For many, fashion is just about clothes, but for Gemma, it has always been about so much more—self-expression, confidence, and transformation. With a background in visual merchandising for renowned brands like Karen Millen and M&S, Gemma has spent years understanding how clothing shapes perception and tells a story. Now, she’s on a mission to help others embrace their personal style and feel their absolute best.
Gemma’s journey into personal styling wasn’t an overnight decision. Though her love for fashion started in her teenage years, it wasn’t until 2018 that she truly saw it as a career path she wanted to pursue. Balancing her styling business alongside her role as an NHS Wales Administrator, she’s working towards her ultimate goal—turning her passion into a full-time career.
In this blog, Gemma shares her experiences, challenges, and aspirations in the world of personal styling. From her own signature bold and feminine style to the rewarding feeling of seeing a client’s confidence transform, her story is one of dedication, growth, and a deep love for helping others.
Q: Hi Gemma, it’s wonderful to have you here! I’m excited to hear all about your journey and what life has been like juggling your styling business and your corporate role. I would love to know what you did before becoming a stylist?
I was a visual merchandiser with Karen Millen for 8 years. I then became a visual merchandiser for M&S for 3 years. I have always been creative; even my very first job at 16 was in a local craft shop.
Q: That’s such an interesting career journey, Gemma! Your background in visual merchandising must have given you a great eye for style and presentation. What age were you when you decided to become a stylist?
A: Fashion and styling have always been with me, so from about 14-16, but I have really wanted to make this my career since about 2018.
Q: That’s amazing! It’s clear that fashion and styling have been a huge part of your life for so long. Why did you feel personal styling was the job for you?
A: Personal styling for me is bringing back the confidence of women. Teaching them how to dress for their body shape, choosing pieces that will flatter them, and explaining why this works. I also felt that personal styling fitted me, as I love helping people, and seeing that little spark ignite again when they learn how to dress again is priceless.
Q: That’s such a wonderful reason. Helping people feel confident in themselves is so powerful How does your personal styling business fit into your life?
A: I currently work my personal styling business around my part-time job. I work it with the pockets of time I can find. It has given me the opportunity to still work and get income but build my business to ensure long-term stability to create a full-time business.
Q: That sounds like such an exciting journey. It’s great that you’re making it work alongside your current role while building towards your goal. What’s the best thing about being a personal stylist?
A: For me, it’s about teaching people it’s not just about the clothes; it’s about how you feel in them. Seeing someone’s face light up when they realise they look good in their clothes because they have learned how to dress for their body shape is priceless. Every client is has their own unique journey with clothing, which I also find fascinating
Q: It’s such a rewarding feeling, isn’t it? When people embrace their style and see how clothes can empower them rather than overwhelm, it’s like unlocking a new level of confidence. So, what’s been the greatest challenge in your styling career so far?
A: One of my greatest challenges so far in my styling career is gaining a steady flow of clients. While my persistence, expertise, and passion for what I do keep growing and I keep learning, it can only get better and stronger!
Q: That’s a huge challenge, but also an exciting one! Gaining clientele and expanding is key to building a sustainable business, something we worked through in the 3-month mastermind. More of a personal question: how would you describe your own style?
A: Lots of prints (especially leopard print), bold and bright colours. I am a mixture of bold print with a touch of romantic and feminine, as I do love a bit of lace and frill.
Q: That sounds like such a fun and vibrant style! Mixing bold prints with a touch of romantic femininity creates such an interesting contrast. It’s great that you embrace both boldness and softness in your wardrobe. Moving onto our community, you are part of our stylist community. What do you enjoy the most about this?
A: I have only been a part of this community recently, but what I have seen I love. Positive people helping one another out with queries and advice at hand. We are just helping one another, but you feel part of a great community.
Q: That’s wonderful to hear! It’s amazing how being part of a positive and supportive community can make such a difference. It’s great that you’re finding value in the shared advice and support. Now moving onto training, if you have completed any training courses with The Image Consulting Company, how did you find the training?
A: Excellent! So informative, with everything simply explained and laid out well and understandable too! Help is always at hand if it’s needed, and Emmeline is a fountain of priceless knowledge.
Q: That sounds like a fantastic experience! It’s great when training is not only informative but also easy to follow and understand. What advice would you give someone who was considering personal styling as a job?
A: Please consider it; it is such a rewarding career, and to make people happy and smile again from coming from a lost place is a priceless thing. It will bring you joy!
Q: That’s such a heartfelt response! It’s incredible how personal styling can make such a positive impact on someone’s confidence and outlook. Helping people rediscover themselves is truly special. What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of your journey?
A:The journey will be tough, but some of the things I have learned along the way.
- Not every client is the right client. I always remember Emmeline saying that people will choose their person. We may live all in the same area, but people will be drawn to the people who they can relate with most, which is so true!
- Personal branding and social media are a whole new skill set we have to learn alongside your styling business.
- Success will take time, but keep going with it and don’t give up! As it will all be worth it in the end.
Q: That’s such valuable advice! The tough moments can feel overwhelming at times, but the rewards make it all worth it in the end. For the last question, what does the future hold for you?
A: Expanding and creating a styling community. The goal is to host a Style & Confidence Showcase where local boutiques come together, stylists come together and we have a variety of guest speakers on a panel from various backgrounds (styling, makeup, fitness, cooking). The one thing I want from these showcases is that every stall, every stylist, and every guest speaker that attends will give each customer who attends some valuable information to take away or expand their knowledge and give them a boost.
That sounds like an amazing vision for the future! Expanding and creating a styling community with such a diverse range of experts is a brilliant idea. It’s incredible to think about how much value those gatherings will bring, connecting like-minded professionals and inspiring others. Wishing you all the best as you bring this vision to life.
Thank you for sharing your insights and journey with us—it’s been inspiring to hear your thoughts and experiences. The future looks bright, and I’m sure your community will thrive!
To connect with Gemma, you can visit her website here
