Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Marsico-Harvey.
Hi Christina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a love for fashion. It started when I was a small child, each time my mom and grandmother got together, they would go through each other’s wardrobe. From trying on clothes to admiring one another’s new pieces or just exchanging certain garments that each one wanted to add to her closet. They always dressed to impress each day they went to work, and always knew how to put an outfit together! As I grew up, I found myself wanting to keep up with the current styles and felt the joy of dressing up.
With a bachelor’s degree in business administration and work experience in leasing office space, I knew I was missing something. I was in my mid-thirties, and I looked at my husband and said, “I don’t know how I am going to do it, but I’m going to pursue a career in fashion.” In 2013, I decided to go back to school, and I got an associate degree from IADT (International Academy of Design and Technology) in Fashion Design and Merchandising. That was an exciting time for me as I learned so much about the industry.
In 2013, I even got the opportunity to go to the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. It was a trip I’ll never forget with live fashion shows, touring the office of Tommy Hilfiger, meeting designer Nanette Lepore and stylist Robert Verdi. Once I graduated in 2014, I was ready to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
My professional experience in the fashion industry started while I was working for CAbi as a Fashion Consultant which involved assisting individuals with personal styling and fashion advice. While working for CAbi, I also was a Health Counselor for Medifast Weight Control Center where I counseled members on their weight loss program. During my time with Medifast, I developed a passion for helping women feel confident in their own skin and clothes. From that point, I decided to start my own business as a personal wardrobe stylist.
Fashionality was born in 2015 and became a successful business. Fashionality’s mission is to help women enhance their wardrobe by providing fashion-forward advice so their outward appearance reflects their best qualities! The services I provide are closet refresh, wardrobe styling, personal shopping, travel styling, virtual styling, and events. It was a business that most people thought would take time to grow and that there won’t be much of a demand. No at all! Women were very interested in the concept and making appointments.
During this time, I was also doing events with retailers like LOFT and J. Crew, where I was gaining new clients. I worked with a local photographer and styled his models for a photoshoot. In 2018, I got the opportunity to work for Macy’s and was hired on as their personal stylist. In this position, I style and do personal shopping for all Macy’s customers. Macys has been a great company to work for, not only have I learned a lot, but I have leveraged the role. I inherited all new clients, gained new ones, and continue with my existing clients.
In October 2018, I was the fashion show emcee for House of Hope. Macy’s is a company that gives back to the community, so I’ve also hosted events for Kid’s Beating Cancer, Boys and Girls Club, and personal shopping with children from Make A Wish. My biggest accomplishment was when I was on WESH 2 news live speaking about Macy’s new private brand and back to work trends.
I can’t see myself doing anything else; this is my purpose, and it’s especially rewarding to see women so confident in their clothes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes, it’s been a smooth process, but there’s been a lot to learn and patience to grow the business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently a personal stylist/personal shopper for Macy’s. I run my own business (part-time), Fashionality, where I do wardrobe styling in women’s homes with their current wardrobe.
I specialize in teaching and educating the fundamentals of fashion to my clients, which I feel sets me apart from other stylists! I want my clients to learn something from me, but understand their style, body shape, fit, wearing the right colors, and quality brands. I have a keen eye for fit and color which are the two most important things in dressing.
This career is very rewarding to me as I help women feel comfortable, confident, and stylist in their clothes. I am proud of myself for taking my passion and making it into a career.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Last year, the human resource’s Chief Executive Officer from Macy’s (New York) personally came to meet me and thanked me for my one-on-one personal shopping experience with a customer.
Getting the opportunity to style local celebrities, TV reality stars, news anchors, and influencers.
Contact Info:
- Email: christina@fashion-ality.com
- Website: www.fashion-ality.com
- Instagram: @fashionality_cm
- Facebook: @myfashoinality
- Other: @mystylist_christina
Image Credits
Tamara Knight Photography and David Manor
