An Inspired Chat with Alexa Pontello of Brentwood

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alexa Pontello. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Alexa, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Public speaking isn’t my strong suit. I still think about a public speaking class I took in college that still haunts me, so when my cousin asked me to be her maid of honor, I was definitely nervous about the speech that came with it the role. The wedding was last weekend, and I delivered a speech that far exceeded my expectations.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Alexa Shae, a wardrobe stylist and personal shopper based in Los Angeles. I work with women who are navigating everything from major milestones to everyday life and want a wardrobe that reflects who they are and how they live. My goal is to take the stress out of getting dressed by curating wardrobes that feel effortless and distinctly your own

I offer services like closet edits, in-person and virtual styling, seasonal refreshes, travel packing, and event styling.

Right now, I’m excited to be expanding my digital services including lookbook creation and virtual styling so clients everywhere can experience the same level of personalized attention as those in Los Angeles.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I thought I was going to grow up to become a veterinarian. Like most children, I adored animals and wanted to help them, and it never crossed my mind that becoming a vet required serious math and science skills, which were definitely not my strengths. What I also didn’t understand then was how much I need creativity in my daily life. I would have gone crazy in a career where I couldn’t express that. And honestly, I didn’t even know that being a wardrobe stylist was a real job back then. I just loved putting outfits together without realizing it could actually become my career.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Perfectionism has probably held me back more than anything else. When you set the bar impossibly high for yourself, it’s easy to take things personally and feel like nothing is ever “good enough.” As I’ve gotten older, and especially as my business has grown, I have learned how to give myself grace. I’ve realized that I’m human, I’m going to make mistakes, and those mistakes are actually where the most growth happens.
Letting go of perfectionism (or at least making peace with it) is what finally allowed me to take a leap into social media. Once I stopped taking myself so seriously, I felt free to create and share content without overthinking every detail.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the fashion world sells us is that we have to be constantly buying more to stay stylish. With microtrends popping up nonstop, it can feel like you’re always supposed to chase the next new thing. But in my work, I see the opposite. Most women don’t need more; they need better. Pieces that are well-made, that fit beautifully, and that actually support their real lives. When you build your wardrobe with intention, you don’t need an overflowing closet; you just need pieces that genuinely serve you.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m definitely doing what I was born to do. Styling has always felt like it was in my blood. I grew up in a very stylish family. My great grandmother was known for her extensive fashion jewelry collection, very similar to Iris Apfel, but my mom is my ultimate muse. She shaped my eye for fashion, and we share the exact same taste. We even own many of the same staple pieces in our wardrobes. My mom shaped my love for fashion and she is a big part of my business to helping with returns, coming with me to make pulls, just being involved every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alexashaestyle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexashaestyle/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexashaestyle

Image Credits
no credits needed