Today we’d like to introduce you to Kourtney Charles.
Hi Kourtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’ve always had a passion for fashion. From sneaking into my Grandmother’s gaudy earrings and other baubles while getting dressed in her mirror to imaging myself in the clothes that I admired on television. I was always drawn to fashion magazines and the styling aspect of outfits. I credit my mother for introducing me to the world of sustainable fashion. I was in awe of how many amazing items I could find at such an affordable price. My love for thrifting and fashion never wavered. This is something I continued in college and it became a lifestyle for me. It was a game. What great deals can I find and style? While scrolling social media, I randomly saw something about hosting experiences on Airbnb. I figured it was something I would be great at. I loved meeting people and teaching them how to thrift would be a great avenue for that. In 2019 Learn to Thrift at Houston Gems was created. It’s been such an amazing experience. I’ve met so many beautiful souls that I wouldn’t have otherwise met outside of my Experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s never smooth sailing when you’re entering unchartered territories. The most difficult struggle I encountered was during the pandemic. Of course, with the world being shut down this also affected the sustainable fashion industry as well. Individuals didn’t start participating in my experience until the later part of 2020 on a consistent basis. I remained committed to my vision and I knew things would turn around. I’m grateful that I’ve remained booked.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Outside of hosting my Experience with Airbnb, I’m also a wardrobe stylist. I assist individuals with styling clothes they currently have, or style them for a specific event. As a wardrobe stylist, I’m most proud of my ability to work within a client’s budget. I feel the lack of finances should not impede your ability to be stylish. Hence, why I offer “Shop the Closet” sessions. These sessions allow me to work with a client and show them various ways of styling their current wardrobe. What sets me apart from other stylists is that I’m truly committed to meeting the needs of my clients and ensuring they leave better than they came. I understand that fashion is also a correlation of what is felt inside. As a result, I speak life into my clients and we truly build a bond. My desire is for them to feel amazing on the inside and outside as well.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m all about taking risks. Getting on 610 at 5:00during the week in Houston is a risk lol! My stance on risks is taking strategic and smart risks. If the planned risk is unsuccessful, I’ll take it as a learn learned and moved forward accordingly. I always see a “failure” as an opportunity for growth.
Please tell us about StylesbyKourtney.
StylesbyKourtney focuses on the core of the individual and not solely on the clothes. It’s not only about appearing aesthetically pleasing to the eye. In retrospect, it’s about feeling like a million bucks because you’ve done the work inwardly which causes you to exude confidence outwardly. I’m most proud of launching my T-shirt campaign that focuses on bringing awareness to mental health issues and destigmatize the subject by opening the door for conversations. Shirts can be purchased at StylesbyKourtney.com.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently. Everything that happened was supposed to happen and it was a lesson learned.
Contact Info:
- Website: StylesbyKourtney.com
- Phone: 7134597021
- Email: stylesbykourtney@yahoo.com
- Instagram: _stylesbykourtney_
- Facebook: StylesbyKourtney
