Meet Pasadena Stylist & Designer: Jen Summers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Summers.

Jen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a Creative Director, Fashion Stylist, Wardrobe Stylist, Costumer, Costume Designer, and Fashion Designer.

I have been working independently (freelance) in this field since 1997. I started out as a designer, designing urban streetwear in San Francisco. The demand for me to make dancewear and costumes kept calling me and soon I found myself with a little boutique as well as custom making dance costumes for several locations in SF. While I had the boutique, I was representing other clothing brands as well as my own and began producing fashion shows and photo shoots…. that is really where it all began. Each production grew and new ideas emerged! Eventually, I decided not to have the retail space so that I could focus on the creative sides… the styling and designing.

I moved to LA exactly 6 years ago. I had an extensive portfolio when I arrived so I was able to jump right in and start networking and getting booked on jobs here. It has been an exciting rollercoaster. It has not all been easy or perfect! But it has all been a chance to grow, evolve, and expand my business.
I have since been published in numerous magazines both in the US and in Europe as well as styled for celebrities on the red carpet. But I have the most fun as Creative Director for my own brand. This is where I get to explore all the ideas that are my own.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely not been smooth since I moved to LA. The first struggle to overcome here was, of course, securing paid work! I did get a full-time job as an office manager for the first year here. And then I worked every weekend on photo shoots so that I would continue growing my network base. Every team member on a shoot is the potential lead to a new client. So the more I did creative projects, which weren’t paid, the more I would be offered paid work. And after a little over a year, I left the office job and began working once again full time on my business.

From that point, I had to hustle. No paycheck to fall back on meant pushing forward full force. Sometimes you end up on a freelance job that maybe doesn’t fit your creative vision, but the client always comes first and so you do your best and move on. I have to say that I have enjoyed just about everything I have done in LA with very few exceptions! I really can’t complain.

When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
One of the most difficult moments was right after I left my job as an office manager. (It was the job I got here in LA to support myself until I could get my business going.) I left sooner than I thought I would and I wasn’t quite ready to be “unemployed” and surviving on my own, but I did it anyway! I was mentally ready, but not financially. I worked various freelance jobs as a stylist and costume designer. One of my clients decided not to pay their final invoice. That was the moment. I couldn’t pay my rent without it and for the first time in my life had to borrow money from my Dad to pay rent. I literally waited until the 20th of that month because I tried everything to get that invoice paid. That could’ve been the breaking point, but I told my Dad, just trust me! I’ve built up a business before, I can do it again. And I will! I was 41 and my ego was a bit hurt asking for help. But I knew if I could get through that first year, I would be ok.

What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
I think the best advice for starting out in LA is to stay true to your voice and own opinion. It’s so easy to get pulled into so many different directions with seemingly “great” opportunities. But if it doesn’t match with your ultimate direction, don’t do it.

Is there something you are particularly excited about or working towards?
I’m most excited about new collaborations I’m working on!! Top secret at the moment, but some great projects coming!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jensummers.com
• Phone: 4157225677
• Email: jen@jensummers.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/muheeka
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jensummersfashionstylist
• Other: www.twitter.com/muheeka