Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Friel.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My interest in fashion started in middle school when I realized that I liked to experiment and express myself through the way that I dressed. I went on to win best dressed in high school and started blogging my senior year of college after interning for Rent the Runway. I was inspired to start a blog after creating blog posts for Rent the Runway and styling and photographing RTR On Campus events. Aside from interning for Rent the Runway, I regularly styled friends for events, and gave styling advice, so I decided to share my perspective and outfits in blog form where they could be easily accessed.
I officially started styling in September 2014 at Boston boutique and photography studio Savas Studios. While interning there, I styled private clients and companies like Piehole Whiskey. Christine and Stephanie, the owners (and sisters) taught me so much about the industry. Christine was the in house stylist and makeup artist and Stephanie was the photographer. While working with them, I learned about their crafts, and how to maintain a studio and prepare for a shoot.
From there, I managed social media and styled vintage pieces for The Costume Company. I also helped Jeanne (the owner) plan sales, coordinate events and photograph her unique articles of clothing. Before styling and shooting, it was important that I understood the garment, so Jeanne taught me all about the intricacy of their details and design. I attribute my love of vintage to her.
I moved to New York in the summer of 2016 and interned for DRESSHIRT, a company known for their custom silk shirts and a seasonal sportswear, seen on celebrities from Gigi Hadid to the Kardashians. Because they are such a small company, I had exposure to a lot of responsibilities and roles. One of which included having control over the creative direction of photo shoots for social media. I worked on the shoot from start to finish, and either modeled or photographed it. Working for a brand really concentrated my focus on selling a product and developing skills in creative directing.
Since New York, I have styled editorials, worked as a Model Brand Ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger, been published in Beauty Mute Magazine and taught a workshop at Tufts University. It’s been a long, and exciting journey and I have learned so much along the way.
Has it been a smooth road?
In every situation, there are bumps in the road, but its how you deal with those bumps that determines your success. Working in an industry without a rulebook can be challenging, it’s hard to pave a path without a guide. Styling isn’t like working for a corporate company, and isn’t as common either. In a field like this, you have to advocate for yourself and have a go getter attitude because it is competitive. I try to learn as much as possible and ask for advice from my colleagues within the industry. I approach everything with a positive outlook and put all of my effort into what I do, and that’s what I’m known for. Two pieces of advice I’d love to share are use what makes you unique to your advantage, and always pay it forward.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As a stylist and model, my knowledge and unique experiences set me apart from others in my field. I have an educational degree in art and have a wide variety of skills in styling and modeling. I’ve styled for retail, worked as a personal wardrobe consultant and styled editorial and commercial photo shoots. I have modeled fashion look books, editorials and worked as a model brand ambassador for companies like Tommy Hilfiger. I have worked in front of the camera and behind it, sometimes filling in as the photographer. My unique experiences allow me to understand the other positions on set, and work perfectly in tandem with them.
What I’ve learned as a model translates into my styling work regularly, especially while working on set for a photo shoot. When a client tenses up, or I sense that they’re uncomfortable, I coach them with posing, and assure that their needs are met. After a prompting and cheering from the sidelines, they become comfortable and take the lead. My favorite part of the shoot is when they let go, and have fun to the photographer. That’s when the final images go from good to great.
I take immense pride in my client’s happiness, whether it is through the experience, a photograph or an outfit. There is something very special about watching a client light up after trying on a new outfit or seeing the images we shot. Knowing that I put that smile on their face, is an indescribable joy.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Boston is a great place for a business like mine. Unlike other cities, Boston isn’t overly saturated with creative fields, leaving more opportunities for growth. Working with other creative in Boston has opened my eyes to how many incredible and innovative businesses are popping up. Since we’re all growing together, the atmosphere is much more supportive and collaborative.
I would recommend someone just starting out to gain experience elsewhere because there are more opportunities in bigger cities like New York. As someone who has looked for learning experiences in Boston, I’ve struggled to find internships and jobs pertaining to my specific field. Even comparing job searches in Boston and New York, there are much more opportunities in New York. I think that it will take time for Boston to catch up, but we are on our way there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.modelandmaker.com
- Email: amyfriel@modelandmaker.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_friel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modelanddmaker/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/modelandmaker
Image Credit:
Oscar Alvarez, Alexi Reibman
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