Meet Trailblazer Brenda Randall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Randall.

Brenda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Originally, I didn’t start out working in fashion, but I’ve always loved fashion. I can say that love of fashion comes from my very stylish mother. Though our personal styles may be quite different, we both love creating our own signature look. The desire to work in a fashion never left me, even though I pursued a profession in the legal field. I later got married, had my children, and dedicated the next 15 years staying home with them. I have been very fortunate and grateful I was able to do so for so long. Needless to say, I decided now was as good a time as ever to start following that passion.

I don’t have an official blog, (and honestly I don’t have the time to write one), but I began creating my Instagram journal @lafilledurock, as a creative platform to share my unique finds, inspirations and styling tips. A friend told me to start “blogging” and sharing it, but I would always laugh at the idea. Well, I finally took her advice, and one Thanksgiving Day in 2016 decided to pursue it. Not knowing really what I was doing or where it was going, and here we are now!

I’m a born and bred California girl, of Cuban descent, but I am a huge Francophile. I’m Inspired by all things French, and I’ve tried to curate looks with a French-inspired, California, rock-n-roll edge. I love the fact the French style transcends all trends and is timeless. They excel at making everything look effortless. They are the masters of minimal, classic and chic. Caroline de Maigret says it perfectly here about French style: “the Parisian never gives too much away. When it comes to revealing herself, she follows one golden rule: Less is definitely more.” (From How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are).

Great, 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?
There are always obstacles in every journey. For me personally, balancing family life, starting a new business (while working a new day job) and trying to create content for my social media has been a bit of a challenge. It’s still a work in progress, but I find being organized is key, and setting limits are very important; especially when you have a family. Social media can be very consuming and frustrating at times. Instagram has changed so much and has become so saturated, that building a brand/business comes very slowly. However, if you have something unique to offer your audience, stay consistent and true to who you are, you will gain an authentic following that will bring awareness to your brand.

My advice to young women is if you can identify your passions early on, starting building your work experience. Be persistent and look at every job you take as an opportunity to develop and grow both individually and professionally.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a fashion stylist/consultant and influencer. I specialize in personal styling services (men and women), as well as fashion styling editorials and digital content creation for emerging new brands. I’m known for my French inspired, eclectic, sophisticated and “rocker-chic” style.

I’m proud of the fact that I’m still in the game, and have such a great community of followers from all over the world that genuinely like my work. With a growing audience, a successful network of brands, designers and content producers, I’m starting new collaborations and launching new projects.

What sets me apart is that even though I love fashion, and I’m up to date on what is trending, I don’t get caught up in it. I like to focus on individual style and comfort while being fashionably relevant.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I’d say my number 1 resource is God. Without Him, I’d be nowhere.

As for the practical day to day, I mentioned before that organization is key, so I enlist in the Planoly app to help schedule my Instagram posts, so I can focus more on my styling business. Super easy to use. Pinning, I love to pin on Pinterest! That’s my go-to for inspiration and where I create my mood boards for shoots – it’s such a great tool for stylists.

I always pick up the latest issue of French Vogue at my local newsstand (no I don’t read French, but I”m working on that too). The podcast I’m listening to at the moment is “Overnight Success” with Maria Hatzistefanis. It piggybacks to her book “How to Become an Overnight Success.” It’s super insightful and encouraging with lots of practical advice on building a brand/business.

Permanent fixtures on the bedside table: “How to be a Parisian Wherever You Are” and “Parisian Street Style.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lafilledurock.co
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafilledurock/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lafilledurocks/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/lafilledurock/

Image Credit:
Brenda Randall, Muge Geveci, Sam Nava

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