Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Perez.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started when I was nine years old. Living in Puerto Rico (born and raised), I was very passionate of the idea of looking different. I was never a simple styled girl who was reinventing herself. My mother has treasures in her closet and jewelry drawers. I used to play with my mom’s clothe and jewelry. She was always a very stylish woman with good sense of fashion as well as my big sister. So I was surrounded by big influences and inspirations around me as I grew up. When is started Middle School all the way to High School, all my friends would always ask me for clothing tips or would just come to my closet and borrow my clothes. For some reason, they feel comfortable with me dressing them and I still didn’t know what that reason was. As I reached my senior year, I took a test to see which career fits me better. Turned out there was a career called Image Consultant but there was no Degree for it by that time back in 2001. So I decided to start my Degree with Visual Arts in Puerto Rico.
Three years later, I transferred to Florida and studied Fashion Design and Merchandising in International Academy of Design and Technology. After I got done with my degree, I moved back to Puerto Rico and decided to start my career as a Fashion Stylist. At the beginning, I started creating a portfolio. I got a team together (a makeup artist, a photographer and a model). We were all new, passionate and together we had the same purpose: Networking – To put our work out there so people in the industry would get to know us. That’s how you get a career started. From zero, without making any money. We started doing lots of photoshoots until our work was starting getting published in different prints (fashion magazines in PR and newspaper). Right after, my career started to hit off. In 2012, I got my first shot as a Fashion Editor and Stylist for a Local Magazine (Puerto Rico), called Vivir Mejor. I got the opportunity to work with public figures (famous local Tv Hosts and Entrepreneurs) and have my own fashion section where I can talk about trends ans styling tips.
A year after, I hoped in fashion magazine New Condado as their new Fashion Editor and stylist as well. I had an amazing opportunity of creating my own content and editorials. Months later, my career was on fire. I started my own styling business called Stylinglab and got chosen as one of the fashion stylists in the most prestigious newspaper El Nuevo Dia where their fashions sections are a huge deal and has massive amounts of readers. I expressed myself through really creative content with trendy and unique styling. I had the opportunity to dress Grammy Winner Puerto Rican singer Tommy Torres, Spanish top model and singer Luis Fonsi’s wife, Agueda Lopez. I also got chosen to be one the fashion stylists of worldwide magazine HOLA! PR. I got to style Spanish singer Shaila Durcal, NBA basketball player Jose Juan Barea, former Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera, producer Topy Mamery with singer Yolandita Monge, Miami news reporter Ilia Calderon among others.
While working freelance, I had some great opportunities to work and music videos for singer Olga Tanon, Michael Stuart, Melina Leon, Vico C actress and singer Ana Isabel among others. There was a time where I had clients in 3 different tv channels at the same time. It was some busy times but it was all worth it. Hard work pays off. So much that I got booked to work on editorials in New York for professional tennis player Olympian gold medalist Monica Puig and editorials. I traveled to Los Angeles for music videos and also to shop for amazing potential styling outfits. Fashion runways where a big part of my career to be on top of the trends. I got to work with the best fashion magazines called Imagen where I also had my fashion section and editorials. I had my own fashion segment in ABC5, I did Chico’s catalog, Marc Jacobs runway show for Coty. I also stepped into the theater industry where I became the main wardrobe stylist for different important plays in the Island.
In 2018, I got a phone call for an unforgettable job. I had been selected to be one of Zac Posen’s fashion stylist to dress all Delta Airline Employee’s new uniform (which he designed) around the world for three months. After the contract was finished, I was and still am living in Orlando, Florida. I continued to work freelance and worked with Orlando’s number one client: Disney. I did a social media campaign with them and still working on personal clients and open for bookings to travel. Got the opportunity to work with mayor digital campaigns, tv commercials and magazines during my career. Today I’m still pursuing my dream and continuing to grow. I have a new upcoming business I’m working on with a partner with amazing potential in the fashion industry. I am very grateful for it all. The best advice I can give anyone who wants to make their dream job come true is to make it happen, work hard, don’t quit. As long as you have the heart and discipline, you will get there. Nothing comes in hand. Get educated as much as you can, surround yourself with positive, successful, passionate and resourceful leaders and victory will prevail.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not. Nothing comes in hand. First, having a positive mindset to start of. You have to know that the hard work does not come with profit right away. You have created your own portfolio with a team to be able to be known and considered in the industry. But hard work will definitely pay off. Is all worth it at the end of this is your passion.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Stylinglab – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Stylinglab offers services such as image consulting and styling services for Tv Commercials, Digital Campaigns, Celebrities, Editorials, Corporate, and Personal clients. I am known for being the only stylist in Puerto Rico that has done it all! Tv Commercials, Newspaper, Tv, Editorials, Celebrities, Digital Campaigns, Teaching, Travel for work, personal clients.
I am most proud of being able to inspire others by making them feel great about themselves, a satisfied costumer, and working with Zac Posen was a dream come true.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am currently working on opening up a new business fashion related with a partner. I can not give to many details still. But it is an innovation that I think fashion costumers are going to enjoy and love it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mirabal.22slides.com
- Phone: 7872980567
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Stylinglab
- Facebook: Monica Mirabal
Image Credit:
Jaime G Rivera, Manuel Velez
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