Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Newsom.
Hi Kimberly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started in 2009, when I started my online boutique “Fashionably Lethal”, where I specialized in providing high-end costume jewelry and sunglasses. My online boutique was doing very well and then came wardrobe styling. Wardrobe Styling was NEVER on my list of “things to do”, but you never know what God has planned for you, right?
My first client approached me in a local retail store and complimented me on the blouse I was wearing. After a brief interaction, she asked if I would assist her in finding a gown to wear for an event she was having at her home later that week.
I assisted her with finding an entire look for her event and she loved every piece. She then invited me to attend the event and asked had I ever thought about becoming a Personal Shopper. My response? “No, ma’am”. My mind was set on growing “Fashionably Lethal” and my thriving real estate business at the time. See, I was going to be a real estate mogul, but the market crashed and I ended up paying more in Realtor dues than closing deals when the market crashed; so I placed my license in retirement status.
After I declined, she still insisted that I attend her event. I ended up going to the event which turned out to be a gala for affluential medical professionals. She introduced me to her sphere of influence as her Wardrobe Stylist/Personal Shopper and encouraged them to partner with me in business and they did.
She became my first client that night as well as several of her colleagues. That is how I got into the styling business, with a full roster of influential professionals. They are still ACTIVE clients as of today.
Fast forward to today, The “Fashionably Lethal” online boutique has been on a very long hiatus but K. Newsom Style, Thee Global Image and Brand Consultant was birthed. My roster of clients continues to grow.
Many collaborations include Richfresh, Shoe Dazzle, Nicole Miller, Rachel Roy, Memphis Fashion Week, ATL Fashion Week, and Centric Network (R & B Divas), where I partnered with my fellow New Jersey/ATL Wardrobe Stylist Mo Mckenzie.
My sweet spot is Entrepreneurs. I serve Entrepreneurs by helping them stop the scroll on social media and the world wide web by improving their personal and brand image through business, style, and fashion. What does that mean? Simply put, I create the look of their brand(s), hold them accountable, and most importantly, show them that they are essential to us all.
Often times as Entrepreneurs, Mothers, spouses, friends, etc., we pour so much into others that we forget to pour into ourselves and we tend to become dry; a dry and empty vessel. We don’t feel as if we are worthy and that’s truly sad. That’s where I come in. I show you that you are truly needed; in your business and personal life.
I’ve partnered with Nikki Chanel, Owner of Facegyrl and we’ve created Hire Thee Experts. Hire Thee Experts is a one-stop-shop for all things beauty, style, business, self-love, and fashion. Thee Experts’ target audience is Entrepreneurs as well. We help Entrepreneurs spruce up and improve the look of their brands. We also serve clients who are celebrating special milestones such as weddings, graduations, pop-out celebrations, etc.
When you Hire Thee Experts, you can get ready for a full-on production and experience! Get ready to laugh, cry, dance, and look amazing at the same time. It’s definitely an experience anyone can benefit from. Thee Experts have a list of preferred professional photographers, hairstylists, and nail technicians; creating a full glam squad and an experience that will surely be one you will never forget.
Clients have the choice to use their own hairstylists and photographers, so don’t get it twisted. We want our clients to be as comfortable as possible when they HIRE THEE EXPERTS.
The K. Newsom Style brand continues to provide a luxury experience for her clients, partner with like-minded creatives, and help entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses, all while making them look and feel amazing as well as holding them accountable.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has NOT been a smooth road at all! The smooth outweighs the rough for sure! A few challenges along the way from the beginning were, that I was completely winging it. Literally winging it. I knew nothing about the business part of running a styling business… NOTHING! There was no one in the city that would help me.
No one! I had the clients but not the business knowledge on how to structure my business, have effective time management, and how to deal with clients who have a sense of entitlement. In this business, you will come across those who try to treat you like you are “The Help”. I’ll tell anyone who wants to get into the style business, when you come across those types of people, RUN! DO NOT TAKE THEIR MONEY!
Another challenge? Pulling wardrobe! I knew nothing about pulling a wardrobe. I was literally out here using my credit cards and purchasing garments for my clients in hopes they would like them and in some cases, they didn’t. Styling 101: Never use your own money to shop for clients! Get your money and the client’s budget up front!
I had to learn on my own to get out and network with retailers and boutiques and build a solid and RECIPROCAL relationship. I can go anywhere in my city. ATL, Houston, Rodeo Drive, Vegas, and the like and pull wardrobe simply because they know I’m a REPUTABLE AND TRUSTED walking billboard and salesperson for their brand.
As an Image Consultant, I had to get out of my brain that not every client wants to wear what I wear. I had to learn how to style them for their personality and most importantly, their body types. Everyone does not want to wear form-fitting clothing.
Everyone does not want to wear super high heels (although I do my best trying to make them), but I do want to ensure my clients are comfortable… sometimes! Also, all money ain’t good money. You don’t have to take on every potential client that comes your way.
Another challenge was not charging my worth. At the beginning of my styling venture, I was charging a whopping $75 to burn all of my gas, and wear and tear on my vehicle, and my body (lifting and carrying heavy shoes and wardrobe) to make sure my clients looked amazing. Oh, but now?!
You’ve got to invest and the price is the price! In the past, I’ve had people try to bargain with me, and sometimes I did and they were the absolute worst clients ever. When you play yourself cheap, you get cheap and entitled clients. Now, I determine if I want to partner with a potential client.
I don’t take everyone’s money. If I get the vibe that you’re wishy-washy, hard to please, have a sense of entitlement, and/or complain too much, I’ll gladly decline the partnership. Why? Because NOT ONE SOUL will make me hate what I love to do. NOT ONE.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
K. Newsom Style, Thee Global Image and Brand Consultant. I provide a luxury and personal experience through business, fashion, and style to Entrepreneurs who want to stop the scroll on social media and the world wide web, with the end result of creating generational wealth and a roster of return clients.
My sweet spot is the established and aspiring Entrepreneur. I am most proud of having the ability to pull my clients out of their comfort zone, holding them accountable and truly making them feel loved and appreciated.
My 14 years of being in the style and beauty industry; it has opened many doors for my brand. I’ve partnered with several major brands and I’m currently partnering with well-known and established retailer Dillard’s, where I am the top Stylist for the entire corporation. At Dillard’s. I provide a luxury and private shopping experience for clients who want to shop exclusively with Dillard’s.
During these sessions, my clients are provided with a comfy robe, they’re away from the mall crowds, we have cool beverages and lite bites all while they dress up, get styled and we select the best pieces to build their capsule wardrobe. I also host invite-only after-hours events at Dillard’s where we dine, shop, and create business relationships.
What sets me apart from others is that I put in the actual work, remain teachable, serve, show my clients that they are truly needed, and create reciprocal relationships with other creatives and we win… TOGETHER!
What matters most to you?
The self-esteem of my clients is what’s most important. It’s not about the clothes to me; that’s the easy part. What’s most important is how they feel during and after the experience. After every project, happy tears are shed. That’s what it’s about for me.
Pricing:
- $250 – $30,000
Contact Info:
- Email: k.newsomstyle@gmail.com
- Website: www.knewsom.style
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.newsomstyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyNNewsom
- Other: https://linktr.ee/K.NewsomStyle
Image Credits:
Antoine Lever and Erica Dunlap
