Style Interpreted

By: VibeSociety
  • Summary

  • Your personal brand starts with your appearance and what you wear says everything about you to others. You've heard to dress for the job you want. Well, we're talking to fashion experts on creating an authentic look to attract the life you want... on the Style Interpreted Podcast.
    Copyright 2024 VibeSociety
    Show More Show Less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2
Episodes
  • Jean Elliott: From Backpacks to Tangerine Studios
    Dec 11 2024

    Jean Elliott’s story isn’t about a straight path to success—it’s about creating one. Raised in Portland and educated at the University of Oregon, Jean’s early years didn’t predict her future as a designer and entrepreneur. She entered college as an art enthusiast and discovered product design almost by chance. “We had to make backpacks in five weeks,” Jean recalls, a pivotal moment that sparked her interest in creating wearable designs. That hands-on challenge set her on a trajectory that would eventually lead to Tangerine Studios.

    Chicago, with its vibrant mix of cultures and opportunities, became Jean’s canvas. “My dad grew up in Hyde Park, and when my husband got a job here, it just made sense,” she says. Beyond logistics, moving to Chicago opened doors to a broader Asian community, which played a transformative role in her life. “Growing up in Portland, it was very homogenous,” Jean explains. “Here, I’ve found a connection to my heritage I didn’t even realize I was missing.”

    Adopted from China as a toddler, Jean grew up navigating questions of identity. It wasn’t until she immersed herself in Chicago’s multicultural environment that she began exploring her cultural roots through design. “A lot of my work now incorporates elements of Asian formalwear,” she shares, describing how motifs like phoenixes and dragons find their way into her creations for weddings and celebrations. “I’ve learned so much from friends and clients who’ve shared their traditions with me.”


    Tangerine Studios, named after her childhood love for oranges, embodies Jean’s playful and practical ethos. “I didn’t want to name it after myself,” she says. “If it failed, I didn’t want that embarrassment attached to my name.” But failure wasn’t in the cards. From upcycled materials to bespoke designs, Jean’s work has resonated with a diverse audience. “I love giving new life to materials and helping people feel connected to their culture through what they wear.”


    Success hasn’t come without challenges. Jean vividly remembers a job interview with Nike where she presented confidently—only to discover she’d missed a critical document. “I didn’t get the job, and they even said I came off arrogant,” she admits. “It was embarrassing, but it taught me to prepare better. You’ve got to learn from those moments or risk repeating them.”


    Jean’s advice to others? Embrace help. “For a long time, I resisted asking for help because it felt like I owed something in return,” she says. Now, she’s learned the value of collaboration, hiring interns and leaning on her network. “It’s about finding a community where you can exchange support and grow together.”


    That sense of community has also shaped Jean’s work as a designer. Through her creations, she celebrates individuality while honoring cultural traditions. “I’m always inspired by my clients and the stories they share with me. Whether it’s incorporating a family motif or reusing fabric that’s been passed down, I love weaving personal history into my designs,” she explains.


    As an entrepreneur, Jean has learned the importance of balancing creativity with practicality. “There are days when you have zero motivation, and that’s okay,” she says. “I try to remind myself that it’s about consistency over time. Some days I check off two things on my list, other days I tackle twenty. It’s all part of the process.”


    Tangerine Studios continues to grow as a brand rooted in authenticity and connection. Jean’s designs not only reflect her clients’ unique stories but also serve as a testament to her own evolution. “I want to help people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired,” she says.


    You can find Jean’s work at Tangerine Studios on Instagram (@tangerine.studios), where she’s reshaping fashion and culture, one stitch at a time.

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Kristen Nuñez on Confidence, Perseverance, and Building a Unique Modeling Career
    Dec 6 2024

    Confidence isn’t something Kristen Nuñez was born with—it’s something she built, piece by piece, as she forged a career in modeling and acting over the past 11 years. From a small-town girl in Northwest Indiana to a thriving professional in Chicago’s bustling creative scene, Kristen’s story is about resilience, adaptability, and knowing your worth, even when the odds don’t seem to be in your favor.

    For Kristen, breaking into the modeling world wasn’t an overnight success. “It was a slow-moving process, but I stayed persistent,” she says. What started as a childhood dream evolved into a full-time career, blending commercial print modeling, acting, and coaching. Her breakthrough came not through conventional means but by seizing opportunities others might overlook. For instance, a rejection from a lifestyle print agency eventually led to an unexpected pivot—hand modeling.


    When an agent suggested she try hand modeling, Kristen hesitated. “At first, I didn’t know what they meant. But I got some photos taken, submitted them, and within a week, I had a job.” Her hands became her unique selling point, a niche within the industry that offered consistent opportunities.


    What’s striking about Kristen’s approach is her refusal to internalize rejection. “When you’re auditioning, it’s just business. If you hear a ‘no,’ it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It’s often about things beyond your control,” she explains. This mindset not only sustained her but also became a cornerstone of her coaching philosophy.


    As a coach, Kristen emphasizes the importance of treating modeling like a business. “You are your brand,” she says. “You need to have your own vision and know what you’re going after.” From creating portfolios tailored to specific types of work to mastering self-presentation through digitals and comp cards, she equips her clients with practical tools to succeed.


    Kristen also stresses the value of networking and collaboration within the industry. “Social media was my way to connect with photographers, makeup artists, and stylists. We built portfolios together, and those relationships opened doors,” she shares. But professionalism—being on time, responding promptly, and respecting every job—is what ensures longevity.


    Beyond the technical skills, Kristen’s experience with improv taught her to embrace the unexpected. “Improv got me out of my own way,” she says. “It taught me to dive into the moment and create, even in auditions where you’re miming making popcorn or watching TV.”


    For those hesitant to pursue modeling, Kristen encourages starting small. “The industry isn’t just about being six feet tall or a size zero. There’s room for everyone—whether it’s fashion, commercial, or even hand modeling,” she says. The key is to build confidence through action.


    Today, Kristen is not only building her own career but also helping others carve their paths. She finds joy in empowering clients to see modeling as accessible and profitable while maintaining a balanced life. “At the end of the day, what’s meant for you will find you. Just keep showing up.”


    Whether she’s working with brands or mentoring aspiring models, Kristen’s approach remains rooted in persistence, self-awareness, and the belief that the best opportunities come to those who don’t quit.

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Kimi Ellwein on How Personal Style Can Shape Your Identity
    Sep 9 2024

    Kimi Ellwein grew up in the wide-open spaces of North Dakota, far from the fashion capitals of the world. Yet, even as a young girl, Kimi knew that fashion was more than just clothes—it was a way to express who you are. Today, she’s a sought-after personal stylist who helps others discover their authentic selves through what they wear. “Your personal brand starts with your appearance,” Kimi says, and she believes that style is a powerful tool in shaping how you see yourself and how others perceive you.

    Kimi’s upbringing on a sixth-generation farm might seem like an unlikely start for someone who now navigates the fashion scenes of Chicago. But it was there, in the quiet of the countryside, that her creativity took root. “There’s nothing to interrupt you,” she explains. “Your imagination just runs wild.” Surrounded by nature, Kimi developed a deep appreciation for beauty and form, which she now brings to her work in the city.

    Despite her rural beginnings, Kimi always knew she was destined for something different. Her parents instilled in her a love for art and culture, taking her on trips to museums and exposing her to different ways of life. This early exposure ignited a passion in her that couldn’t be contained by the small town she grew up in. “I always knew I was going to leave,” she reflects, not out of dissatisfaction, but because her ambitions and curiosities demanded it.

    Moving to Chicago was a transformative experience for Kimi. It was here that she began to fully explore and embrace her identity, both in fashion and in life. She describes herself as having “lived many lives,” and her style is a reflection of that evolution. Whether she’s donning a bold, multi-colored dress or a sleek, tailored suit, Kimi’s outfits tell the story of her journey—one of growth, exploration, and self-discovery.

    Kimi’s approach to styling others is as thoughtful as her own journey. She understands that not everyone is ready to jump into a bold new look. “It’s usually more of a slow build-up,” she says. She likens the process to sculpting a marble statue, slowly revealing the beauty within. “You start to reveal your beautiful marble statue of what you already knew,” she explains. It’s about taking small steps towards a bigger vision, one that reflects who you are on the inside.

    One of Kimi’s recent experiences reminded her of why she loves what she does. A fellow stylist encouraged her to try on a top that was outside her usual style. Initially hesitant, Kimi took a leap of faith and ended up loving the piece. “You saw the vision before I did,” she later told her friend. This experience reinforced Kimi’s belief that sometimes, all it takes is a little push to see yourself in a new light.

    In a city like Chicago, where Midwestern values meet urban sophistication, Kimi stands out. She brings a unique perspective to the city’s fashion scene, one that combines the openness of the countryside with the edginess of the city. Her style is both approachable and aspirational, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.

    Kimi’s philosophy is simple: style is about more than just following trends. It’s about finding what resonates with you and building a wardrobe that reflects your true self. “When you start to have those moments and you actually stop and recognize them, you can start to build your collection,” she advises. Whether it’s a bold print or a classic piece, the key is to choose items that make you feel confident and authentic.

    In the end, Kimi believes that personal style is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about trying new things, taking risks, and not being afraid to stand out. “Life is too short to be miserable,” she says. Whether it’s changing careers or trying on a hot pink jacket, Kimi encourages everyone to take that leap of faith. After all, you never know where it might lead.

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins

What listeners say about Style Interpreted

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.