Meet Julia Pistsova | Fashion Designer & Personal Stylist

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

Hi Julia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ever since I was a little girl, creating something by hand, designing and dressing up were the things that brought me joy and happiness. I was sewing outfits for my Barbie, making jewelry for myself and my friends, creating costumes for my school’s theater. Later, in college my friends were asking me to assist them during shopping, recognizing my sense of style and expertise. At some point in my life, I was at the crossroads. Trying to figure out what is next? What is it that I want to do professionally? I remember watching an interview of some fashion designer who said “start with what you already have… What is that you loved doing when you were a child? What makes you happy?” After asking myself that, the direction was clear. Fashion atelier combines everything I love and enjoy doing. It just feels so natural to me. I enjoy helping others in finding their style and feeling confident in their own skin.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Kiki Bisous atelier was born about 5 years ago, in my dining room. I was helping a dear friend of mine, who also shares love for creating things by hand, to make personalized ponchos to gift her family for the holidays. That sparked interest in everyone who came by to visit, so friends started placing orders… Today, Kiki Bisous atelier offers quality, versatile, custom clothing; one-of-the-kind casual clothing collections; professional tailoring services; and personal styling consultations. It is a place for women to get their clothes fit right, to bring their idea of a garment to live, to learn more about their style and to gain confidence. When you wear clothing that fit properly and reflect your individual style – you feel a lot more confident and connected with yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is a wonderful place that offers unlimited activities for any taste. “My” Atlanta revolves around my love of art and fashion. So we’d start by visiting SCAD Fash museum and High Museum of Atlanta. I also love food. So after feeding our brain, we’ll walk to one of the many amazing restaurants in my neighborhood for a bite. Starting with my new favorite southern European restaurant Lyla Lila. To recover, I would propose to take a bike ride through Piedmont Park to the Beltline, stopping in Inman Park for a coffee and a pastry at Bread and Butterfly or gelato at Voga Italian Gelato. Friday nights are great for diving into local artist scene at AVB or Cat Eye Creative gallery. And of course, dancing! Saturdays are for dancing in my living room with good vinyl and great friends!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The universe works in mysterious ways, and always seems to put you exactly where you supposed to be when you give it room to move you. I am grateful for it providing me with opportunities and events that let me discover my true self and my talents. Grateful for my mom sending me to a Patternmaking class in high school. I remember vividly how she said, “No matter what turn life will take, knowing how to make clothes is a great skill to have!”; for my wonderful friends and clients who have been incredibly supportive from day one, and my amazing husband for recognizing my passion and creativity and supporting me all day every day, empowering and guiding me!

Website: https://kikibisousatelier.com/

Instagram: @kikibisous

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-pistsova-790185144/

Image Credits
Jess Smith