Meet Chawncia Bythwood | Bridal Journalist & Bridal Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chawncia Bythwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chawncia, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Honestly, putting God & authenticity first. As a bridal stylist & bridal journalist I’m given the honor to work with women during one of the most important times of their lives. To be authentic is key because you have to be true to yourself, and completely open to listening to the needs of your client. This industry is so competitive and I think the reason I’ve been so successful thus far is because I trust my gut instincts, but at the same time I’m always willing to learn ways to improve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a bridal stylist & freelance journalist for bridal magazines. I started in bridal while I was attending NYU & had an internship my freshman year. I interned for a fashion show room that carried bridal couture. After that internship ended I became really passionate about the bridal industry. When it was time to intern again I got really lucky with an offer from a small & local bridal magazine in NYC. Once I put my love for bridal fashion & my love for fashion together everything came together full circle. I truly love working with so many amazing women, making them feel beautiful for their wedding day. You learn so much about the bride, her groom, and their families. I honestly end up being not only their stylist or just a writer who’s there to get details about their wedding day. I become almost like their diary, and they tell me things they sometimes don’t even tell their own families. I’ve been honored to form real bonds with my brides over the past 12 years, and it truly a blessing to do something that I love that also makes other people so happy. Although, I do work in a field that can be seen as fun all of the time it does have it’s challenges. The bridal industry is very competitive & so is the world of journalism. I have to constantly stay on top of my game, and make myself stand out from everyone else. I think I do that by being authentic to who I am, and letting my personality shine on it’s own. I’m constantly willing push myself to be better, and push myself to make sure my brides have the best experiences possible. Lately I’ve been expanding into private one on one bridal styling for couples in the metro Atlanta area & different cities throughout the US. It’s been such an inspiration creatively! Working with these beautiful couples to express their love through fashion has been amazing, and I can’t wait to take that to next level. 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is my home. I have so much love for the city that raised me. I’ve watched it evolve before my very eyes, and I’m so proud of everything that’s happening here! Anytime I want to show someone Atlanta there’s no better place to start but lunch at Busy Bee followed by a walk around Atlanta’s historic HBCU’s. If I want to show them Atlanta nightlife I love dinner on the Beltline at Two Urban licks, and then drinks at Garden Room in Buckhead.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think moving to New York City for college really opened my eyes to the world of fashion. I always wanted to be a writer but it wasn’t until I moved to New York City that I mastered & appreciated the fashion culture. My first internship in NYC was with a fashion showroom that carried bridal couture, and once I fell in love with the bridal industry I was able to use my love for writing as well.

Instagram: Chawncia

Image Credits
Janet Howard Photography