Today we’d like to introduce you to Yomi Gissel
Hi Yomi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
For those that don’t know me, I’m Yomi Gissel. I was born and raised in the vibrant streets of New York, where fashion was as much a part of my existence as the city itself, however, I moved to Orlando when I was 12 years old. As a little girl, I fell head over heels for fashion. You could always find me recreating looks I would see on TV and playing dress up.
I’ve always had a keen eye for trends, personal style and aesthetic, and my friends and family picked up on that. They’d always gravitate towards me for fashion advice, and I loved being their go-to person- I found purpose in that at a young age. Becoming a stylist or diving into the fashion world was a dream I held closely. But I didn’t have the guts to follow my dream until later in life. Instead, I enrolled at UCF to study Communications and Marketing.
Then came 2017, and I decided to move to Madrid, Spain to pursue a Master degree in Corporate Communication. When the pandemic hit, just like many people, I wanted to reinvent myself and do something different and I decided to follow my heart and gut. So I decided to go back to school and did another Master in Fashion Styling.
After graduation, I made the decision to move back to Orlando and kickstart my business in Fashion Styling and Social Media Marketing. I landed a job with a company that styled for Disney. It was a tough gig, and very challenging-to the point where it made me rethink this career move, but man….did it teach me valuable lessons that now in retrospect, I needed to go through to have a true understanding of the business and prepare me for my future opportunities. Then later, I started attracting more clients from word of mouth and I happened to get noticed by The Mall at Millenia, making me one of their personal stylists. I am truly grateful to be where I am in my career. It’s been a steady growth, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love what I do and I love being a part of people’s growth and journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth ride at all. To be completely transparent, there are moments when I find myself questioning, “What am I doing? What’s next?” This journey has been anything but easy, especially when it comes to my own self-discovery. One of the many reasons I fell in love with fashion is that it allowed me to escape my reality and cultivate a new sense of confidence. I created a persona that empowered me, something I desperately needed. Throughout my life, I struggled with significant confidence issues and often disliked myself. Fashion became a vital tool in my journey to build that confidence.
Being a business owner is incredibly challenging, and navigating the world of styling is even harder, especially in such a competitive landscape. There are people out there who don’t want to see you succeed and may try to make your life difficult. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on personal growth and not let the outside world define you. Finding your own rhythm in this business is essential. I feel fortunate to have built a strong network of supportive people who truly have my back.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a jack of many trades, and I believe this versatility is essential in today’s world. I create storytelling through social media for companies, serve as a social media manager, and work as a fashion stylist—truly a blend of creativity at its best. Let’s focus on the styling aspect- which includes styling, personal shopper & image consultant.
I empower clients to discover their personal style, helping them build confidence and learn to use fashion as a strategic communication tool. I always say that clothing is much more than just a material possession; it can be a catalyst for growth, both personally and professionally. This concept is often underrated. Just as you go to the gym to feel healthy, you seek out a personal stylist to enhance your confidence. It’s a vital step in your self-discovery journey.
I style anyone who is open to transforming their lives and seeks guidance to feel better and look their best. My clients range from new moms feeling lost, to busy executives lacking time, and anyone in need of professional advice on building and refreshing their wardrobe. I don’t impose limits on who I work with.
What sets me apart is my genuine warmth and understanding of what my clients are experiencing. In essence, being a stylist often feels like being a therapist. I don’t just hand out clothes for clients to throw on; I create an experience. I cultivate a friendship with my clients, providing them with a safe space to express themselves freely. My approach goes deeper than just beautification.
I take immense pride in my career. Last year, I began engaging in more speaking opportunities on TV, in corporations, and at workshops, which offered me a new perspective in this field. I’m now helping a broader audience appreciate the impact of their appearance. After all, image is everything—it only takes seven seconds for someone to form an impression of you. However, it all starts with YOU!
Self-image plays a crucial role in this process. When we feel good about ourselves, we are more likely to engage, try new things, and ultimately succeed. If we don’t feel good, we tend to withdraw. By fostering a positive self-image, we open the door to confidence and opportunity.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
This whole career is a risk! You have months where you do really well for yourself but then you have months where you’re like oh snap! Can I even survive on this? I took a big risk leaving Spain to come back to the U.S to bet on myself and see what I can build. I’m no where near where I want to be, but I feel like I’m finding my way and paving my own path in this industry, especially in Orlando. I say yes to every opportunity that comes my way that I feel it will help me grow. I put myself in uncomfortable situations, especially in rooms with people that in theory you would feel intimidated, but I don’t let that stop me. You know the saying “Fake it till you make it” While my belief on that can be a little contradicting and hypocrite, I do believe that you need to own it even if you don’t feel it and that’s a risk in itself.
Pricing:
- Personal Styling 1 on 1 sessions
- Virtual Styling
- Social Media Management
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mallatmillenia.com/with-our-compliments/personal-stylist/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yomigissel/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yomalixgissel/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/yomigisselstyling/
