Meet Charity Lewis of C.LewStyles in Mansfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charity Lewis.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I come from a very religious background; growing up in my household, I often felt like I couldn’t express myself. One reason I could express myself was through being creative with my clothing, especially since I was only allowed to wear dresses and skirts. I never thought my upbringing would influence my path to become a wardrobe stylist.

A few years ago, I attended a stylist boot camp, hosted by J.Bolin. I felt as if I was the person with the least experience in attendance because I had only styled myself and my husband. I knew I wanted to do something with fashion, at that time, I wasn’t sure of the direction I would go into, but wanted to attend the boot camp. The cool thing about this experience is after the boot camp a few months later I got to assist the celebrity stylist and learn more about fashion/styling industry.

My husband and I found out we would be having our first child in 2015. During my pregnancy, I started styling looks for myself and posting to showcase pregnancy can be stylish. I then started receiving inquiries from clients, and in July 2016, I launched my styling business. Since that day, God has opened so many doors for me to work and partner with so many other creatives here in Dallas. A month after my launch photoshoot for my brand, C.LewStyles, I was asked to style my first editorial photoshoot. It was a challenge and I was so nervous, but it was amazing!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been easy. I still have questions daily, whether my processes are the best practices, am I charging too much or too little for my services, etc. I had a nursing degree and didn’t know anything about being a business owner, so I use resources and friends that can assist me with advice and research a lot. Being a business owner is a difficult task, but you have to remain dedicated and research a lot to be successful.

Another struggle is finding partnerships with brands and showrooms. Most brands want to partner with large influencers and celebrities. I’m not either, but I have learned not to let these things discourage me from sending emails or calling brands to ask. I’ve also learned NO, just means “NO,” “not at this time,” but doesn’t mean that this answer will always remain. You have to keep moving forward and don’t ever give up. Work hard and always do your BEST, people will see your work and eventually a “YES” will come.

Please tell us about C.LewStyles.
I’m a wardrobe stylist. I help transform people’s lives by promoting self-confidence and awareness through fashion and styling.

I launched my company in 2016 after I had the idea of starting a nonprofit. When I first started the company, I wanted to develop partnerships with women organizations that helped domestic violence victims and breast cancer survivors to promote self-confidence. I have not reached those partnerships at this time, but that is still one of my goals for my business.

As a wardrobe stylist, my gift is to connect with everyday people, by providing them with a luxury service to help them achieve their goals. I truly believe when you look great, you feel great and you feel like you can conquer whatever comes your way. I am very intentional about how I connect and get to know my clients. I treat my clients like family and with respect, I listen to them and focus on their needs. I believe my caring spirit and nursing background has allowed me to be passionate and careful about people’s feelings and understanding their needs. It’s also taught me how to care for my clients.

I have only been a stylist for three years now and I’m so grateful for the clients and opportunities God has provided me. I started my company on faith- listening to God when he told me to move. Since I started, he has opened so many doors unimaginable to me and blessed me to meet some amazing people along the way. The most proudest moment thus far was styling clients for fashion week and the daytime Emmy award show.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I learn something new everyday. In this industry, I just want to continue to do my research and learn as much as I can to grow and not be afraid to ask questions. The thing I struggled with the most was being timid, but you can’t be timid when you’re an entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.charitylewis.com
• Phone: 469-767-0807
• Email: hello@charitylewis.com
• Instagram: c.lewstyles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gettheclew.business/

Image Credit:
Kauwuane Burton, D Lacy Photography, Cyndi Brown, Harbor Grace Photography, Levi Hicks

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