Exploring Life & Business with Stephanie Gisondi-Little of ComposedCo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Gisondi-Little of ComposedCo.

Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have experience across decades in fashion; retail and wholesale sales for both chain and noted designers Emanuel Ungaro and Nicole Miller, my own e-commerce website focused on LA-based designers, and then formalized work as a ‘Fashion Therapist’ / Personal Stylist & Wardrobe Organizer with my company ComposedCo in 2015. 

For me, there is nothing so fun in fashion as helping to demystify it and providing individualized tools to feel great and empowered around clothes, no matter the day ahead. I love figuring out the puzzle of what works and truly serves each client, regardless of gender, personal taste or body type. Love or hate clothing, we all need to get dressed and it’s my mission and joy to make it a positive daily experience. It truly changes how we operate in the world when we enter it with confidence!

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?
Yes, of course struggles! They shaped, refined and grew my skills, too. I left retail, wholesale and e-commerce (the latter being a site that I started from scratch) which was scary but worth it. I’m a great salesperson but ultimately, I’m more interested in wardrobe choices that are right for the client. These come when informed by a deeper understanding of the lifestyle, budget, and personal taste.

Changing approaches created the current version of ComposedCo and grew my client base to what it is today.

Living through the time it takes to develop and evolve a business is tough for someone who is, as you might imagine, quite organized and likes ORDER. The change and uncertainty is hard, but pushing through it makes for great and often unexpected results.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ComposedCo?
This stylist is not all about you spending tons of money or only working with red carpet individuals (a common misconception)! I want everyone to have what feels like their own personal boutique from which to choose daily, whether they need to refine what they have or acquire new. I’m known for being a prepared and kind straight-talker who understands how intimate what I do can be. We have many facets to our personalities and our wardrobe can be a reflection of that, as well as a means of creative expression and confidence. I recognize the vulnerability clients bring to the table and provide a 360-degree range of services tailored to the individual (pun intended). I support clients at all stages of life and revel in assisting with life’s inevitable transitions, regardless of age, gender, body type or personal taste.

I care a lot. I’m proud of the fact that my business is primarily based upon referrals, and I’m often told I’m far from the intimidating presence typically associated with fashion industry stereotypes.

I want you to get the best deals whenever possible, love to educate about new, local and smaller brands (women and POC especially), care about the environment and manufacturing practices and prefer to save shopping for last on our to-do list when necessary. 

I help you pack for trips, dress for special events, swap clothes seasonally, guide and execute resale and donation, offer personalized look books, work with groups and corporations, offer gift services, and more.

Ultimately, I’m invested in empowering clients and can say with confidence that my work has distinct, added value that goes far beyond ‘what to wear’.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Get your elevator pitch down pat. You never know who you may meet, even by chance. Also, dress for how you wish to be perceived.

Find or form a peer group, be vulnerable with them. Great discussions and ideas often result, even if they reveal themselves later.

Contact Info:

• Email: composedco@gmail.com
• Website: https://composedco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/composed_co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComposedCo/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh6YUdPU5Cw&t=47s