Meet Stacey Bell: I am a Life & Style Alchemist

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

Hi Stacey, what’s your definition for success?
Many years ago, too many to remember exactly, but years before it was even a thought that I would have created my own business, I saw a quote in a magazine and it stuck with me. It was a quote by Gloria Steinem from January 1988 that read….”(Success is) doing what you love and having a positive impact on people’s lives without starving to death.” I cut it out and put tape on it to preserve it and put it in my wallet. I have kept it in my wallet ever since and still have it to this day. It acts as a reminder and compass for me.    

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a wardrobe stylist with a twist and my art is what I am able to bring out in my clients after styling them. What I believe sets me apart is my ability to dress anyone, in any size and in just about any style. I am an extremely intuitive person and am able to bring out the true person behind the clothing. When I am working with photographers on editorial shoots, that is when my artistic and intuitive abilities really shine. As a Creative Director, I develop the vibe of the shoot from conception to completion. The location, wardrobe, hair and make-up. I’ll have a vision and am able to tell that story through clothing, texture and scenery Was it easy? Nope, not in the slightest! It still isn’t, even pre-covid. There is always a struggle to change things and make things better. For me, life and business are about growing and learning and pivoting when needed. I have spent many years understanding how to “go with the flow”. It can be a daunting at times, but as a spiritual being, I have a strong faith that I am on a path to somewhere and I have to trust the process. Lessons, I could write a book on this and probably will one day, but for now i will say, trusting your gut and standing by your convictions, while remaining open and vulnerable. What do I want the world to know about me? What I have created is as unique as a thumbprint. There are many facets to who I am and what I do. I honestly don’t know how to summarize that into a few sentences. The experience I provide is transformative in a thousand ways. There is a t-shirt that hangs in the front hall of my studio that you see as soon as you walk in, it reads: “My life’s story will be a good one” and I can tell you, my story is no where close to being finished.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them?
Being a business owner, a wife and a mother of two teenagers doesn’t leave a ton of time to go have “the best time ever”, but if I could dream, I would take my BFF to Serenbe for a few days. Do a little hiking, yoga, horseback riding and chillin’. I love a good waterfall and swimming hole, so maybe a day trip up to Helen. Of course, there wouldn’t be a perfect girls trip without some shopping, so maybe a few hours at The Style Sanctum and a visit to my favorite boutiques around Atlanta, like Sabot, T, Lena LaRose and W.Port,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh boy….that list is long!! I would say the first person would be my husband of almost 20 years. He has always supported me in every way. My children for being understanding of having a working mom. My mother who always encouraged me to beat to my own drum. My father who has always been there to give me sound financial advice and loans when I needed them. A few years after starting my business, I met a women, Joanne Cohen, who would very quickly become my spiritual mentor and guide. My life changed completely in every way when I started working with her. Erin Doster has been my part time assistant for the past six years and I am truly grateful for her and our friendship. And lastly, but certainly not least, my clients. Some of whom have been working with me for 15 years. Without their loyal support and friendship, there really would be no business to speak of.

Website: www.thestylesanctum.com
Instagram: The Style Sanctum
Facebook: The Style Sanctum

Image Credits
Mark Hill Photography