We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zoe Hennessey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zoe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Some of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on have been the RuPaul’s Drag Race promotional shoots, which I’ve had the privilege of doing for several years now. Unlike standard commercial work, these shoots tap into a completely different creative space – I’m sourcing sequins, feathers, and rhinestones, and helping to bring larger-than-life fantasy concepts to life. But beyond the glitter, it’s meaningful because drag is an art form that’s currently under threat. Being able to support these queens and contribute to something that challenges norms, celebrates individuality, and pushes culture forward feels both important and personal. I’m proud to play a part in that.

Zoe, 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 a fashion stylist and personal shopper based in Los Angeles. I got my start in New York City, where I spent over ten years assisting established stylists and slowly building my portfolio. I picked up whatever jobs I could along the way. Like a lot of creative work, it was tough to maintain a steady income, so after moving to LA, I started taking on personal styling and shopping clients in addition to commercial projects.

Now I do both, and they each offer something different. Most of my styling work is in the commercial and advertising space. I love being part of a creative team, collaborating on set with photographers, directors, and other departments to bring a concept to life. Even after all these years, it still feels exciting to me. There’s a certain energy on set that I really enjoy, and yes, it can be chaotic behind the scenes, but I love it.

On the personal styling side, it’s more intimate. I work one-on-one with individuals, helping them refine their wardrobe, shop for key pieces, or prepare for big events. My clients are often busy professionals or people going through life changes who need help figuring out how they want to present themselves. What’s especially fulfilling is seeing their confidence grow through the process. It’s not just about the clothes, it’s about how they feel in them.

What sets me apart is that I truly listen. I have a strong sense of style, but I also know how to read people and understand what they need even if they don’t know how to explain it. I’m organized, fast, and I know where to find the best pieces for any body type, style, or budget.

I’m proud of the range of work I’ve done from national campaigns and editorial shoots to helping someone feel incredible in their outfit for a milestone event. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that I’m not just about making things look good. I care about the details, I care about the person, and I bring everything I’ve got to every project.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think a lot of people still have a pretty simplified view of what a stylist does. They picture us just shopping at the mall, pulling cute looks, and calling it a day. And yes, shopping is a big part of the job, but there’s so much more to it. Getting a shoot to come together takes an incredible amount of work, and honestly, it can be really stressful.

People don’t always realize how hard it is to nail a creative brief. Clients often think we can just run to a few stores and find everything, but it’s rarely that easy. Sometimes we’re asked for something super specific, like a green fuzzy bikini with matching boots, and that means hours or even days of hunting, online and in-store, sometimes across multiple cities. It’s not just about what exists, it’s about what’s available, in the right size, within budget, and actually fits the creative.

And speaking of size, a huge part of the job is shopping for people we’ve never met, trying to guess their true sizes and envision what’s going to look good on them. That part alone is a skill. On top of that, most stores really do not like stylists. Returns are tricky, timelines are tight, and budgets are strict. We’re constantly problem-solving.

There’s also the physical part of it. Schlepping racks of clothes, steaming everything, packing and unpacking, keeping track of every item so nothing gets damaged or lost. It’s a creative job but it’s also incredibly logistical. We have to think outside the box all the time and we do it because we care and want the final result to look amazing.

I’m not complaining, I love what I do, but it’s definitely more demanding than people realize.

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

For styling, one of the most rewarding things is seeing the finished product out in the world. When I spot something I worked on on the side of a bus, on TV, or on a billboard months after we shot it, it always makes me happy. It reminds me of all the effort that went into it and how it came together.

I also really appreciate when someone from the team takes the time to reach out and thank me or let me know I did a great job. That kind of feedback means a lot because everyone is usually so busy and exhausted on set, so when someone makes the effort to say something, it really sticks with me.

For personal clients, it’s incredibly rewarding to know I’ve made a difference in how someone feels about themselves. They’re always so thankful for my time and input. Sometimes they’ll follow up with a thoughtful message, but the best feeling is when someone new reaches out and says they were referred by a friend I worked with. Knowing my work is appreciated enough to be recommended means a lot.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zoehennessey.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoehennessey/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-hennessey-ba03a58/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@zoehennesseystyle