Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Carreiro.
Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The show choir kid in me came to LA to work in costumes but found the real world to be endlessly more fascinating. I was always a mall rat: from logging laps in middle school to working at the mall through college, you’d find me shopping on my lunch breaks. Before finding personal styling via Nordstrom, I worked as a buyer and merchandiser for really big brands and really small brands, but no matter where I turned, there were mountains of waste and the horrible reality of how our clothes are made. A few of my clients from Nordstrom requested my help in their wardrobes at home, and my service was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m blessed to say it’s been a steady climb, slow but steady. I’m also blessed to have the support of a partner who encouraged me to build my business. I’ve also had the best clients and friends who become clients to work with along the way and learn from. I learn something from every client.
The biggest struggles have been in learning to be a business owner, which doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’m learning to embrace it and be proud of what I’ve built.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I work as a style coach, personal shopper, and stylist to creative professional women in Los Angeles. With my help, clients rebuild their wardrobes with fewer items of better quality, focusing on natural fabrics.
My superpower is in helping people find their look: the silhouettes, colors, and brands that make them feel like their true selves. I educate my clients on how to choose clothing that compliments their body and coloring and projects the message they want to send to the world from brands that align with their values.
I don’t just take my clients to the same big-name places. I introduce my clients to small brands, usually made here in L.A.; we shop boutiques and even secondhand and vintage. Together, we take the next step to elevate their wardrobe and lifestyle in the direction of sustainability and minimalism.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Perseverance and being dedicated to your purpose. The ability to keep on moving towards the goal, and the goal being something that means a lot to you, down deep in your soul. I’ve always been passionate about the environment, so embedding that into my brand brings it to another level.
Also, having a deep sense of purpose, mine is in helping people. The best feeling is knowing that you’re helping someone, my individual clients of course, seeing the smiles on their faces when we put them in an outfit, how their face lights up, but also through advocating for garment worker’s rights. 80% of clothing labeled ‘Made in USA’ is made right here in L.A. by approximately 40,000 garment workers, the majority of which are women and immigrants. The interconnectedness of women’s rights, bodily autonomy, the environment, capitalism, and fashion simply fascinates me.
Contact Info:
- Website: katie-curates.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/katiecurates
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/katiecarreiro
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/katie-curates-toluca-lake
