After teaching for 10 years Sally Mackinnon felt an ‘urge’ to do something different with her work life. Teaching had started to wain, and not wanting to give anything less than 100% percent to her job she decided to make a change and become a stylist.
“Many people are surprised by the change of career as they see it as two polar opposite job descriptions, but in fact, there are lots of similarities.” Says Sally,
“As a stylist I’m still educating, mentoring, nurturing, listening, responding to and meeting individual needs, helping people learn and improve confidence and knowledge”
Sally now runs, Styled by Sally, a reputable team of experienced stylists that cater to peoples styling needs. Whether you are a new mum, a corporate high flyer, tradesman on the tools, returning to work after family leave, student or a retiree, her team can help you clean up your wardrobe and gain confidence in your own personal style.
I have personally always admired Sally’s style, especially how she puts her outfits together. From key pieces, to accessories and small details that make a big difference. Sally’s natural eye for style, knowledge of body shapes, trends and the local retail market allow her to meet the needs of her clients regardless of their lifestyle and budget.
I especially love her IGTV styling series, which feature truly helpful tips that will help you make the most of your wardrobe right now!
Today I speak to Sally about her journey, process and wardrobe must haves. Read on below.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your background and what led you to becoming a stylist?
Many know that I used to be a Primary School Teacher. It’s something that I’ve never hid from clients (well perhaps in those early days when I was still teaching but had to pretend I was a very experienced stylist!)
I taught for 13 years and for two of those – 2007/08 – I taught for 4 days a week while I started Styled by Sally. Within 18 months at the end of 2008 I resigned from teaching and went full time with my styling business. It was a big move but one I knew was going to work. I loved teaching but after 10 years I felt I’d given my best, and I could see a market emerging in personal styling.
Can you give us some insight into your process? / What does a day in the office look like for you?
Everyday is so different, particularly during and post covid.
Pre-covid my week to week would be mostly working with my personal clients, editing wardrobes, personal shopping, style consultations and managing the business (which employs two contractors).
I’m also heavily connected with other small businesses in Melbourne so there was also regular meetings, planning of events etc.
During Covid I turned to creating my IGTV content, which has gone nuts! And from that and general content creation has come new opportunities with brands and retailers in the form of paid collaborations. I think 2021 is going to look very different for me, in terms of managing my time between both aspects of the business.
What are some of the common challenges that women face when trying to find their own style?
Women can feel very confused about fashion and if they don’t have an innate sense of style, they find it hard to shop and therefore hard to create their own style.
Women are also their own worst critics, and don’t trust their own judgement when it comes to making decisions on what does and doesn’t work for them. We are influenced by so many factors that it becomes overwhelming, which I appreciate and understand and that’s my job to remove the stress and confusion.
I really hate it when I hear a client tell me she gets advice from her (very young) children!
What are some common questions that you get asked most often by women in regards to their style?
Where to shop for their age, and how to dress for their age. Both questions I find frustrating as again, women are too hard on themselves.
In your opinion, what are 5 must have items in a woman’s wardrobe?
A great pair of jeans that flatters your shape, a beautiful coat or trench, a pair of heels, a blazer and a patterned frock… oh and a pair of white trainers.
What do you think is the recipe to creating your own authentic style?
Just be you, wear what makes you feel fabulous and you can rock anything.
What are some resources you use for inspiration?
Instagram! I’m a very visual person so Insta and Pinterest, I love. Even when I buy magazines I only look at the pictures.
Tell us about some of the people in the industry who inspire you and why?
I guess my original and still current inspiration is Trinny Woodall. I resonated with her and Susannah’s practical, sensible and honest approach to working with ‘real’ women to help them feel and look their best. I still love Trinny’s styling videos and effortless way of speaking to camera… something I’m improving also!
2020 was such a challenging year for everyone? Can you tell us about how Covid affected your business and what changes you’ve made for 2021?
Covid impacted my business significantly and with retail closed and no home visits, I had to take all my services online for much of 2020. To be honest nothing compares to the value one gets from a one on one styling session (I say that from my own perspective as well as clients!) so I didn’t love the online consults but they were a means to an end.
Now that things are back to ‘covid-normal’ business is booming for myself and the team, and I think people are keen to revisit their wardrobes and style for what is for many, a new way of life. I haven’t really made any changes this year to my services as such other than scheduling in more time (at least one day a week) to fulfilling collaboration commitments for brands.
What are some of your favourite pastimes?
Sleeping! I do love to sleep. I love going out for coffee/brunch/dinner at my local faves and going to the movies (Kino Cinema).
I’m a bit of a creature of habit so I can be known to frequent the same places and order the same meals again and again. I like the familiarity of people and for places to feel like a second home.
Where is your favourite place to shop in Melbourne?
I live in the CBD so have always loved this as a shopping destination for myself and my clients. Unfortunately since Covid many stores have closed or left the CBD which is really sad. But with that will hopefully bring a new breed of new designers and retailers in the years to come.
I do love Emporium for it’s great range of Australian designers.
What’s next for you and your business?
I have secured ongoing partnerships with some great brands (can’t say too much) but its fair to say 2021 is going to look very different.