We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Kuhn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.
Hi Sarah, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I grew up loving and fascinated by fashion, the art of creativity and producing something so beautiful. Literally wearing art. I always had a sense of style and fashion, but didn’t think much of it. I went to college for science as that was also intriguing to me. After graduating with a degree in biology and a Masters in Counseling Psychology, I worked in that business for a bit and then stayed home with our children. After 15 years, I wanted something. I craved creativity in the arts. I started volunteering for fashion shows. I put myself into a world that was unknown to me, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it. After a few shows and connections, I was styling for them. But, I also felt like I didn’t belong. I was too old. I didn’t have enough experience. I lacked the confidence. I kept going and pushing myself. I made friendships and partnerships. I started styling for photo shoots and it became my second career. I still couldn’t believe this was where I belonged, but with every job and photo shoot and runway, my confidence grew. I would say I am not a designer, I just put the looks together. Eventually, that turned into Yes, I am the stylist. After years of compliments and encouraging words, I now understand and accept that it is a talent and I am good at my job!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I started with opening an online boutique supporting local artists, Poppy Stella Rose. It has always been very important to me to support local, so the boutique is filled with small and local designers, artists, creatives. We give a portion of every sale to a local nonprofit as well. A couple of these include The Liz Logelin Foundations, SAVE, Tubman, and the Crisis Nursery. After the pandemic, sales slowed quite a bit. I transferred more of my energy into styling which fed my soul! I now have a styling business and am the full time stylist for The Fitting Room, a local shop with all local designers! We put on two big fashion shows, EVOLVE, a couple smaller shows, Merry Merry and the Resort Show, and various Pop Up events throughout the year! Please follow Kim’s shop The Fitting Room for information!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Courage – putting myself out there and meeting new people. I am generally an introvert, so pushing myself was huge! Taking risks – again, by pushing myself out of my comfort level, it grew into an amazing career
Trust the journey – people come into your life for a reason. Doors open when least expected to. Follow and believe in the journey. Every door and relationship I have formed has led to where I am today.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
There have been a number of influential people in my life that have supported me and encouraged me a long this styling journey. I would say Sarah Edwards, the founder of Fashion Week MN, has been a huge support and friend, especially early on. She gave me the confidence by trusting me and continually working with me on styling, producing and management opportunities. Which led to meeting Kimberly Jurek Valanzasca, the owner of The Fitting Room and producer of the EVOLVE fashion shows. After one of her shows, I went up to her and said I would love to work with you if you ever need a stylist. The next show, I started working with her! We have now worked together on a number of shows and for a number of years, and her loyalty and trust in me has helped grow my confidence to succeed in my new career as a fashion stylist. My friend Chandler Weir. I could not have done any of this without her. From my first show, where I was running around without a clue to the last, which was just days ago, she has been an overwhelming amount of support encouragement and teacher.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.poppystellarose.com
- Instagram: Poppy Stella Rose/ Poppy Stella Rose Styling
Image Credits
Carleen Olson
