Check Out Molly Crist’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Crist.

Hi Molly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I’m Molly, a creative living with my dog in Los Angeles. I am many things, but I’ve always been a visual artist. I grew up in a town called Normal, IL. I always knew I loved nature and I loved cities, so “normal” wasn’t for me.

Chicago was my first big city. I studied Fashion Design and Fashion Business at Columbia College Chicago. I worked in the corporate fashion industry for 15 years, setting up stores, managing teams and designing window displays. My company asked me to relocate to Los Angeles, so that’s what brought me to sunny California. A few years ago, I needed a change, and I quit corporate America for the freelance life. I’ve been a prop stylist for the last 5 years or so.

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?
It definitely was not a smooth road initially. The first year starting over in a new industry is the toughest. There was so much self doubt and fear. I earned 30% of what I made on salary, so financially it was scary. But I got offered a full time job earning exactly what I was making before. But the idea of going back to full time made my stomach hurt and I knew I couldn’t do it.

I also learned a lot of lessons the hard way about freelance and people, including the types of people I wanted to work with and who I could trust. So many challenges! But I’m wiser for it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known as a Prop Stylist or Production Designer for photos and videos. My job is to make spaces and products and foods look appealing so they sell. I would say my fashion corporate leadership background actually gives me an edge to understand styles and trends more than the average prop stylist. Also, I love florals, so I have a secret talent of creating big installations with them which gives me an edge.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you own a product or interiors business, and want appealing photos of your product, please get in touch! I also find collaborations to be very fun! People can take a look at my website www.mollyacrist.com or reach out to me over Instagram @mollyalissa. I’m always looking for new people to work with or new assistants looking to get into the business.

Contact Info:

• Email: mollyacrist@gmail.com
• Website: www.mollyacrist.com
• Instagram: @mollyalissa

Image Credits:
Bethany Nauert Michelle Metzger Clare Lewington