Today we’d like to introduce you to Zhariah Hubbard.
Zhariah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2018, when I was 20 years old. I’d just moved back to Rochester, New York after attending Tennessee State University for one year. I felt that my mind was more clear and I could think more creatively in Rochester and, at the time it fit the energy and vibe that I needed to help me to grow and prosper. While attending college in Rochester, I was searching for a part-time job and came across an ad for a stylist position at David’s Bridal. Being that I’d never worked in formal wear or retail even, I was a bit nervous about what it would bring, but I was excited! I interviewed and received an offer to work for the company as a new stylist! I’ve known for a very long time that I wanted to work and help people, specifically women. I wanted to help build women’s confidence and push them to love themselves as they are and in their most raw form. What better way to do that than in bridal! It was a perfect fit for me! I worked at David’s Bridal for one year and I had grown to love what I was able to accomplish with my brides and how I played a role in such an important decision and experience.
Fast forward to December of 2019. I knew it was time to level up and challenge myself more. So, one late night at around 2AM, I applied for a job that I wasn’t technically qualified for and took a chance! It was to a little place that is now my bridal home and sanctuary, Impression Bridal Store in Houston, Texas! Coming to Texas, my goal was to push myself more than I ever have creatively! I wanted to be in an environment that catered to every kind of bride and gave brides the full experience that they deserve. To me, working in bridal is more than finding a dress, it is creating a moment that is unforgettable. It is bringing visions to life that brides never could’ve imagined. It’s giving brides the confidence to be themselves and love themselves as they are! I’ve now been working at Impression Bridal for nine months now, and I’ve grown in so many ways. Not only as a stylist but as a person! I’ve had the pleasure of working with multiple different women from different cultures and I learn something new with every appointment that I take.
Being in an environment with supportive people that care so much about the growth of their stylists, I have been able to grow my social media and begin my personal bridal brand “Zhuri Styles”. The Zhuri Styles Brand is a place for brides to see bridal inspiration, participate in giveaways, and learn tips on how to make their bridal gown search easy and stress-free. My goal for Zhuri Styles is to continue to grow and be a helping hand in the bridal industry. I want to continue to represent every kind of woman no matter how they identify. The goal is to continue to showcase true love and true beauty on the inside and out! Once my brides meet me, they become my family, I am not just their bridal stylist! Within the next ten years, my ultimate goal is to open a luxury bridal boutique that caters to ALLL women! A woman should never walk into a store where she does not feel represented, especially for her wedding day. I want to change that!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It most definitely has not, but that has not stopped me. It can be overwhelming at times because you give so much in this industry and sometimes all that you give is still not enough. Clients won’t always be flooding in and sometimes you won’t find what the bride is looking for. It happens, but sometimes it is not meant for me to find a brides gown, our time spent together is for me to help her discover something about herself that she did not know before walking in.. This is why it has to be a personal experience. Connecting with the bride is key, helping her on her journey of finding the one takes time and you just have to be patient. This path is all about patience and listening.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Zhuri Styles Bridal Styling story. Tell us more about the business.
Zhuri Styles is a bridal styling brand. I am here to give brides all of the inspiration, tips, and styling that they need to have their vision come to life on their wedding day. I style bridal looks that are unique to each bride. On social media, I create mood boards as inspiration for brides who aren’t sure how to explain exactly the vibe that they are going for. I provide styling services in my home base, Impression Bridal Store. I’ve created a series called “Styling 101 with Zhuri Styles” on Instagram. I participate in a #WhichDressWednesday on Social Media to show brides all of their options for wedding gowns so that they are aware of where they can shop their look!
I also play the role as a Stylist and Creative Director for bridal and formal wear. I think that my drive to represent a variety of brides sets me apart. There is still a lack of diversity and representation of women of color in the bridal industry and I’ve put myself in the position to show more of that. As a black bridal stylist, I want to show that women of color are loved without struggle and that so many of them are getting married. I want them to be able to look on websites and see themselves represented. I want them to feel when they walk into a bridal shop that they are seen & appreciated.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Good Luck has been having the chance to work with incredible people, connect, and learn from them. I wouldn’t say that there has been any bad luck. A struggle has been, sometimes, staying driven and remembering my purpose. Other times, trying to figure out what do I do next and understanding how to produce that next vision.
Contact Info:
- Address: Impression Bridal Store
3005 West Loop South Suite #100
713-623-4696
Request “Zhariah” for your bridal appointment! - Phone: 585-615-9792
- Email: zhuristylesbridalstyling@gmail.com
- Instagram: Zhuristyles
Image Credit:
Photo by Courtney Hunter (co worker)
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