Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Beran.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I moved to LA right out of college and worked at a showroom in downtown LA. I worked with some amazing girls and started learning a lot about the fashion industry. During that time, I also started modeling for Ford Models where I worked closely with stylists designers and learned even more about the industry. Later, doing in-house PR for a few fashion brands showed me a whole other side of the business. Working closely with celebrities, stylists and influencers gave me a wealth of experience and knowledge. After a little bit of time off to raise little ones, I was ready to dive back into the fashion world. I’m now a freelance wardrobe stylist based in LA.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In April 2020, right in the middle of the global pandemic, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was a young, healthy woman….how could this be happening to me? My kids were only 3 and 5 at the time and it seemed like our entire world had been flipped upside down. After about a week of pure shock and sadness, I decided to go into warrior mode and fight this beast that was growing inside of me. I went through multiple procedures, two major surgeries and twelve rounds of chemo. My faith grew a lot during this time and the love and support from family and friends was unbelievable. My husband was my rock – I couldn’t do life without this amazing man by my side every step of the way.
After a year of being in and out of the hospital, I thought I was finally cancer-free. Not so! The cancer metastasized to my lung, so I had to go through another scary surgery. I will continue to have CT scans every three months and be monitored the rest of my life. I start radiation in March to get rid of a couple more nodules found in my lung, but I am so lucky to have the best medical team taking care of me and I continue to stay optimistic. Going on this wild journey has put so much in perspective. Life is such a gift – do what you love, spend time with the ones who make you happy, and take a moment each day to be grateful. I’ve been feeling good and living life to its fullest! I encourage everyone to keep up with your yearly check-ups and if something doesn’t feel right in your body, go see the doctor! Also, if you have more questions about my cancer story – please reach out. I’m an open book and I’m happy to help in any way that I can.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wardrobe stylist! Styling has always been my passion and it brings me so much joy. I know it’s cliché…but it’s so true when people say, “when you love your work, it’s not work at all!”. I mostly style for editorials, e-commerce, commercial ads and film. I also do some personal styling, creating signature looks for entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and influencers in the LA area. I love getting clients ready for personal appearances, photoshoots, TV appearances and events. My specialty is off-duty/street style looks, but I also have a special place in my heart for children’s styling. I finally launched my website this past November – check out sarahberan.com to see some of my work, read my journal and find out more about my services!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
It’s never too early or too late to go for your dream job. If you are passionate about something, go for it. You won’t be fully happy until you take that first step. There will always be trials along the way, but that’s life. The worst thing people can say to you is no….I’ve had a lot of ‘no’ moments in my life, but if you stay confident in yourself and keep working hard towards your goal, you can do more than you could ever imagine. I look back on my journey, both work and life – I’ve gone through things that I didn’t even think were possible. I made it through the worst year of my life with courage I didn’t even know I had. Sometimes you can be in the middle of a storm, but there’s always a plan….trust the plan in your life.
Also, when you get cool opportunities, make the most of them. Talk to as many people as you can during that opportunity – ask questions, network, share your story, show your special skills, get to know them, share a laugh. Sometimes I go into a new project that I might be a little nervous about (I’m actually a pretty anxious person)….and once I force myself to start talking to people, even the most intimidating person, they end up being so normal and nice! You just have to step out of your comfort zone a bit. Lastly, be your own advocate and find yourself a good mentor. If I wasn’t my own advocate in both my personal and work life, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. Surround yourself with people who want the best for you and encourage you to reach your fullest potential. It’s important to have good people in your life rooting you on. Trust me, if I can do it…you can do it too! Believe in yourself, trust the plan, and just be a friendly person – In my opinion, those three things can help make you unstoppable!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@sarahberan.com
- Website: www.sarahberan.com
- Instagram: @sarahberanstyle
Image Credits
Nicole Ivanov Kat Carr
