Conversations with the Inspiring Boun Borth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Boun Borth.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
From a very young age and all through high school, I thought for certain I’d become a doctor. In 7th grade, I even earned an internship at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. It’s what I wanted at the time. And I think everyone from school can attest to it. After graduating, things changed rapidly… I moved from my small town to the Twin Cities with my now husband. That didn’t sit well with my parents, but there was no turning back.

My first year of college was difficult, to say the least. Juggling bills, studying, and paying for school proved to be too much. I had to make other plans… finding a job was the top priority.

I started ​off as a bank teller and then transitioned into real estate. My husband and I worked together for 8 years and we had amazing clients. I loved the one-on-one interaction and helping them weave through the home buying and selling process was especially rewarding. However, I still felt there was more for me ​out there. I took a step back and researched other careers. That’s when I discovered fashion consulting.

Fashion… for most of my life, it has been a part of my identity. As immigrants, my family didn’t have much growing up in the states. Most of our clothes were donated to us or purchased at thrift stores. But it didn’t matter to me that they were second-hand. I just remember how beautiful I felt in them. In high school, we had a small clothing budget and I did the best I could with it. Looking back now, I was named best dressed and most likely to become a fashion designer. So even then, my classmates recognized my fashion potential.

I decided to go for it and got my certification in image consulting. That’s when BBINSTYLE was born. 15 years later, I’m still doing what I love.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I started my company, fashion consulting and styling was an unknown in the Twin Cities. I did a lot of hustling to get the word out and was responsible for all of my press. But once people learned about the service, the business grew. And continued to grow by word of mouth.

After a few years, my husband and I decided to move to LA so I could pursue my dream of working the red carpet. As soon as we arrived, I met with someone who could possibly help me break into the business. He was a referral from a friend—I thought my chances were definitely good. He said, “If you want to make it in Hollywood, you’re gonna have to be somebody’s monkey.” That was an eye-opening experience. No thanks!

Now what? With no other connections, I was back at square one. I looked into local agencies… I could start off as a personal assistant to a well-known celebrity. But the job consisted of everything from grabbing their coffee to picking up dog poo. I felt I could offer more than that. So, I passed on it.

One day, a very popular TV series landed right in front of our door. It was our first time seeing it all happen on camera. ​I decided to chat with the film crew and was later invited to visit the set to discuss wardrobing. I thought this was it! It was everything you could imagine. But I quickly realized call times would be completely unpredictable—anywhere from 6 am to 2 am. Our son was just six years old at the time. I had to make the choice to pursue my dream or sacrifice my family. For me, it was clear. I wasn’t willing to miss out on being his mom. This wasn’t the right opportunity either.

From there, I started working with private clients in the industry. And for eight years, I flew back and forth to the Twin Cities to see my other clients. That was probably the most difficult, but I’m so grateful for their support. They’re still with me today.

For those interested in becoming a fashion stylist, my advice is to keep at it. You can take the traditional route and go to college. I took several detours before I got here. But it ​wasn’t without determination and hard work. If you’re really passionate about pursuing this career, you can definitely achieve it. However, it’s more than just loving fashion. Style is something you possess. A job in retail can help you hone your skills. Assisting a stylist is another option. You can learn so much behind the scenes. There’s constant researching… your clients depend on you to always be ahead of the trends. Keep learning.

What should we know about BBINSTYLE? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My services include wardrobe catalog which is creating different outfits for their needs. Organizing closets, personal shopping and styling for events, seasons, and destinations. Styling and packing for trips is another service that I really enjoy.

As their personal stylist, they’ve given me complete creative freedom with their wardrobes. For whatever the event, they rely on me to know what they need. That’s the result of years of mutual trust. I’ve learned what designers and styles work for them. So, there’s little question as to why I chose this piece or that. To see the joy on their faces… that’s what makes my job ​so fulfilling.

I can’t believe it’s been 15 years! When I started this business, there were so many unknowns. But I kept pushing and discovered it’s more than just dressing people. I’ve gotten to know and become a part of my clients’ lives. Through the years, I’ve built friendships, seen their children grow and experienced life’s moments together. I’m most proud of that.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I truly believe life experiences can be your greatest teacher. We have the choice to succumb to challenges or get through it. I always thought college was destined for me. But my path took a different turn. I told myself I had to succeed–one way or another it had to happen.

Growing up with less also forced me to make the best with what I was given. It’s amazing how fashion can boost your self-confidence. I’ve always felt beautiful no matter where my clothes came from. That’s the power it has. And I’m thankful I can help my clients achieve their best selves.

 

Contact Info:

• Website: bbinstyle.com
• Phone: 612-460-0839
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/bounborth
• Facebook: facebook.com/bbinstyle
• Twitter: twitter.com/bbcali

Image Credit:
Boun Borth

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