Jill Marinelli is a Personal Stylist, public speaker, and style correspondent for CBS Providence’s The Rhode Show. Focusing on body image, the power of personal style, and social science research, she teaches her audiences and clients how to look great, project confidence, and ultimately change their lives through their appearance. Read on to see how her entrepreneurial journey began.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became a Personal Stylist.
I worked in the corporate world for years while living in Manhattan, and to be honest, I was basically working to pay the rent! I liked my job in advertising, but it was not my passion. After I had my kids, moved out of the city and become a stay-at-home mom, I knew that when I returned to work, it had to be something I loved.
My first job post-kids was part-time at Anthropologie, my favorite clothing store. Eventually, I became the personal shopper for the store, and within a year I flew out to San Francisco for formal stylist training and started my own business.
Now, my work combines my passion for style and personal development.
What did you do before launching your own business?
I was a media buyer for Young & Rubicam in NYC, a Director of Corporate Development at a non-profit, and a stay-at-home mom.
How did you fund your business?
I kept my costs super low and basically started with a website and a dream!
You offer a training program for women that want to launch their own Personal Stylist business – tell us about this.
I call my Personal Stylist Training Program my “3rd baby” (I have two human ones) because I’ve poured my heart and soul into it!
I designed the class for busy women like myself – you can do it from anywhere in the world, on any schedule. The program includes modules delivered via email each week that you can read at a time that works best for you, and conference calls that are recorded if you can’t be there live.
Registration also includes membership in an exclusive Facebook group where you can network with and find support from other participants in the program.
From measurements, body type analysis and closet cleanups, to personal shopping, creating a website, and getting clients, I share everything I know about creating and growing a successful styling business. At the end of the 6 weeks, my students can be off and running. You can check it out here.
How would you rate your success?
I feel like a success, because I do what I love, make a difference in the lives of others and have the flexibility to be around for my kids.
What has been your biggest business struggle as an entrepreneur?
My biggest struggle has been having to make every business decision by myself. I don’t have a business partner or a life partner, so I often feel the weight of the world on my shoulders when it comes time to do something BIG.
What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?
I am always thinking of ways I can work smarter, not harder, and I think it’s good advice for others. It’s so easy to get sucked into Facebook when you should be writing a blog post or coming up with a new marketing strategy! Keep focused, and surround yourself with supportive people.
How do you manage all of your personal and business activities?
The best I can! My Mac calendar runs my life. I don’t believe there is any such thing as “balance” on a day-to-day basis. Maybe at the end of a week or a month, I’ll have balanced things reasonably well, but for now, I just do the best I can and try to forgive myself when things don’t go as planned.
Thanks to Jill Marinelli for sharing her story!
Leave a Comment