Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Armstrong.
Hi Jessica, 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.
My passion for styling started at a young age! I was always dressing up my friends and staging photo shoots as a teenager.
I went on to receive my BA in Studio Art, from UC Santa Barbara and an AA in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in San Francisco. This launched me into the first phase of my professional career- fashion designing! My designs are carried by retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and Nordstrom.
While working in this field I realized that I missed interacting with people, as there was a lot of time spent on the computer drawing technical flats.
After some major soul-searching, I decided to get back to my roots, styling people! I left San Francisco behind, booking a one-way ticket to NY! Within weeks I was assisting with fashion editorials and campaigns, working with the likes of Jessica Stam and Serena Williams. I learned a lot about styling during the year I spent in NY.
With some good street credit under my belt, I returned to California and of course moved to LA. I have now been working here as a Wardrobe Stylist for a decade. I am passionate about fashion and enjoy working in many facets, ranging from editorial and advertising to personal styling. I have worked with many brands and clients over the years ranging from Wilson, Rachel Roy, Adidas, Taco Bell, and Coca-Cola, among others, and high-profile celebrities including Jaime King, Zooey Deschanel, Carol Burnett, and Ali Larter.
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?
It definitely has been a very bumpy road at times. One of my largest feats has been establishing myself in the industry to be taken seriously by the necessary people. I learned quickly that relationships are everything!! There are countless people that want this job, so it is highly competitive.
Gaining respect has been earned through extremely long hours, free labor at times, and being a team player. Being creative, talented, and hardworking is not enough. You also need to be well-liked along with an element of luck.
Another struggle that I believe weeds a lot of people out of this industry is the ability to roll with the punches. This career is the opposite of a 9-5, the workflow is unpredictable and can be uncertain at times. The most valuable thing I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and faith in myself and my skills!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Wardrobe Stylist and I specialize in Ad Campaigns, Fashion Editorials, and Personal Styling. This means that I style a variety of talents, ranging from models to lifestyle actors, to convey a vision for a particular company. It is really important to capture the essence of these characters and to bring them to life through their wardrobe. This technique also translates to my personal clients. I get a lot of joy out of helping people portray their best selves on the outside because it truly has a huge impact on their life, bringing confidence and happiness.
People often tell me how easy I am to open up to and that I am very fun and friendly. I believe this allows people to feel comfortable with me. It is important for the talent or client to feel comfortable because styling is a very vulnerable experience. It’s crucial that people know they can trust me and that I always have their best interest (& look!!) at heart.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Treat everyone with the same level of kindness and respect. I’ve always been a firm believer in the Golden Rule and being in this industry has validated that belief. You never know what encounter may grow into a meaningful connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jessica-armstrong.com
- Instagram: @JessicaArmstrong_Style
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063937608535
