Daily Inspiration: Meet Emily Burnette

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Burnette.

Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was always interested in fashion and expressing myself through clothing, colors, layers and textures. There was an allure to it. I also loved to shop. I studied fashion merchandising and retail marketing. Immediately after college, I moved to NYC, where I got started as a stylist, which turned out to be a glorified sales associate role at DVF’s meatpacking flagship. 

From there, I was recruited to open the personal shopping office at Barney’s new store, which really opened my eyes and laid the foundation for luxury retail: a new level of service I was now getting accustomed to giving clients and meeting their luxury styling needs. I met amazing people- models, celebrities, fashion ICONS (think Bill Cunningham), and amazing colleagues who have gone on to make their marks. 

While in personal shopping, I met a stylist who took me under her wing which allowed me to style as a side hustle while maintaining a full-time job. I did this for almost 5 years (on and off- because, truthfully, I was scared of my own dreams!), and this side hustle saw me through many jobs: start-ups, sustainable fashion, remote roles, and a cross-country move. In 2021 I quit my fashion job at the time and went full-time solopreneur. The styling and assistant styling business I had built on the side was taking up more time than my *9-5* so I knew it was time to jump ship and really stop making excuses. 

Now, I’m in my third year of styling and I love my freedom. Entrepreneurship is one of the hardest decisions I’ve made and continue to make daily but it’s so worthwhile being able to express my gift to clients. I style for commercials, e-comm and editorial shoots and influential and dynamic private clients and public figures. My business is diverse much like the clients I dress. 

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?
Smooth but winding. There are tons of struggles when you first pick a profession- cutting your teeth, interning for experience, learning curves and understanding and communicating boundaries, networking as a young person, and trying to get in front of the right people constantly. 

Now, as a business owner, I’m dealing with back-end formalities and actually running a business from the ground up. I didn’t go to business school per se, but I LOVED the entrepreneurship class, which makes total sense now. I’m teaching myself how to do this based on my experiences working for and with other stylists, the skillset I learned in NYC, and the level of service I would want if I were my own client. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It’s a rare find to have a stylist work in multiple capacities- celebrity and red carpet, ad and commercial, and also work with private clients. I want to do all of it, it’s all very different and allows me to tap into different skillsets, styling aesthetics and meet totally contrasting people. 

I am so proud of myself for having the courage to choose to do this full-time. I’m incredibly flattered clients have followed me from one job to the next and then to become my own private clients. I believe styling is a gift I was given when I was brought onto this earth, and I’m lucky to have figured out this talent and then be able to communicate it to those who appreciate it. 

My styling philosophy is my NorthStar: 

I meet you exactly where you are in your style journey by taking aspects from what is answered in the style questionnaire and our conversations. As your stylist, I offer a new lens by mixing your current comfort level with a few wild card options and hope to offer a cohesive, elevated version of where you started. I like to style with high and low while maintaining what I think you would naturally gravitate towards. My goal is to educate and empower you through your wardrobe and ensure you feel like the best version of yourself. 

What matters most to you?
Professionalism, clear communication, exceptional service, an element of flair. I think this is why clients come back to me over and over again. We have a respectable working relationship; they trust me and my judgement and they’re always top of mind when I’m shopping online or virtually or working through moodboards and creative briefs. 

Pricing:

• $1200 – Seasonal Styling Package
• $500 – Digital Styling Lookbook
• $200 – Styling Hourly Rate | 2 Hour Minimum
• Commercial / Ad Styling Available
• Red Carpet / Celebrity Styling Available

Contact Info:

• Website: emilyburnette.com
• Instagram: @emilyburnettestylist

Image Credits
Barbara Crampton
Mitch Stone
Steiner Creative
Alizabeth Bean
Aly Montez
Paige Campbell Linden
Briley Pizzelanti
Nicolas Bates