Hello! I thought it was time to put a face to the name and introduce myself properly – and to say a big welcome to all my new followers.
I never thought that I would end up being a stylist. ‘Interior Stylist’ didn’t even exist as a possible career choice when I was choosing my GCSE options at the age of 15. But looking back I was destined to become one. My father was a surveyor, and always took me to see some of the houses he had to survey. I began to learn about architecture and interior spaces at an early age. I remember walking into a show home and thinking wow…who did all this?
As a teenager, I would save my pocket money to buy new curtains or wallpaper for the house. I used to drive my Mum crazy and when my parents went on holiday I did what most normal teenagers do. I redecorated the lounge! (OK, I confess. I did have a few parties as well)!
So, little did I realise that I was already styling. I left my home in Wales for the bright lights of London and studied Fine Art, followed by a Masters in Art and Architecture. I then found myself in the world of ITV’s ‘This Morning’ with Richard and Judy. I worked here for a year or so as their production runner but was always helping out the set department (you can see how I was always drawn back to styling can’t you)? From there I went on to work for Loose Women, and Carol Vorderman’s ‘Better Homes and Better Gardens’.
My step into styling came when I was called into the office one day and my Executive Producer told me about the next project I would be working on. There I would meet Sue Pitman, AKA my Styling Mum. I made countless cups of tea for Sue and her team that day and the following week I was assisting her on an event for Marks and Spencer. So a note to you assistants, or wannabe stylists – making cups of tea is essential! I was taught at ITV that keeping your crew happy and hydrated was the most important thing.
I guess you could say that the rest is history. I learnt so much from Sue and her team, and eventually she encouraged me to fly the nest and start working by myself as a stylist. During that time I’ve been blessed to work with some of the best Photographers and Art Directors in the UK and also abroad. I’m happy to say that I still work with them now too!
My job is hard work but also a great deal of fun. Behind the scenes, I’ve been caught on camera whilst working and you’ll often see images of me on the floor, overwhelmed by my ribbon bag or tweaking props on set. There must be thousands of pictures of the back of my head!
So that’s me! How about you? Are you mad about interiors and styling too? Leave me a comment in the box below so that we can get to know one another or to ask a question if there’s anything else you’d like to know. You can follow me on Instagram here too in order to see what new projects I’ve been working on.
If you’d like to know more about the skills and experience I have, or the clients I have worked with, please see my ‘About’ page for more information. Please do reach out to say hello or to get in touch.
All the Best,
Claire
