Meet Gabriella Griffin | Wardrobe Stylist & Creative Director

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

Hi Gabriella, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
To be honest, having a business as a wardrobe stylist isn’t something I set out to do. Since I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and after working with a group of entrepreneur spirited women, I chose to start a business in e-commerce. When I started this business, I was everything; the buyer, the wardrobe stylist for shoots, even the shipper. So one day, as I styled one of my advertisement shoots, I designed and handcrafted a dress from fabric and safety pins. After seeing the dress I designed and styled, people began to ask if I ever considered wardrobe styling as a professional career. From there, I began to notice how many people admired my sense of style and with this newfound enthusiasm, I began my career as a stylist and founded Styled by Gab, LLC.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My styling business is all about pushing creative boundaries and connecting with the people. What sets me apart, and also what I’m most proud of, is that some of my best work comes from wardrobe pieces I’ve designed and created. Often times I come up with very specific ideas in my head that I more than likely wouldn’t be able to source, and my talent allows me to have it by creating it. I got where I am today by continuing to create and style, just getting my name and my work out there. It hasn’t been easy, but I think that’s what makes the success of the business so beautiful, because you know what it took to get there and nothing is overnight. What I’ve learned along the way is that if you’re scared to fail, you’ll never succeed. What I want the world to know is that I truly enjoy the art behind what I do, I have a true respect for the craft.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am quite the homebody, so this question is interesting lol. I will say, I love to try new restaurants, and one of my new favorites is Apt 4B, so we’d definitely eat and drink there. I love a good festival and ATL is full of festivals in the spring and summer time so we’d definitely catch one. As a stylist, I’d have to add a few good shopping trips which would include some thrift stores, ATL has great thrift stores in my opinion, and it’s always fun finding dope pieces in the racks. I’m also a big fan of learning about history, so I would prioritize a trip to the APEX Museum, it’s one of ATL’s hidden gems. I’m sure I’m forgetting some places, but I’ll stop here for now.

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?
When I think of giving recognition and credit to someone who has been an influence in my story, I think about Eric Jordan. It is rare to come across people as talented as he is and find them to be as genuine, also. Over the years, Eric has supported me with business tips, pep talks (during those tough times lol), and client referrals, some of which have been major names to add to my portfolio. Eric has truly believed in me from the beginning. Another person I’d like to give recognition to is my friend Iria. Iria was one of the first models in my e-commerce shoots when I began my first business, and was the very first model I styled. She is one of my closest friends, is always one call away, and has supported me in many ways throughout my journey. And of course, shout out to my family and other close friends, I couldn’t do any of this without them as well.

Instagram: @gabthestylist

Linkedin: Gabriella Griffin

Twitter: @gabthestylist

Image Credits
All photos taken by: Eric Jordan II (@Jordanviision)