Fearless Friday: Katie Schuppler

You know those days when you can't find a thing to wear in your closet. *raises hand...today!* Well, there isn't an app for that (or is there?) but there is a magical, unicorn of a human being who can certainly help and her name is Katie Schuppler! With over seven years in the business, she is the human version of a fashion app. She can pull accessories at the drop of a hat and purge your closet even faster. She's your go-to fashionista in a pinch and she's been werkin' the scene since inception. 

Katie's built quite a name for herself in the Chicagoland area and for good reason. CBS named her one of "Chicago's Best Stylists" in 2013 when her brand was merely minutes old. Find out today how this style maven launched her company with success and a little bit of elbow grease. Meet Katie!

Tell us a little about your business and the mission of KS Style Consulting. How did you develop the idea further?

I have been dedicated to helping my clients (Men, Women, Kids, Tall, Petite, and Plus Size) find their own personal style through advice, Styling Sessions, Closet Clean-outs, Consignment, and Look Books throughout the Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin areas for over 6 years. I am also the Style and Beauty Contributor for Chicago Woman Magazine.

My client is a man or woman who is price conscious, but still wants to look fabulous and fashion forward. All in all, having him or her feeling confident at the end of the day is the ultimate achievement! 

1. What was the moment you knew you wanted to be an entrepreneur let alone in the fashion/styling industry?

I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur probably since I was about 6 years old. My Dad is an entrepreneur and I worked for him when I was younger. In that time when I was about 7 or 8 years old I made up my imaginary business "Katie's Cuts" and made everyone at my dad's office play along to be my clients!

2. What was the most difficult moment in launching your brand? How did you get through it?

The most difficult part was getting my name out there. Since I go to the client or meet them at a store to shop it isn't necessary for me to have an office. I did everything I could to get the strong client base I have today by networking at fashion events, sending out letters in the mail to thousands of potential clients who met my client demographics, collaborating with many people in the industry, and placed ads in local magazines.

3. How would you describe a typical day? What's your morning to evening routine?  

Typically I wake up around 5am and go to a spinning class, grab a coffee, and then make sure I am caught up on all emails. I usually work on my blog a little and then post to social media late morning and head out to a client appointments/meetings during the day and at night I might stop by an event once or twice a week! 

4.  What’s one thing you learned about yourself in becoming an entrepreneur?

That you have to be your biggest cheerleader. There are so many times you think about giving up or get frustrated with some aspect of running a business, but you have to pick yourself up and give yourself a little pep talk! It's just a reminder why you are doing this and why you wouldn't have it any other way.

5. What individuals, tastemakers, celebrities, entrepreneurs, public figures inspire you? 

Rachel Zoe has always inspired me through her epic fashion sense and how amazing she is as a female entrepreneur. My dad, he has been in business for decades with his insurance agency and has shown me people can stay in business through even the toughest times. 

6. If you weren't in the fashion industry...and could be anything else...what would it be?

Hmmm... I would probably do something in the beauty industry! I love playing with makeup, learning new techniques, and trying new skincare trends so probably a make up artist or an aesthetician. 

7. What's on your Spotify? 

A little bit of everything, very random! Currently....Janet Jackson, Iggy Azalea, Bruno Mars, Shania Twain, Beyoncé, Chainsmokers, and Miranda Lambert.

8. What’s your vice? Everyone has one...wine, chocolate, This is Us?

Bravo and margaritas! I can't get enough of either one of those two things (well, maybe the margaritas to an extent!).

9. Wine or classic cocktail?

Classic cocktail. I am from Wisconsin so I love a good brandy old fashioned sour.  

10. What’s the best career advice you ever received?

That if you want something bad enough you can have it, it's going to be hard as hell but it's all worth the outcome. I have learned that countless times in the almost 7 years I have been in business. What you put out you get back! 

11.  5 must-have apps that you need in your life to function? 

SnapChat, Instagram, VSCOCAM, Tidal, and the Chicago Parking app. 

12. Bonus question - What's next for KS Style Consulting OR do you have something new in the works?

I am working with a fashion app I can't say too much about right now, but am excited to see where that takes me! Other than that, just to keep growing my brand and taking advantage of all fitting opportunities that come my way :)

Follow Katie on Instagram!

Check out today's link ups: Style Elixir, Jo Lynn Shane,  Mix & Match Fashion