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

Hi Lauryn, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
For me personally, I am a loyal person so I make things work longer than the window should be open. I am also aware that if my heart is no longer in it, It can become unbearable, I have a hard time focusing, putting my all into the business and producing fruition for that business. There is always a knowing of what to do that happens. Back in 2014, I had to make a tough choice of whether I would step down from my jewelry making business and focus on my styling business or if I was going to somehow make both work, even if my heart wasn’t in it to make jewelry any longer. I ended up stopping the jewelry making business. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t able to stay in the creative field. I took the know how of creating and started putting all of my effort into my wardrobe styling business instead. (And later down the road, it led me to opening an Etsy shop once more and dabble in creativity and ingenuity making wearable & useful items. As well as working at a wonderful small business called WRARE as team member and social media manager.) It has given me little avenues of opportunity, growth, wisdom & experience I wouldn’t necessarily have had if I had I not quit something that didn’t really spark joy for me. Sometimes we just need to pivot, adjust & expand to grow. It may feel as if you are giving up, but really you’re positioning yourself for greatness!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a wardrobe stylist. Personal stylist. Fashion stylist. Whatever you would like to call it! Lol. I basically tell people what to wear. Now there’s a lot that actually goes into styling. My most favorite thing about being a stylist is the fact that when you’re working with a client, you experience this light bulb moment, seeing them achieve a 180° attitude after seeing themselves in a new, updated light. Styling is actually on a deeper level than one might think. For starters, it’s an intimate process with each client. They are essentially entrusting me with their closets, style, insecurities and budgets. Also, each client has different needs, wants and desires. One may want to go minimalistic and have a curated closet and another client could want the complete opposite and go maximalist all the way. As a stylist, I have to know ultimately what is a great system for each individual client I work with, whether it be with shopping with the client or going through their closet. I also work on photoshoots and runways when I can. My favorite was a photoshoot in honor of THE END IT MOVEMENT. It’s an organization to help abolish human slavery. Given that styling is a service and often times referred to as freelance, you count on people coming to you for help with their wardrobe, but sometimes it’s a waiting game to see when your next client will call you for help. Building and maintaining a client list has been my hardest challenge so far. New things are definitely on the horizon. You just have to re adjust and roll with the punches. How I got to where I am today took courage, hard work and persistence. And I’m not even finished yet. It’s not always easy, but I guarantee you that it is worth it, despite the challenges & insecurities you may face. What I want the world to know is that I have your best style interest at heart. I love empowering humans to love what they wear. I love when you can see the glow after working with a client, the way they hold themselves and their overall demeanor has changed for the better! It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you were apart of such a wonderful moment. ❤

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Hmm, that’s a great question.
• I would say to check out Eatzi’s, especially if they’re flying into DFW airport. They have great tasting food.
• South main in Fort Worth, they have such fun, cool and local shops to visit.
• You should definitely check out Summer Moon Coffee or Craftwork coffee while you’re at it.
• WRARE homewares & gifts is pretty awesome to checkout.
• The Beacon cafe on the Hicks Field airport for breakfast is pretty tasty.
• Taking a hike at the Eagle Mountain National Park is sure to be fun.
• Both The Kimball and the Modern art museums are worthy choices, and Cafe Modern is sure to whet your appetite.
• Going to Deep Ellum? Stop by my friends at Flea Style, they have such cute and unique finds.
• Go to HG Sply, their cauliflower fried rice is bomb.com!
• Enjoy a cuppa Joe at la la land kindness cafe.
• and a trip to North Park center, this is the best mall in the metroplex, filled with stores like Madewell, Zara, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus to get your retail therapy on.
• The first Monday Trade days in Canton Texas is wonderful, also stopping at Dairy Palace for a clean restroom and for a great tasting buffalo burger. Then set off for bargains, antiques and unique finds from the Madhatter Mercantile and a few stores around them.
• Lastly, go to Downtown FW on the last day and dine at Reata. The best Texan food around!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well first off, my parents. They never once said that they were disappointed in me for not continuing with making jewelry. My mom was actually the first one that could tell that my heart just wasn’t in it. But she knew styling was my passion. Next would be Susan Huston, she has taken me under her wing and has shown me the ropes preparing for a smooth sailing runway show. She has also set my mind at ease and encouraged me when freelance work is slow. My friend Leanna Rae has been my cheerleader many many times, and she continues to do so. She’s quite wise and I listen when she speaks, because I always get a lil truth nugget from her. My friend Sarah Anna Hansen, she encourages me to branch out, try new things, set goals and be super attentive to the business side of things. She encourages me greatly to see my worth in what I do. You need strong people around you, because the entrepreneurial life isn’t for the faint of heart.

Website: www.styledbyryn.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/styledbyryn
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/laurynbray
Facebook: www.facebook.com/styledbyryn
Youtube: www.youtube.com/styledbyryn
Other: www.etsy.com/shop/lifestylebyryn

Image Credits
Kimberly Peloquin Sarah Anna Hansen