other responsibilities.

What kept me going was my belief in the impact I could make. Every small milestone—whether it was mastering a styling technique or successfully helping a client—reminded me of why I started. I learned to persevere, focus on the long-term vision, and trust that consistent effort would bring results.

That period of my life taught me that resilience is not about avoiding challenges but about facing them head-on with determination and optimism. It’s a lesson I carry with me in every project, as it reminds me that growth often comes from the toughest moments.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My ultimate goal is to establish a creative studio—a space where I can fully explore and expand my work in fashion and styling. This dream drives my creative journey, motivating me to refine my skills, push boundaries, and offer unique, tailored solutions to my clients.

For me, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about empowering people through style and helping them express their individuality with confidence and creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zarinastyle.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zarina_williams_stylist/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zarina-williams-0235ba173/
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BN64smLtrziiGrzo9

Image Credits

Photo: Jorge Rivas, Ati Shamiva
Models/Clients: Aina, Lauren Norch, Anna Neutrino, Lilia Vesnyanka, Janna Toktomusheva
Makeup and Hair: Leila Makeup Apple City, Lady Donica, Miss Suzanna
Collab stylist: Anastasya Lukinskaya