We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tina Choi. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Tina, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m a big morning person. Whether I’m working or having a day off I will always dedicate the first 2 hours of my day having my morning coffee on my couch while facing a window so I can feel the morning light shining on me. I value taking my time to listen to my body and my mind and feel whatever thoughts come up within me. Some mornings I’ll be work driven and go over the list of things I need to accomplish that day while other mornings I’ll want to just sit in silence and feel my body. I’ll notice my hips are feeling tight or my back is sore and I’ll start stretching. Every morning is different but its important for me to take my time, enjoy starting a new day, and ground myself on what I need to give myself before I can give to others.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure. My name is Tina Choi and I am a wardrobe stylist. I support all types of people to finding clothing that aligns with their lifestyle, body type, budget, and events. I offer a variety of services from closet organization to personal shopping to red carpet events. If I’m not working with an individual client, I will find myself working on productions such as commercials, film, music videos, and ad/marketing campaigns.
There is a comment that a client told me that I remember until this day which is, “Your service is like a spa but with wardrobe. I feel so comfortable and relaxed in knowing that all my wardrobe needs are satisfied. I don’t want to leave.”
I make it my mission to give this type of service to each and every one of my clients because what we decide to put on our bodies is personal and private. Sometimes it is challenging to find someone you can trust that will support you in finding the right pieces that align with your style, body type, and budget without feeling judged. I want to create a safe space for people to fall in love in discovering their style and showing up powerfully within their lives.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My father. He was the first person in my life who exemplified the concept of being your word. If you tell someone you are going to be there and at what time – you have to show up exactly how you promised. I remember one time he waited in the car for about 40 minutes before his scheduled time because he overestimated how bad traffic would be, haha.
This type of discipline taught me what it takes to manage your time, money, and tasks that feeds into how to survive in the world of business, because what you promise AND how that promise is experienced (in my opinion) dictates your survival rate in business…and in life.
It’s important to be your word. If you can’t deliver then be honest about it or ask yourself what other possibilities can I create. Anything is possible!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Oh wow. I love this question.
If I had the opportunity to see my younger self, I would give her the biggest and longest hug of her life and whisper in her ear, “I love you so much and I am so proud of who you are right now and who you will become.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I wouldn’t say this is a lie but people believe that we have to wear what is being sold or advertised. We tend to forget that there is a third option: tailoring! If there is a garment that we like but it doesn’t fit right or isn’t in the right type of fabric/color that we want. Make it yourself! We can customize anything we want to fit our bodies and our lifestyles, not the other way around. Bonus, sometimes you can save a lot of money tailoring items you already own than buying a whole new wardrobe. Food for thought 🙂
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My memories. I always believed that the greatest gift you can give someone is a memory because it can live forever – even the bad ones. Memories can be forgotten but you can not erase what is true for you. So I try to live my life everyday being ever so present in creating moments that I am happy and proud to relive until my deathbed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiinachoii.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiinachoii/
Image Credits
Melina Pizano
