Meet Bonnie Smith | Wardrobe Stylist/ Closet Design

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonnie Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie, what do you attribute your success to?
Client Results. In my opinion, everything else comes after. Upon meeting with a client, I pay very close attention to their needs and problems they are currently facing in their wardrobe. From there, I devise a closet/style plan along with timeline to elevate their style or closet. Done. Without being a client focused business, it is very easy to get caught up in the insignificant details or formalities of social media, marketing, non-productive tasks etc. The goal for me is a happy client that will share their experience with others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The art of wardrobe styling is a skill that develops and builds over time. Yes there are fundament basics on how to construct the “perfect look” but there is a beautiful nuance that comes with every individual client. Just like any creative, I can take a multitude of pieces and create an empowering outfit. Im proud to say that today I have a thriving business. I books months in advance, have 12 brand partnerships and counting, and my daily routine leaves me very fulfilled.

I learned from the age of 20 that I had an eye for fashion and was great on the retail sales floor. Not because I talk clients into buying, but because I could learn their preferences and anticipate the need. It was not always easy starting out, I was young and self supporting. Working 40 hours a week retail hours, on commission pay. You can bet there were times I struggled to pay bills and at the time I had no specific direction. Over time I learned to stay focused on my clients and thinking big. I can’t express this enough, that when you think in the box and limit yourself, you are limiting your growth. People throw around the phrase “know your worth.” Being an entrepreneur there are zero guarantees, only you vs. you. It’s so important to be willing to do everything it takes to make the business run. I am literally not “above” any task when it comes to my work. Yes, later you may delegate or optimize but there’s not room for ego or laziness haha.

What I would like for others to know about my brand is that it empowers the lives of women and men in so many ways. Fashion can be viewed with so much vanity. Yes, this is a very luxury service that I provide, but over the years I have seen confidence lifted and my clients overcome challenges simply because they feel amazing about their look. We all carry self doubt to some degree and we also know the feeling we get when we know we are putting our best foot forward. Incredible!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Shopping at Highland Park Village. Lunch at True Foods kitchen followed by Sprinkles cupcake in Preston Center
Skinrx Dallas or Southlake for a custom facial.
Maybe walk to Perot museum and Clyde Warren Park after.
Dinner at Jalisco Norte (Oaklawn) so cozy and under the radar vibes.
After dinner drinks and people watching (mocktails for me) at either The Ritz Carlton bar or Javier’s cigar bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many! Neiman Marcus for their support and enthusiasm throughout my career. My mother, who is a beautiful example of resilience and kindness. Tiffany Blackmon, a very talented friend and loyal client that has given me an abundance of support and promotion the last few years! Amber Tice, my fab branding Photographer, because her imagery has provided me a cohesive story of what I do and love in my business. Family, friends, cousins.

Website: www.shopwithbonnie.com

Instagram: @shopwithbonnie

Image Credits
Amber Tice Photography