Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is personal and celebrity stylist Kim Appelt, who’s garnered a reputation as one of Canada’s leading experts on fashion and style with a number of years working with Hollywood elite, affluent clientele, as well as notable fashion brands such as Saks, Jenny Bird, Pink Tartan…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I own and operate StyleByKimxo, my personal and celebrity styling company. I have a passion for helping men and women feel confident by helping them find their sense of style.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
My inspiration for styling started as a child, first with my Barbie, then with my little sister. In my teens, my friends would come over before a night out and I would hunt through my closet for outfits to re-style them before we left the house. Later I gained more interest when I started modelling. Looking back, it was a natural progression.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Thus far the most memorable moment in my career was three years ago when I dressed my first celebrity for the Daytime Emmys in Los Angeles.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
In five years I want to be a motivational speaker for young women, talking to them about following their dreams and setting themselves up for success. In 10 years I want to have my own fashion line, helping to empower men and women to look and feel their best. In 20 years I would love to help my daughter follow in my footsteps if she wants.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
The only secret to success is hard work, dedication, and being gracious along the way.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I support The Heart and Stroke Foundation. My mom had a stroke last year, and it had a monumental impact on our family, so for me it means a lot to be able to support such a great organization
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I am a mother of three kids, so I always struggle with dividing my time between my career and being front and centre in their lives. I am always working to keep a good balance by trying to make calculated travel choices and plan ahead as much as possible. It’s never easy, because I’m always going to be a mom first!
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
To be notable is to be significant, to be worthy, and to stand out for the right reasons.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I spend my time in three different cities, so I have the pleasure of wining and dining in all three. In LA, I love Mastro’s Steakhouse for the piano bar and atmosphere; in Toronto, Soho House because they make me feel at home; and in Vancouver I love Tojo’s for the sushi and the laid back vibe.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
I currently spend my time on Vogue.com. The song I have on repeat is “Roses” by The Chainsmokers; it is such a good song.
3. Who is one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I personally love Rach Parcell. She is a mom, blogger, and businesswoman, and has great feminine style. I think she is definitely a must-follow.
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Italy! I love Italy for the food, fashion and wine. My next trip will be to Milan for fashion week, and then I plan to head to the Amalfi Coast to indulge in the stunning coastal views, superb restaurants and culture.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
My greatest fear of missing out is when I am away and I miss the little moments with my kids. My daughter had two guinea pigs, Harold and Joey, and Harold died while I was away at Toronto Fashion Week and Joey while I was in New York! It was terrible; I was at business dinners and had to explain to the table the reason for my tears was that it was “Harold’s funeral” and I wasn’t there. Those are big moments to a kid and I don’t like to miss those.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
A really good red wine.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I wish I didn’t spend so much on my winter tires; it drives me crazy how much they cost. However, I am carrying precious cargo so it’s worth the investment. I wish I had spent more on my living room chairs – I cheaped out on them and regret it every time I look at them.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success to me looks like achieving my career goals and making a positive impact in the world while still maintaining a healthy family life. It’s important to have balance between all three, and success to me is achieving that.
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