In Her Heels with Emma Freeze
“Life is already hard, getting dressed shouldn’t be.”
“I’m The Chic Next Door. I’m really your average gal who loves style and people so I decided to create a business out of those two things. I graduated with a Fashion Merchandising degree from the University of Alabama, I have years of experience in different retail positions, and I’m a certified shopaholic. My goal is to create a meaningful relationship with you while helping you create your own style identity. We are going to tackle any style obstacle in your way and have fun doing it. This experience is all about YOU and I hope that shines through my work. Take a look around and enjoy!”- Emma
Join us as we learn more about Emma Freeze the Founder of The Chic Next Door.
How did you enter into your career as a stylist?
When I was 16, I started working in retail. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed creating outfits, and visual displays, and helping customers shop. After high school, I went to UA for Fashion Merchandising and got an internship with a local boutique. Eventually, I worked my way up as a manager and gained more experience with personal shopping for clients.
Did you always know you wanted to have this career?
At first, I initially entered the Fashion Industry with the goal to become a Buyer for retailers. However, as I continued, to provide a personal shopping experience for clients in the store I managed, I knew I wanted to create my own Personal Styling business one day.
If you could tell yourself one thing when you first started your career, what would it be?To be more minimal. Be patient. Pace yourself. When I first started, I tried to do it all which lead to overworking myself and unnecessary stress. It's a marathon, not a sprint!
How do you manage imposter syndrome?
Many of my clients have grown so much within their style journey and when I think of them I'm reminded of my qualifications and what sets me apart in the industry.
If you could go back and tell your teenage self advice what would it be? I spent the majority of my teenage years working. From the age of 14, I've always had a job (or 5 - lol true story). I wish I could tell myself to try to enjoy more of those teenage memories/moments and not to be in a rush to grow up!
Where are we likely to find you on the weekends or when you aren't working?
At the lake, spending time with family/friends, or hanging at home with my husband and our two cats!
Name 3 things you cannot live without
Dry shampoo, red wine, and Mexican food!
What are you currently listening to? Podcast? Favorite song that motivates you?
I'm not a huge podcast person, I prefer books, especially romance novels! As far as music, I love jamming to Taylor Swift and throwback songs from the 90s/early 2000s.
How do you get yourself out of a funk when you are having an off day?
Disconnect for a moment - take a stroll through my favorite stores, grab a treat, or read a book!
What would surprise us about yourself?
I actually have a second job I equally love - in the evenings you can find me in a dance studio! I grew up competitively dancing and now I have turned that passion around into teaching. It's something I love and it allows me to express creativity through another outlet besides clothing.
What is the best advice you have received?
Build relationships with clients, not provide customer service. I was given this advice by a mentor when working in retail. It really opened my eyes to the idea of serving, not helping. This is the foundation I have built my business - providing a genuine and authentic experience for my clients.
What are some career highlights and biggest career accomplishments?
The Chic Next Door has been featured in Birmingham Living Magazine, StyleBluePrint, Start South Podcast, and Bustle Blog! I also have an upcoming luncheon in August with Heels & Handshakes that I'm super excited about ;) I have styled many photoshoots for local businesses/entrepreneurs, organized countless closets, and collectively created thousands of outfits for my clients!
Contact information: Where can members connect with you to hire you for your services?
Email: contact@thechicnextdoor.com
Instagram: @thechic.nextdoor
Facebook: The Chic Next Door
If you have ever wondered what it is like to work with a Stylist, mark your calendar for August 17th as we are hosting a Sip & Shop luncheon where Emma will teach us all her tricks and how to transition from Summer Styles to Fall wardrobe. Tickets will open up here one month out.
