Julie Floyd, founder and CEO of StyldLife, recently sat down for a virtual interview to discuss how her company came about and has evolved during the global pandemic. She spoke on The StyldLife Podcast with Matilda Green, one the company’s content creators. They talk about how Julie was able to overcome challenges to build StyldLife to what it is today.
Why did you start StyldLife?
Julie: The idea for StyldLife came about organically over a period of time. I wanted to style my natural hair, but couldn’t find any stylists in my town to help me with products, styling, and tutorials for upcoming Holiday events. Not only did I feel like I was lacking in hairstyle knowledge, but also in the makeup and fashion departments.
I didn’t know what I was doing, I had the same makeup look since high school, one eyeliner, one mascara, and chapstick...
I’m not walking down a red carpet, but I did have events during the year where I would want access to those professional stylists, and I wanted StyldLife to dispel that myth that these fantastic stylists are out of reach and everyday people like me and you have access to them.
The first video upload to StyldLife's YouTube channel
What were some of the challenges you overcame when making your idea into a reality?
Julie: The biggest issue, it was all new to me. Before raising my kids I was actually a bond trader in Europe, so none of those skillsets really applied to what I wanted to do. Which was to put together a beauty and fashion business.
I reached out to stylists by contacting them by phone-- explaining my idea, which they loved since it provided flexible hours and convenience all thanks to video calling technology.
During the process, I did notice another website that offered similar services and acknowledged the wide variety of videos of stylists on Youtube, but these platforms fell short when including any women of diverse backgrounds…
One of the first images used to promote the newly formed StyldLife styling platform
How did your company adapt with the COVID restrictions?
Julie: COVID took us all by surprise. For a period of time, we were all waiting to see what would happen, and to see how quickly we'd get through this, and to see if people would get back to their events.
StyldLife has always been safe -- during anything because it’s a personalized experience tailored to your individual needs. So, I would say, how we pivoted or tried to be creative during the pandemic, is really showing people how we are a COVID safe option for getting the fashion and beauty styling needs that one is interested in for any occasion.
We’re a full stop platform… and now during COVID-19, you see a lot of beauty professionals turning to online platforms, but we have it all through a range of stylists not just in the United States, but also abroad.
StyldLife stylist ErikaJoy helps a mom cut her son's hair during quarantine
What are the benefits of using StyldLife for weddings and for dating?
Julie: Pre-Pandemic, you might go to a blowdry bar or a hairstylist to get your hair done... but just because we are in a pandemic doesn't mean we don't want to look our best and feel confident still-- you can still get the styling and help that you want and need so you feel good when you go out.
Where do you see the company in five years ideally?
Julie: Oh my gosh, I have such exciting visions for StyldLife in five years. I really see StyldLife being available around the globe -- when we are all traveling again. Maybe when I or someone can travel, let's say to Paris, and I can get on the plane not wearing my everyday clothes. Instead, maybe I go to Paris with a Parisian sense of style-- thanks to a stylist, who helped me curate a wardrobe and pack, I can have that sense of style before I even land.
My hope is to connect to more stylists all over the globe to create ensembles that embrace and celebrate other cultures allowing men and women to create their dream closets or hairstyles, and makeup. The ability to have a stylist you trust, that can bring a trendy new edge from other parts of the country is a goal. I hope that people feel more confident and open to embracing and expressing their individuality with the creative access that StyldLife brings to them”.
StyldLife offers easy to book appointments for hair, makeup, and fashion tips with celebrity stylists that work on hit tv shows, movies, morning talk shows, and red carpet events. With the ease of technology StyldLife can only succeed in celebrating and building on our unique and personal beauty.
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