Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Apodaca.
Kim, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was only 21 years old when I came to the US from South Africa, a ballerina with a degree in finance with dreams of becoming an actress. As most of these stories go, I quickly realized that I was going to have to find an alternative source of income, since being a ballerina and aspiring actress was not going to pay my rent! I figured with my background in finance and my passion for the arts that I should consider something in production. One of my friends suggested that I try being an Executive Assistant to someone in the industry so that I could get a feel for it and learn. I quickly took a job working for a very high-profile actress. From the get-go, she loved my outfits and personal style, so I started doing her shopping and putting together her outfits for special events.
I continued to work with her for four years, learning all the ins and outs of red carpet dressing and beyond until I had my daughter and took a few months off. During my time as a new mom, I kept meeting other mothers who I noticed had very low self-esteem and no sense as to how to dress for their changing bodies. It did not take me long to realize that there was a group of people out there who needed help; so, I brought my ‘celebrity styling’ experience to everyday mothers. Since then, my business has expanded to both men and women, many of my whom hold demanding corporate jobs and are looking to reinvent themselves.
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, there have been struggles along the way, but I think those have also been some of the most the exciting parts. When I was first starting off though, it was extremely difficult to get stores to loan me clothes for non-studio work. I also never advertised my business and only got work by referrals. And yet, with enough tenacity, I am thankfully still here twelve years strong and going!
Success, above all, is about finding balance, happiness, and love. The happiness comes from enjoying what you do every day, the love comes from the friends and family who you surround yourself with… and if you can manage to strike balance within it all — that’s what I call true bliss.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Recharge Your Style & A World Curated – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My true passion is in helping women and men find their personal style. I see myself as the one who helps my clients bridge the gap between how they would like to be perceived and how they are perceived. I also make shopping less daunting and truly believe that in the long run, my clients will spend less money because I help them choose pieces that actually last. I don’t push fashion or trendiness on my clients, instead, I focus on what styles suit one’s shape and lifestyle.
My other side of my business is a fabulous women’s clothing line called A WORLD CURATED. A WORLD CURATED is a curated line of unique and sophisticated clothing and accessories for the modern woman, handpicked from around the world. My dearest friend, founder and owner of AWC, Esther Feder, chooses from the very best local designers and artisans in Paris and Italy, keeping the lifestyle needs of our customers always top of mind.
A WORLD CURATED is for the woman that keeps evolving and changing. Whether it be for the new mom looking to refresh her daily wardrobe, or the woman re-entering a new social life or relaunching a career, the collection each season is as adaptable as the woman that we seek to dress. I am most proud to be a part of the AWorldCurated team because we share a collective passion for helping women find their unique style, discover their sense of empowerment, find their confidence and support their personal evolution.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I am constantly at odds with this because I drive a lot and the traffic is my least favorite part of our city, however, I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else.
I love the diversity in our city, I love that we can go to the mountains, the desert, the ocean in 2 hours. I love that we are so health-minded and since I am vegan, we have the BEST vegan food options in LA.
I gave up so much to live in this city and I am so blessed that I had the opportunity to live here. I am a die-hard Los Angeleno.
Besides, we have the best weather!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aworldcurated.com www.rechargeyourstyle.com
- Phone: 310-869-4810
- Email: kimapodaca@me.com
Image Credit:
@mollytorianphoto, @kaykrentz, @nonorific
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
