Rising Stars: Meet Ricki Downing of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricki Downing

Hi Ricki, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born of two very stylish parents, who were entrepreneurs themselves, I developed a love for fashion at a young age. My parents owned a clothing store called “Tomorrow’s People,” where they sold children’s clothing. My two brother’s and I were definitely benefactor’s, as we always has unique and stylish clothes to wear. I remember going downtown to the California Mart to shop for new inventory for their store, and also playing in the back stock room after school.

Skipping forward to my college years, though I loved fashion, I didn’t choose it as a career path. I knew I wasn’t a designer, so I went to school to be a journalist. I figured I could be a Fashion Journalist and write about fashion and style. I interned as a Style Writer at LA Weekly and was published multiple times, and my 1st experience at LA Fashion Week was mind blowing. But still, I didn’t find myself in fashion. By the time I graduated college, I was working full-time at a spa as a manager, and moonlighting as a Freelance Entertainment reporter.

When the Recession hit, I had became pregnant with my daughter, I gave up on my passions. I sought employment that would allow me to be a financially responsible and present Mother, so my laptop and dreams of being in fashion where buried. After several years working at a spa, I parted ways and landed myself as an administrative assistant for creative companies. My 1st job was with Ketchum Public Relations. I started off as their Receptionist and then Administrative Assistant. I loved being around the creatives and PR wasn’t so far off from Journalism, so I felt content. So, I thought. But like everywhere I go, people noticed my fashion sense, and they ask for me to share during Lunch & Learns and they championed me to start sharing my talent on social media.

Then 5yrs later, Covid hit.
Like everyone else, my life got shook up. I was laid-off from my full-time job as a Administrative Assistant. I thought, since I’m home, let’s put my free time into creating my styling business. I mean, had already been building my social media presence, and doing personal shopping trips here and there. It was time my passion became my business. Effortlessly Ricki Personal Style & Image Consulting LLC was birthed.

I enjoyed helping women find their personal style, and recommending cool places to shop and glow up their wardrobes. During my years in business, I have styled fellow female entrepreneurs for brand photoshoots, speaking events and more. I signed on as an Express Clothing Stores Editor, and I also partnered with a Dating Coach as her in-house stylist for her clients. I discovered after 4yrs of styling professional women, I really loved coaching women through my style philosophy, which shows them how to use their personal style as a form self-discovery, self-confidence and most importantly self-care. That’s why I proudly identify as a Dopamine Style Coach.

Style is so much more than pretty clothes, it’s an artistic way to tell your story through what you wear.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I didn’t have any idea how to be an entrepreneur, and to be honest I still don’t. In the beginning of my business journey, I hired a Life Coach, and we 1st got to work on my imposter syndrome, which is usually the main obstacle that keeps us all stuck. Then I had to learn about registering my DBA, LLC, creating sales scripts, pricing and all sorts of other business admin work. All I wanted to do was work in my genius and that’s putting amazing outfits together, encouraging my clients and making awesome OOTD content for my IG. I also, struggled with a lack of financial resources. Since I was un-employed, I didn’t have much collateral to invest in my business to get all the added support and tools I needed. The business side started to become overwhelming, especially when the world opened back up and people, including myself, started going back to work. Onboarding new clients proved to be challenging, as people were busy again. They seemed to not have time to invest in taking a style journey. On my end, I had less time to create content and service multiple clients. I’ve taken a pause, but plan to re-launch in 2025. I’m pivoting, and looking to serve women in a new way. The entrepreneur road isn’t a straight one, you’ve got to take some detours, stop and ask for directions, and even add passengers. The key is to never get out of the car, and never stop moving. So, I’m moving forward. I’ve created a Patreon, where women can pay a monthly subscription of $10 to get a little taste of what it’s like to work with me. This way I can help more women at once, and continue to make the content I love to create.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Personal Style Coach, I specialize in Dopamine Styling. I bring a unique blend of creativity and psychological insight to every client. My approach is rooted in helping women express their authentic selves through a curated wardrobe that sparks joy and confidence. By incorporating color psychology and an understanding of how clothing impacts mood, I empower women to step boldly into their personal and professional lives. With my background in creative industries, I know how to translate individuality into a cohesive style that stands out and feels effortless. I’m most proud of the portfolio of style transformations, and partnerships I have built since I been in business.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I offer both virtual and in-person styling services, making it easy to work with clients no matter where they are. A cornerstone of my business is my virtual styling closet, which allows clients to upload their wardrobe pieces for me to style. Through this platform, clients can effortlessly shop my recommendations in the “Finds” section and see how each look comes together in their personalized lookbook. It’s a seamless and interactive way to curate a wardrobe that feels uniquely yours. Interested clients are highly recommended to book a consultation via my Linkedtree (link my IG bio) @Effortlesslyricki_stylin. Through a style discovery call, we can determine how my services can best address their individual style needs. If someone just needs a few style tips and style inspiration, along with the easy ability to shop my looks, then my Patreon (patreon.com/Effortlesslyricki) is the way to go.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: effortlesslyricki_stylin
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Effortlesslyricki