Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleigh Hill.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Caleigh. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising. After graduation, I moved to Dallas and became a personal stylist at Trunk Club. I was living my dream of working in the fashion industry and styling both men and women. My heart knew this was exactly what I was meant to do. I loved meeting new people and helping clients improve their confidence through style and fashion. After a year at Trunk Club, I chased another dream by moving to the fashion capital, Italy. I was captivated by their stylish culture and it inspired me to keep educating myself and pursuing my dreams in the fashion world.
After two years of exploring and enjoying the European lifestyle, I moved back to Texas. The adjustment moving back to the states was not an easy one. Unemployed, single, and living with my parents, I struggled with finding myself and my purpose. I spent months searching and applying to jobs, the rejections felt never ending. I just needed A JOB, any job, thankfully God answered my prayers with an opportunity to work at a small boutique. A couple of months later, another door opened at a high end retails sales job (YAY!). I accepted the position and moved to West Lake Hills in Austin. Unfortunately COVID hit two months later and I lost my job. I was devastated. I felt like I’d finally taken one step forward and yet somehow ended up two steps backwards. Through those tough times & personally suffering from depression I have become a mental health advocate and hope to raise awareness through my business.
I continued to lean on my Faith and little did I know, God had a bigger plan for me through all the setbacks. I found myself collaborating and styling for various photoshoots. At the time I wasn’t charging for my services but I saw a future (and need) with what I was doing. During COVID, I (well, we all) had lots of time to reflect and dig deep into who I am and who I wanted to become. I believe God gives us passions on purpose and when you follow them He will open up doors you never knew were possible. I am beyond grateful for the doors He opened for me. I’m 27, my own boss, doing what I love; meeting and helping people through my passion for fashion. Life is good!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning your own small business, there are constant struggles. But they are needed for growth! My biggest struggle has been marketing my business + services with retail taking such a big hit during COVID. Events are being canceled, people are losing their jobs, and weddings have been postponed. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s been a big challenge. I’ve had to be creative and find ways to still serve my clients. Virtual Styling has been a hit! People still need to look put together via-zoom. It’s been fun helping clients virtually! Working through their wardrobe and finding pieces they forgot about, didn’t know how to style or were “bored with”. I really enjoy helping re-style those pieces and watching them fall back in love with their wardrobe.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Let’s start by saying I’m the baby of five kids. With five kids comes LOTS of personalities! From sharing….everything, to battling over the last bowl of cereal and occasionally getting locked out of the house by your older siblings, there was never a dull moment. I look back at my childhood thankful for having multiple siblings because without them I wouldn’t be who I am today.
Please tell us about CHILLANN Styling.
I’m a wardrobe stylist for all events + weddings + personal needs and style both men and women.
I help clients refine their style through in-home closet assessments and virtual styling sessions. My goal is to help clients discover a new style and fall back in love with their existing wardrobe.
Weddings have been my newest niche of styling. I saw brides and their inevitable overwhelming to-do list and knew I could take one thing off their plate by offering my services to the bride + groom and their wedding party.
My goal with styling is to educate my clients on their body shape and how to style clothing to fit their body and personality. Whether it’s rediscovering your confidence or finding that look for a special day. I look forward to inspiring and helping people through my love for fashion.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @chillannstyling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chillannstyling/
Image Credit:
Gracie Byrd Jones – @graciebyrdjones (styling pictures)
Amber Godsey @amberrrshops (headshot)
Sophie Epton @thesophiepton (groom photo on boat)
Jessica Scott @jessicascottphoto (bride + Bridesmaid photo)
Anastasia Strate @anastasiastratephotography (engagement shoot with dog photo)
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