Entrepreneur Spotlight: urban Darling
As women boutique business owner, I’m always excited when I see talented power women succeed in business. I love such success stories, and – yay for you! – I love to share them! Meet Corinne Phipps, the founder from urban Darling, who was kind enough to join us for an interview!
Isn’t she inspiring? I couldn’t wait to interview her – I’m very excited to share what she had to say!
ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:
Please share with my readers who your customers are and how you are helping them.
Our customer is the {extra}ordinary person. Urban Darling is a personal stylist who’s only goal is to bring style to anyone, anywhere. Our mission is to help REAL PEOPLE find their personal style, using their own clothing or adding a few new pieces to update their look. It’s what we’ve been doing since 2006.
What was one of your favorite styling sessions you were ever commissioned for, and why?
All of my styling sessions hold a special place in my memory because it’s the client that I remember most. It’s the look on their face when they put on a piece (that they thought was ugly on the hanger) and they do a few turns in the mirror and smile. That moment where you know they feel good.
My heart leaps for them every time.
Corinne Phipps, stylist, entrepreneur, and founder of Urban Darling
What kind of trends are popular with your customers these days, if any?
Quite honestly, women are interested in what works for them. It’s not a trend, it’s a lifestyle.
If you could go back in time and do one thing in your career differently, what would that be?
Totally cliche, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I am not one to harp on opportunities missed or “shoulda, woulda coulda” Staying in the present is tough, but without everything I went through (good and really-not-so-good) my life today would be very different.
I like the business and am happy with it.
If you could give other talented business women one recommendation only, what would that be?
PLAN PLAN PLAN. You must have some kind of game plan. Don’t go blindly into business. Research and plan.
If you could give style seeking women one styling tip only, what would that be?
Try things on that scare you.
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU
What motto/credo do you live by?
Oh, that’s a good question. It revolves actually. One of my favorites is by Mizuta Masahide:
Barn’s burnt down – now I can see the moon.
One of your favorite places in the world to travel to, and why?
I visited Normandy, France last summer and fell in love. The green was neon (it rains a lot), the sun set at 10:30pm, and the little towns all over the region were homey. I felt relaxed.
One thing that your recently bought and really love?
My boots I scored in Italy last Summer! 2 pair short and tall. LOVE, SWOON!
One play / exhibition / movie / concert / show that you really enjoyed recently, and why?
I have a 21 month old, I am not going out very much these days.
One woman YOU are inspired by, and why?
A few women:
sojourner truth – an African-American abolitionist and women’s rights activist. Her speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” has resonated with me since I read about her in college. Being a woman has never been an easy road but still we carry on
mother teresa – the radiance and simple love that emanates from her was magic and something to aspire to
my nana – I learned what it meant to be honest, walk with integrity and be on time from my nana. I miss her everyday
Thank you so much, Corinne, it was such a pleasure to learn more about you and your entrepreneurial journey! I wish you much continued success and fun!
And to you, my dear readers, I wish a wonderful Sunday! Hope you enjoyed the read! We should all follow Corinne’s recommendation, try on something that scares us. HA! Love it!
Posted by Astrid · 14 Comments · Leave a Comment
Categories: Inspiring Women · Tags: fashion, Los Angeles
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As another Urban Darling stylist, I am honored to be in great company. The passion within Urban Darling is contagious!
I’m so happy that Corinne has given me the opportunity and chance to pursue my passion. I have been laid off for a while now and while meditating on my career, I came across Urban Darling. I’m so glad I did. I’m so glad to be a part of smart and fashionable women, women who are here to encourage one another.
Heyyy Jill and Marina – thank you Urban Darling ladies for your comments too! Wow I’m impressed you guys seem to have a wonderful team spirit, what an inspiring group of ladies! Happy for you all that you’re working so well together – kudos! And kudos again to Corinne – nice team leadership!
I am so excited to be a part of a company like Urban Darling. It is refreshing to work with Real People for Real People.
Corinne is an amazing person. We, at Urban Darling, are so lucky to have her and the support system that is behind it!
I am sooooo happy that I followed my dream to become a wardrobe stylist. It is the best feeling to give other women the joy of personal style and the confidence that comes with it!
Great article…very inspiring!
That’s awesome, Becky! What a fabulous bunch you ladies are – so much positive vibe coming from you all. Thanks for all your comments and happy styling at Urban Darling!! Have a great 2013 you all!
xoxo
As an Urban Darling Wardrobe Stylist, Corinne has inspired me to take my styling talents and build a business doing what I love. Thanks Corinne!
Great article! Corinne’s business acumen is inspiring! It is so true that one of the best aspects of being a stylist is seeing the client’s joy at looking in their closet and knowing they have an array of outfits to wear and can look their best every day!
thanks for your inspiration, and comment, Fanny! I’ll take it to hart, and will keep a look out for my next style challenge! :)
Trying things that are out of your comfort zone will help you discover your true style! It’s the only way….
Hey Lauren and Katherine, thanks much for your comments! Couldn’t agree with you more! One thing I would never have picked at first on my own, last summer, was a really bright, orange-hued lipstick by NARS. I was all going for something subtle, when my friend passed this bold choice to me. I put it on and was wowed. Really? Great tip by Corinne, it totally worked, ha! Happy Sunday, ladies!
I like and agree with Corinne’s comment regarding not necessarily following trends but wearing what looks good on you specifically.
I also adore Corinne’s tip on trying something that scares you. I am always amazed how things you thought weren’t your style end up looking gorgeous on!