Today we’d like to introduce you to LD, Lauren Draffin.
Hi Lauren, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’ve always been a tom boy and loved playing sports, but ultimately fashion stole the show. My first job at age 16 was in retail, which led my degree in fashion merchandising.
I moved to NYC after graduating and my entire life trajectory was forever changed. I was a showroom sales rep, sold multiple lines, and traveled often. I was a southern gal in northern city and felt like I had a lot to prove, so I learned quick. In addition to working the ‘wholesale’ side of the industry, I took on a management role at a fashion + tech startup company – I’ve always loved technology and marketing so this really aided in my overall appreciation for brand development and ultimately, entrepreneurship.
I was thriving. I bought a French bulldog, moved in with new roommates, and continued my hustle… until I was diagnosed with shingles, so back South I came in 2012. In Memphis, I continued to grow my experience within the fashion industry by buying women’s apparel for a high-end retailer, then transitioning to selling men’s custom clothing, which led to my passion for styling both men and women. In 2016, I leaped and launched my wardrobe styling business full-time called ‘Styled by LD.’
I’ve worked with individuals, celebrities, corporations, local businesses and brands, retail partners, and the most recent being fine arts students at The University of Memphis. In 2020, my business partner Monte Stewart and I officially launched our brand called ‘Beg & Borrow Apparel.’ We sell our women’s ready-to-wear collection at a local retailer, Shelby Jewel, and offer our custom clothing for men at Joseph MEN.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been very fortunate to have grown my styling business as quickly as I did. At the time, fashion styling was so new and there wasn’t the level of saturation that there is today. Staying up to date on trends and industry etiquette is a daily hustle, and so crucial in this visual world of fashion. Memphis has been good to me, and I will continue to put back into Memphis. The struggles made me a harder worker and overall a better businesswoman. I make the decision to get back up when i’ve failed, because I would rather learn from each experience than let it stop me. I genuinely want to know it all, hence my desire to work with a younger generation of creatives, different communities and unexpected collaborations.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Thank you!! Basically, I make the struggle of ‘getting dressed’ painless. Every individual has a strength, so learning each client to maximize on that focus instead of weaknesses, we are able to change the narrative. I essentially branded myself ‘LD’ upon starting my styling business and the name and recognition stuck.
I work with individuals through personal shopping, merchandising sessions, image assessment, branding shoots, overall wardrobe management, and event and bridal styling. Additionally, supporting locally-owned businesses and brands has become my platform, so launching a local apparel brand was a natural ‘level up.’ Beg & Borrow gives the gift of customization and sustainable versatility – the client makes the fit their own, and not the other way around. “Wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you!”
Through this entire journey of planting my business roots in Memphis, I would say the pace, outside-the-box mentality, and minimal southern tendencies set me apart… and my style! Memphis is a pool of creatives, and that is the bigger picture for me to expose the talent in this city.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
A few… Always have a backup plan, everyone is replaceable, and give credit where credit is due, period.
Contact Info:
- Email: ld@styledbyld.com
- Website: https://www.
styledbyld.com/ | https://www. begandborrowapparel.com/ - Instagram: instagram.com/
styledbyld
Image Credits
Carmeon Hamilton and Colin Chapman
