Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Shonka.
Hi Riley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After spending over a decade on the corporate side of retail, I found myself ready for a change last year. I’ve done it all in retail, from opening stores across the country for a rapidly expanding intimates company to training mall teams of nationwide apparel chains. The part of my job that had always meant the most to me was seeing the power of style on an individual’s esteem. There would be these “a-ha” moments where a client’s face would light up when they loved how they looked in a new pair of jeans or the sudden burst of confidence they showed when they found the perfect blouse for a big meeting. When I was evaluating my career goals in 2022, I realized that creating those magic fitting room moments was more important to me than more rungs up a corporate ladder. My passion is helping individuals understand their style and empowering them to boost it with outfitting techniques and tricks that make them feel great. I wanted to help anyone who looked in their closet and thought, “ugh, what on earth do I wear today?” So I decided to step away from a traditional retail role and launched my own personal styling business. I’ve spent the last year working directly with clients to tackle whatever obstacle stands in the way of them loving their look. We work together to define their style, refine their on-hand wardrobe to support their style goals and unlock their creativity and confidence with outfitting education. What is better than playing dress up all day, professionally?!
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting your own business is much tougher than it looks when you google “how do I start an LLC.” I knew that the technicalities of launching your own business would be difficult, so I was prepared for how frustrated I got when I was building my website and struggling to understand invoicing. But I was surprised by how tough this would be; emotional some days, my imposter syndrome is massive. I get into comparison mode with stylists on social media with large followings whose tools look more polished or whose social media output is much bigger than mine. I wonder if I’m skilled enough to take this on successfully when I fall into that trap. So self-doubt has been a much larger issue for me than anything else on this journey. As I’ve gotten more clients and business has picked up, my confidence has increased, but I still have more days than I’d like to admit that I look at other stylists and just think, “ugh, I will never get there.”
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Kansas City-based fashion magazine hoarder and accessory addict. I love statement jewelry and have never met a boyfriend blazer I didn’t want to take home. I’m also a style professional who has spent more than a decade educating teams on the science of the perfect fit and the art of building a wardrobe. I’ve used my industry training and fashion expertise to deliver personalized style sessions that ignite confidence and spark self-expression. I aim to educate and empower individuals first deeply to understand, then amplify their style.
My feelings-first approach to style sets me apart: personal style is not finding the best jeans for your shape. It is being able to feel however you want as you walk through your world. I don’t give my clients fashion rules but rather help them think about their wardrobe items as tools to achieve the desired feeling with whatever their day brings. My approach is personalized, empathetic, and collaborative.
Can you talk to us about the role of luck?
I don’t attribute much to luck- or lack of it. So much success (in life or business) relies on your mindset and how you define success. I’ve always been naturally optimistic, and it’s important to celebrate small wins. I don’t get things from luck but rather from not being deterred by setbacks.
Pricing:
- FREE 15-minute consultations for potential new customers
- $300: signature 3-hour “Get Dressed” service
- $100: 1-hour style consultation (in home or virtual)
Contact Info:
- Website: letsgetdressedkc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsgetdressed_kc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsgetdressedkc
