Career Profile: Emma Peters, Stylist

What do you love most about your job? 

 I’m a self confessed shop-alcoholic, so being able shop for others & call it work is of course the dream! For me however, what I love most is seeing the transformation & confidence clients gain after they have had a session with me. Helping others find their way & discover their style again is beyond rewarding. 

Have you always wanted to work in this industry? 

I have always loved clothes & fashion & been a source of advice for friends when it comes to shopping. It didn’t however occur to me until later in life (after having children) that this was a career path I really wanted to pursue. 

Do you plan your outfits in advance? 

YES….planning is crucial. As a mum there is no time to try on outfits anymore, so having a curated wardrobe with a number of looks you know work well together, means you don’t have to think when you are short of time & can literally grab & go, with the confidence you look great!  

Which is your favourite season to dress for? 

This is a tricky one….I am definitely a summer person, I love the sun, heat, summer dresses, sandals, sunglasses, hats ( I could go on!), however as soon as summer is coming to an end, I really look forward to cosying up in winter knits & boots. I also have a bad habit & love for winter coats!! 

What advice would you have to someone keen to refresh their wardrobe but not sure where to start? 

I would start by looking at your existing wardrobe. We are far too quick to dismiss & throw away items we haven’t worn for a while & in every wardrobe there are much loved items that get forgotten about. Have a cleanse, send the clothes you have definitely lost love for to second hand charity shops & look at those pieces you still love to see how you can pair them with newer items, or in a different way to create a fresh new look. Once you have done this you will have a clearer picture of what your wardrobe is missing before you charge out to the shops. Accessories are also an amazing way to create, or add a new twist to an old outfit. Statement belts, scarves, different shoes, or a different coat/jacket can give a whole new look to an old outfit.

Who is one of your biggest inspirations – either professionally or personally?  

On a personal level, I would have to say my mum. I didn’t realise how challenging having children would be….I look at my mum & how she raised 4 children alongside running a household & eventually working part time & think ‘WOW, how did you do it all?!’ 

If you could attribute your success to anyone who gave you your big break? 

I wouldn’t say I have had my ‘big break’ yet, I’m still relatively new in setting up my business, so there’s a long way to go, but I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without the amazing support of my husband & friends who have given me the confidence & self belief to get to where I am. 

What’s the hardest thing about your job? 

Switching off…..I’m forever searching for outfits & ideas for clients on social media & the internet. Whilst I wholeheartedly enjoy doing it & it doesn’t feel like work, sometimes I just need to put my phone down & step away from the shops!!! 

Do you find it easy to balance work and play? 

Having two little girls, I try to make sure that the days they are not in nursery I give them my full attention & we  spend quality time together as much as possible, so that means no work until they are in bed. I’m also very aware that weekends are precious family time & the time I get to spend with my husband too, so again I will avoid work on the weekends, unless absolutely necessary. For me work & play balance is crucial for a happy life. 

Talk us through your dream day – from waking up to going to bed 

My dream day would start by waking up naturally (no alarms & not too early, I love my sleep!) getting ready with a cup of tea (Yorkshire!) & then jumping into the car to head into London.

First I would head to one of my favourite studios (either Karve, Or Heartcore) for a reformer pilates session. Whilst I’m an instructor myself & have a reformer at home, I love not having to think & following someone else’s guidance, plus the studios in London are sooo cool & have such a good energy, it’s one of the main things I miss about not living in London.

Immediately after the class I would head to  Bodyism on Westbourne Grove for breakfast (my favourite meal of the day) they do the BEST acai bowl out there, it’s utterly divine! After a leisurely breakfast I would wander along the shops on Westbourne Grove, where some of my favourite shops are…..Sezane, B&sh, Me & Em, Free People, American Vintage (the list goes on) OR I would nip into town & hit Selfridges.

A leisurely lunch with a girlfriend, followed by a trip to Face Gym for a quick facial before heading back home to Marlow. Whilst I love going out for dinner, I love nothing more than cooking a deliciously wholesome dinner, getting into a tracksuit & retiring to the sofa to watch some trash tv, or a heartwarming box set before an early bed.