Everyone, meet Naz, the newest member of the Cam Curates Crew! Below is her introductory blog on How To: Be The Best Stylist Assistant. She will be writing guest blogs for Cam Curates on all things fashion, new trends, and what is going on behind the scenes with the team. If you feel inclined, give her a warm welcome in the comments!

-Cam

Hi! I'm Naz and I’d like to take this blog post as an opportunity to introduce myself as the newest stylist assistant on the Cam Curates team. Born a fashion-lover, I have dabbled in a bit of all the various facets from writing to styling to designing. Whether it comes to analyzing fashion week trends or setting up a booth to sell hand-embroidered pieces, I'll say yes to any fashion project that comes my way. Whether you are a stylist / stylist assistant or enthusiast of the fashion world, here are some of my best tips on how to prepare to be a great stylist assistant!

1.  Understand your skills & how to network them

Cam and I met at an event hosted by the Curio Experience in Chicago where I was volunteering and she was attending. We spoke at the reception and I learned about her entrepreneurial work as a stylist and event space host. She asked me about my interests and I shared my skills: writing, styling, and designing. We connected a few weeks later and here we are now. 

My tip for you here is to know what your super powers are and how to sell yourself! Knowing what you are good at will take you further than networking. It’s crucial to know, and communicate, what you can confidently accomplish so that other team members can fill in your weaknesses. While prepping for a gig with a stylist, sharing what you are and are not comfortable taking on will make for a transparent relationship with a more efficient use of everyone’s time. Also if you don’t have experience doing something but want to learn, make sure to mention that! I personally appreciate how Cam is open to teaching me the “why” behind what we are doing so I can understand and learn and apply her teachings in different situations. 

2.  Bring  New & Exciting Skills to the Table 

When Cam and I met, we talked about how we were led to where we are right now - sitting in her office and clicking so well with each other. We shared our individual niches and what facets of fashion spoke to us. She learned that I sew and design clothes, and we talked about how that could be useful in upcoming projects! 

Having different skills or toolboxes than your stylist will help establish a more comprehensive team. When one person can excel in accessorizing the client with jewelry, the other can quick-fix alter the pants that are just a bit too long. Learning from each other’s specialties will make your team become well-rounded. Being a stylist’s assistant is so much more than just being an assistant, it’s about being an asset to the team and so far, I think Cam and I make a great team. 

3.  Come Prepared

Before gigs, Cam is great at giving me the full run down on our clients. We talk extensively about what they are looking for and what we are providing for them. I listen to her plan for specific pieces we will need for any shoot or client and assist in logistics of making things happen smoothly. On the day of, I come prepared with knowledge of the client brief and a clear understanding of my specific responsibilities.

Whether it’s an all-black dress code, a toolbox of stylist essentials (*See Cam Curates Amazon Favorites*), or a personal ritual you do before important events, the most important thing you can do is: be prepared to be flexible and be prepared for what could happen. Sometimes shoots or on set styling can be fast-paced and hectic, mistakes will happen! What you can control is your adaptability!

I am so excited to be a new addition to this team and to grow my fashion knowledge and experience! Whether it’s upcoming client projects like a brand shoot and styling a new musician or day-to-day work like writing a blog piece or helping with events (…more on that soon!), you’ll be hearing more from me, Naz! Have a great start to Summertime Chi and remain stylish out there!

Until next time! -Cam & Naz