Let’s Catch Up: Career Transitions

~ This post is one I’ve been thinking about writing since the moment I made the decision to resign over 2 months ago. I write this post with with SO much gratitude for my time at Justice and also with much excitement as I get ready to start freelancing and working for myself in a week! 

*I definitely also want to acknowledge that this comes at a strange time that also happens to be a difficult time for so many. I feel so much for those in difficult situations and those who are unable to work right now. It’s not an easy time for many reading this, and for that I am so sorry. I don’t want anyone to think that I write this without thinking of those without a job. That’s not the case. 

However, I have always been honest and shared big life moments with all of you over the past 6(!) years. From moving to Milan to moving to Columbus – thank you for being there for each life journey!

Moving on From Justice 

~ It’s been almost 2 years since I announced on here that I would be moving to Columbus, Ohio, for my position as Senior Stylist for the brand! What a time it has been and I am SO grateful for each and every shoot that I had the honor of being a part of. 

Justice will forever hold some of my most meaningful days as a stylist, and I knew that it would when I accepted the position. I’ve had the very special chance to style Nationwide Children’s Hospital Patient Champions and will never forget the day that OUR CREW in LA had the chance to help Make A Wish Foundation make sweet Reagan’s wish come true! And who can forget the trip to LA with 2 of our VP’s to style almost 300 real girls at a “pop-up” photoshoot event. Seeing them light up on our  makeshift set was everything!

Those days were incredible, but really every day on set with Justice was special to me! I really do feel like I got to know each of the real girls that were our models – and they are ALL so amazing and inspiring! Being a lead stylist on a bigger set can be a bit stressful at times, but those girls ALWAYS made me laugh and I always stepped off set at the end of the day filled with joy! Those days are the ones that kept me at Justice for almost 2 years. 

A few months after starting at Justice, my friend, Patricia, asked me to share my career journey on the Piqued PR Blog. Looking back on that post now helps me to put the entire experience in perspective. I shared: 

“This recent career move was a mixture of following both my gut and my heart (it sounds cheesy, but it’s true). Now, I feel so incredibly grateful that I get to style for a brand that I love so much and truly believe in. Styling can get stressful and overwhelming at times, but I really think that I’m the luckiest stylist in the world because every morning that I wake up for a day on-set, my biggest focus is bringing joy to the girls on set and making sure that they feel comfortable and confident. I know they will remember that day for the rest of their lives, and how cool that I get to play a small part in it?!” 

I’ve said it here before, but what I learned from my job at Justice was so much bigger than technical styling skills (though of course those improved with all of my time on set). I feel like I’m walking a way with MUCH bigger LIFE skills that I truly never expected to learn at Justice. And those are invaluable. (*boom. Glitter Bomb.) 

I think it’s important to know when it’s time to move on and to always set yourself up for the best possible opportunities to learn new things, to be challenged in new ways, and to surround yourself with those who believe in you. It was very clear to me that it was time to move on. For those of my friends reading this, you all know I rarely have an easy time coming to a decision when making big career moves (*I have to discuss it with at least 6 close friends/mentors first). This time was different, and for the first time in my life, I had the sense of peace and clarity that I often pray for! I’m so grateful for that. 

What’s Next?

~ I’m heading back into the freelance world! AND I CANNOT WAIT! When I came back from Milan, I never planned to freelance, but sort of fell into it for 8 months and really enjoyed my clients. My plan was to keep freelancing until I found the BEST fit for an in-house styling position. This time is different…this time I will be freelancing with the goal of gaining new clients and serving each of them long-term (*HUGE smile across my face as I type that).

Most stylists are freelance and work for themselves and/or have agency representation. While I loved being a part of a brand while at Vineyard Vines and at Justice, I definitely missed that feeling of walking on set with a crew you haven’t seen in 2 weeks, them yelling your name and following it up with hugs. My favorite part of freelancing (*besides the actual work itself) is working with different crews, meeting so many great people, and feeling so valued! 

I also have missed working with so many different designers and brands. While I love kids’, I have missed styling mens’ and women’s. I’m also excited to work with different categories besides apparel like home and FOOD, which I have always wanted to do more with!

The first question I get when I tell someone I’ve made this decision is: “So are you staying in Columbus?” It’s no secret that Columbus hasn’t been my favorite place to live. I miss sailing, skiing, the ocean, the beach, my family, my friends, etc.! I also miss being able to drive to 5 major cities in under 3 hours, making my weekend adventures limitless! However, I am a HUGE believer that you simply cannot grow if you stay in the same place. I do NOT regret moving to Columbus one bit, and am excited to be a part of the incredible freelance community here AND have the flexibility to take on clients on the East Coast (*and elsewhere…the sky is the limit!). 

While I may not love Columbus, I do love someone here. My boyfriend, Matt is very special and has definitely been a game changer for me. I’ve never had to take someone else into account when making career moves before, but having Matt and making decisions together has really made this time of transition one of the happiest for me personally. Making Columbus my home base and continuing to travel for clients elsewhere is a perfect solution right now. 

It’s time to grow that portfolio, make beautiful images, and spread my wings! 

Thank you all again for your support in each season of life! It means the world to me to have the most amazing group of women in here in this community! 

Gratefully with love, 

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Rhiana

Back to Where It All Began 

To end the post, I’m bringing it back full circle to where my career began…in the Pink Palace as an intern at Lilly Pulitzer of course! Right now, Lilly is having a HUGE Spring Event! It’s unreal amazing. You receive 30% off when you spend $100+, 40% off when you spend 250+, and 50% off when you spend $500+!  It’s THE LAST DAY OF THE EVENT so HURRY ON OVER to their site! Below, I’ve rounded up all of my favorites, but I have more details on fit and some photos in current items over on this post from a couple weeks ago!