Rochelle York is a personal stylist and the founder of Rochelle York Personal Stylist. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Rochelle has learned how to find a work-life balance while running her business and raising her first child. Learn more about Rochelle…
First job: I was a lemonade smasher at Hot Dog on a Stick and loved every minute of it! It was the best first job because I worked in the mall entrance at Metro Center Mall and got to see all of the older high school kids walking in with their cool outfits. I worked there for a over a year and then started my love for fashion at Wet Seal as a Sales Associate.
Favorite AZ restaurant: My favorite local restaurant is “Kiss the Cook” in Glendale, Arizona. It’s a quaint restaurant that sells all of their antique décor hanging all over the walls. I absolutely love their breakfast menu and always ordered the “Cooks Combo,” because it came with amazing calorie free muffins (just kidding they weren’t calorie free, but it made me feel better to think that).
Person who has impacted your life the most: As cliché as this may sound, the person that has impacted my life the most is my mom. She is the most genuine, loving, selfless and beautiful woman I know, she always taught me to treat others with respect and love. I always watched my mom in “ah” because she balanced being an amazing mom, business woman, PTA super-star, wife and friend with such ease and compassion. I remember hoping that when I became a wife/mother someday I would carry some of the same traits (or even half the traits). My mom is truly my best friend and I am lucky to be able to share my journey and life with her by my side.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: My biggest accomplishment by far is my almost two year old daughter Presley. Being a parent has been the most amazing journey I have ever been on and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Seeing things through her eyes for the first time is such a cool experience and watching her grow and learn is exciting and sad all at the same time because I can’t believe how fast she is growing.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: The biggest obstacle I have overcome was making sure to have a work/home life balance. Prior to becoming a parent I never really knew what that meant or was, I didn’t have a “turn off,” button and was always on the go. But having a child changes your perspective instantly and makes you realize that there is more to life than work. It’s still something that I am working on getting better at because we all have those weeks or months where we have to meet a deadline, but I have to prioritize my day and know that my work will be there in the morning so I can spend extra time snuggling my daughter.
Someone who inspires you: The person who inspires me the most is Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen never gave up on her passion and always continued to move forward even when she didn’t know what that “forward,” would be. She has a heart of gold and inspires everyone to stay true to themselves and treat others with respect. In 2009 Ellen gave a commencement speech to the graduating class at Tulane University and much of what she said had to do with finding your passion and purpose, if you have a chance watch it because it is truly inspiring.
Favorite quote: “Follow your passion. Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path. By all means, you should follow that” -Ellen DeGeneres
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: When I first started styling in 2006 I had no idea what to expect, what to charge, what packages to advertise, etc. So I decided to expect nothing, charge nothing and advertise me and what I was passionate about. In doing so I grew, I grew every day with every client and started a website, produced a commercial and blogged about my experiences. Advice I have for someone pursing personal styling as a career is simple: expect nothing, charge nothing (for your first handful of clients and ask them if they are happy with your services to refer you to their friends and family) and start a website reflecting your styling abilities and the type of person you are, sell yourself and show them your passion!
What makes someone fabulous: Being confident in what your passionate about and staying true to yourself along the way makes you a person fabulous!
For more information about Rochelle York Personal Stylist, visit rochelleyork.com.
