Meet Lauren Frank | Wardrobe Stylist

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

Hi Lauren, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Deciding to prioritize my emotional and mental well-being above the fear of being a single parent to my two young children. Taking this leap to embrace peace has gifted me with the tenacity to keep pushing forward towards my business goals and fully celebrate the impact of every success with overwhelming gratitude.

What should our readers know about your business?
First, I’m in the business of dressing people, but ultimately, I am in the business of confidence building. How we dress our bodies is an extension of who we were created to be and how we were created to feel about ourselves and NOTHING feels better than confidence. Whether that is being able to breathe new life into existing pieces, adding to an existing wardrobe, or creating looks for specific events or travel, my heart for creating an energizing and enjoyable process for my clients is the fuel of my business. I am a fresh set of eyes that brings collaborative creativity to pull out the innate sense of style that does in fact exist in each one of us. I find it, I hone in on it and my clients OWN it.

I consider being able to connect with people and meet them where they are a strong suit of mine. I am my client’s biggest fan as well as their loudest supporter and advocate. Once I dress you, you’re kind of stuck with me. It is an intimate space, letting someone into your closet. There is more emotion housed there than I think people realize. It takes a great deal of trust to let me in that space. I am here for it and don’t take it for granted. I think that is what sets me apart.

I had been styling my friends and family for years… dressing them for occasions, taking them shopping, putting my creative spin on items they already owned. When a major life change presented an opportunity to take my passion for dressing people and turn it into a career, I had two friends (also first clients) spur me forward. Their confidence in me was not only contagious but it lit a fire to pursue styling as a profession. It also gave me the freedom to work around my two kids and their busy schedules (because “Mom” is my most important job title). That “go” moment was incredibly scary but ended up being so rewarding. Slowly but surely I developed a client base from referrals. Gaining traction was so encouraging and life-giving to me (I am happiest when I am getting to be creative and was freaking PUMPED people were enjoying my efforts to elevate their personal style). Of course there are ebbs and flows… like in any small business there are days you question if you matter and are making a difference. But trusting in my abilities and BELIEVING in my brand and what I want to create for people helps me to lean into that fear and hustle like crazy. It doesn’t just happen. It’s a ton of work.

I want the world to know that getting dressed can be freaking fun. It is also secondary to whatever else we have going on in our busy lives, so should only enhance our sense of self, not fight against it. I’m here to make you a believer in said fun, so let’s get in your closet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend in Arkansas is out there rolling her eyes reading this because she knows my favorites spots are GOSPEL and we don’t stray from the favorites…

Breakfast and Cultivar coffee at Origin Kitchen and Bar. Always bar seats. Never main dining. Shopping at Beatnik Fine Goods in Bishop Arts. Taco Joint tacos, chips and queso, always. Louie’s for the absolute best pizza and martinis in Dallas. Rinse. Repeat.

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?
I have so much love and support it is UNREAL. I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to two of my best friends who pushed me HARD to take my love for dressing people from a hobby to a career. Without their constant cheerleading and connecting me to other people in the industry, I definitely don’t think I would have had as much courage starting out!

Instagram: @stylebylaurenfrank

Other: Email: stylebylaurenfrank@gmail.com

Image Credits
Alyssa Cates Studio