Sometimes it doesn’t take much to recognize your passion. Brenna Hardy started making her own clothes at eight years old, was voted best dressed in high school, and further developed her love of fashion by working in retail; find out where she sees her business five years down the road in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
I am a fashion stylist providing personal shopping and personal styling for individual clients, as well as styling for photo shoots, television, print and runway. I am also the exclusive stylist for the CORE – TD Square – Holt Renfrew in Calgary.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I started Styleista.ca to help people look and feel their best by providing fashion information, tips, trends and services. I have been in love with fashion since I was a child, attempting to make my own clothes at age eight and being voted best dressed in high school. I worked in retail for many years and realized fashion was my passion and I needed to follow that.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is helping someone put a look together that makes them feel confidant, self assured and comfortable. The most challenging part is dressing a model with rare measurements and finding clothes that will look great on them. But it always works out, as there is something for everyone.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I would love to continue on the path that I am on – shopping and styling for individual clients, while fashion styling corporate clients… which would result in a flourishing business and site. While Styliesta.ca is my main site, I recently started StyleistaBaby.ca – a maternity and children’s fashion site. I would love to one day own a retail store!
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is being healthy and happy, following my heart, following my passion, and being fulfilled doing so. ‘Passion Drives Success’ – Chatterson Drive.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Having the courage to follow my dreams, and finding the confidence in myself to take a chance and start my own business,
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
If you don’t know what you want to do with your life, figure out what it is you’re passionate about. If there is a particular industry, start anywhere in that industry. Follow that path, using your passion as a compass, and you will be successful.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I volunteer for several charities in Calgary. One in particular that I am passionate about is Dress for Success. They aim to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. I love that I can use my talents, ability and time to help empower women in the community.
What is Notable to you?
Passion, authenticity, and leadership. Notable is having the courage to take risks, to act selflessly, and to stay true to who you are and what you believe in.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone all the way!
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I have 2 dogs that get two good walks every day. I love doing yoga and getting out to the mountains as much as possible. It’s important to balance work and play, but I enjoy that I am lucky enough to have them often intertwined.