Thanks for checking in today and taking the time to learn more about our Nashville-Based Stylist Katey Preston. She’s originally from Chicago, but now calls Nashville home after moving here 5 years ago with her husband Dan, and two children Abbey and Cooper. She’s active with her church and loves walking all of the area’s beautiful natural parks and trails. In Chicago, Katey had a corporate career as a meeting and event planner for nearly 15 years.
Q&A with our Nashville-Based Stylist Katey Preston
Q: Katey, when did you join Effortless Style, and why?
K: I joined Effortless Style in the Spring of 2016. When I met Katie, I wasn’t really sure what my next step should be, but I knew after our long conversation over coffee that being a Personal Stylist with Effortless Style was meant for me. She and I connected so well. And it was clear to me that this was my calling for this phase of my life. I had helped so many friends. It was time to help other women gain their self-confidence and feel good about themselves every day!
Q: It’s not only a new year, but a new decade. Talk about your short and long term goals as we enter 2020.
K: Well, it’s easy to throw out numbers when it comes to looking at goals, but what it really comes down to is continuing to connect with clients – both existing and new. It comes down to me providing the absolute best service I can and being there for these (mostly) women when they need me. To listening to their needs and being compassionate about their concerns. Letting a stylist in can be scary, and it’s my job to ease clients’ nerves and make it fun. So a goal is to constantly think of new ways to keep it fresh. And to keep on top of trends and to make the experience the best it can possibly be for clients.
Q: What is your favorite service that Effortless Style offers and why?
K: That’s a tricky one! Am I allowed to say all, for different reasons? In all honesty, I think it has to be the personal shopping piece of the process. That’s when the moments come where women realize they ARE beautiful, and they CAN feel confident in the right clothes, no matter their shape or size. It’s when they learn how to shop so it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s when they transform as they try on a piece they never would have pulled and realize it’s the perfect cut for them.
But, I’m also growing to really love our newest service, the Virtual Seasonal Subscription. This allows me to work with clients outside of Nashville (and some local too!) that just need some maintenance and fresh looks each season. It gives me some creativity to give new light to pieces they already own, and incorporate new finds into their existing wardrobe from afar.
Q: What is your most favorite thing about being a stylist?
K: The real women who let me into their closets. The moms, the professionals, the women on the brink of a new decade, the women facing a lifestyle change. They trust their stories with me. They allow their vulnerable selves to be pushed outside of their box just a little. Building those relationships and watching the women transform is what I cherish the most.
Q: Where do you most like to shop for yourself?
K: Anthropologie, Madewell, JCrew, Nordstrom…….in all honesty that list can go on for miles!
Q: What is your most favorite occasion to dress for?
K: Well, all who know me well know that I adore getting all dressed up for a black tie event or a wedding!! But the reality is, those are few and far between in this phase of my life. So, I try to enjoy dressing for my everyday casual schedule. And honestly the truth is, my everyday casual is dressier than others… But that’s just who I am! I love feeling put together every time I walk out the door. It just helps set the tone for the day. A sharp blazer with jeans is a go-to style for me, I’m a jacket girl! Don’t get me wrong though, there are days where I don’t change out of my workout clothes and say a prayer I don’t run into a client!
Q: When did you first become interested in fashion?
K: From a very young age, I remember playing in my mom’s closet and sitting on the floor watching her get ready to go out on weekend nights. She had a beautiful, classic style, and I just learned what looked good and what didn’t just by watching her. After college when I was living in downtown Chicago, I would sometimes help her do a pull for some of her clients – she was a personal shopper for Marshall Fields. I guess the apple doesn’t far fall from the tree!
Q: Who has been the biggest style influence in your life?
K: Definitely my mom again, here. I can easily say all of the classic icons – Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn – but in all reality it was my mom, because those were her style icons as well.
Thanks for reading. Make sure and check back in next week for our next stylist highlight on Emily Goodin! And, if you aren’t already, make sure and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with all things Effortless Style!
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