finding your personal style and building a business with stylist florencia rodi
meet Florencia Rodi,
the personal shopper and stylist behind #STYLEDbyFLORENCIA. with her presence on the internet dating back a decade, you may know her from her daily Instagram posts or through her styling work on the streets as seen in L’Officiel and Bazaar Vietnam. Florencia has mastered the art of personal styling as a form of creativity and self-expression, sharing tips on how to dress for any occasion and budget. she’s also no stranger to the hustle - building her business from the ground up has awarded her sage advice we can all learn from. it’s my hope that this conversation inspires you to put your best foot forward, from the inside out.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I’ve been blogging about fashion since I was a teenager. There was never one breakthrough moment, but a few notable projects include working on a Calvin Klein shoot and styling my first influencer client Alexandrea Garza back in 2019.
A transition you made really gracefully in the beginning was the one from anticipating what one particular person would wear to what anyone can wear. To me, it really showed how much you know your ideal audience and style, and that what you were creating wasn’t just a “post and forget about it” - there was longevity to the looks you were creating.
Thank you. It means the most to me when people save the looks to their phone, not just double tap them.
Something that’s been a constant in your styling from Tumblr and Polyvore to now is the foundation of elevated basics. Where do you shop for basics, and how do you help the wardrobe stay fresh?
Core pieces like blazers, tees, denim, and trousers are worth investing in. High street brands I’d recommend off the top of my head would be Everlane, COS, Allsaints, AGOLDE and ALO. If you can go designer, YSL and D&G have amazing suiting options- Acne Studios for denim and outerwear. Function first.. trends when you’re feeling adventurous.
Following you over the years, I remember the discussions you’d share regarding your parents and the idea of a “real job.” What was it like building your styling business on the side while balancing another job, and how was the transition into full-time styling?
It was a mix of blind optimism and an absurd amount of effort. Each day before and after work I’d research brands and brainstorm looks. My parents didn’t understand the fashion lane at first, and looking back I respect that. It’s good to prove yourself every once in a while, not just skate through life.
Growing a following isn’t easy, especially across different platforms. As a business owner who shows up daily and posts on social media every day at noon, what advice do you have regarding consistency or burnout?
There’s a clever quote that I think about daily- in a song called ‘My Boy’ J. Cole says “I don’t play around, ain’t got that type of luxury”.. that’s the answer. Burnout never feels like an option. Even if it is, it’s better to not even go there mentally.
What inspires you?
Music, books, conversations, people with a lot of swag and integrity. I’m obsessed with the idea of becoming an expert, learning about tailoring and design not just shopping.
You’ve really come up during the cusp of major changes within the fashion industry; from the fall of print to the rise of accessibility - people are looking at what people just like them look like on social media rather than just what fashion houses are showing them. There’s still a long way to go in regards to representation and inclusion. How do you view the current state of the industry, and how do you see it progressing?
It’s much better than it has been, and of course there’s room for growth. It’d be epic to see more minority designers, stylists, make up artists, marketing directors, and social media managers.. It's bigger than just influencers and models.
Your brand isn’t just about the external appearance; you’ve created a connection to confidence and overall wellbeing. Because as “fit” as one may feel, if you don’t feel confident or comfortable in clothes - or in your own body - it doesn’t mean much. Do you have advice in regards to feeling more confident, or showing up on days when you just don’t feel like yourself?
Confidence is a habit. Decide to treat every aspect of the day with care- care for yourself, your home, the people you’re interacting with. Organize your closet, lift out pieces the night before, steam a look before wearing it. There were times in my life when I looked very pretty but felt like a zero. It’s deeply personal and comes from a peaceful mind more than anything.
One aspect I personally struggle with in regards to fashion and confidence is the idea of dressing for where you’re going. In California, there will be people in sweats or athleisure no matter where you go and that makes it easy to feel out of place when you dress up. What advice do you have for someone wanting to look and feel put-together without overdressing?
I’ve noticed this about LA! I live in Cambridge, it’s a lot of book-smart tech people who don’t think twice about fashion. I’ll still show up anywhere in stilettos, a Margiela coat, leather pants.. you name it. Confidence is the common thread. People rock with you until you show signs you’re unsure of yourself.
What do you think the biggest misconception is when it comes to fashion or styling?
Is it bad that I’d rather not know?
There’s a large discussion in regards to fast fashion, yet not everyone can afford a full closet of sustainable pieces. As a stylist and consumer, how do you find a balance?
I encourage my clients to use rental services like Nuuly and RTR, as well as showrooms like MONNIER Paris, sort of like libraries of clothing. I also create a capsule wardrobe for my viewers every year. This is a collection of around 15 pieces that can be styled tons of ways without any outside purchasing.
With the rise of some influencers pushing new looks and products on a daily basis, overbuying isn’t something we can ignore. What are your thoughts on those feeling compelled to buy, buy, buy in order to keep up with others?
On the topic of overconsumption, my take is: don’t buy something unless you can think of at least 5 ways you will wear it. The goal is to inspire and find useful items for the client or viewer, not to make everyone a mini-Florencia.
What does a day in your life look like?
My clients are in various time zones, sometimes I'm on zoom as early as 6AM. Projects are weeks or even months long, so there’s usually multiple things going on at once. When my work is on site I’ll be at a client's home, a studio, or various department stores all day. A few times a week I'll batch content for instagram and photograph my own looks.
What is something everyone should know how to do?
Negotiate! and say no! You’ll end up with better projects and more time to do them.
Looking back, you’ve documented your journey from the beginning and given everyone an inside look into what entrepreneurship in an industry typically based on connections looks like. Have there been any cons, or do you see it mostly as a strength?
Starting as a teenager is a precious thing. I see it as a strength for sure. People don’t do something everyday for a decade unless it's pure love, and I’m glad the record is out there.
As a business owner, how do you balance putting out fires daily with also moving your business forward?
I have a cap on how many clients I take on at once, this gives me outside time to dedicate to social and larger plans. The ultimate goal is to be creative in a useful way, i’m not tied to any one accomplishment or dream project.
Everyone gets dressed every day, regardless of where we’re going or what our purpose is. That being said, what does fashion/ styling mean to you?
Fashion is powerful. You can use it to create a version of yourself that’s kind of like an alter-ego.
SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH FLORENCIA RODI
I can’t go a day without… Reading.
Everyone should read.. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.
Life is better with a little… Morning routine.
Everyone in their 20s should… Practice feeling proud without external validation.
One thing to do in Boston… Bike on the esplanade.
What the world needs right now is… Listening.
One way to make a difference is… Encourage people!
“Confidence is a habit. Decide to treat every aspect of the day with care - care for yourself, your home, the people you’re interacting with.”