My passion for fashion began at an early age—starting with ensuring my Barbies were always impeccably dressed. My very first client? My mom. At just five years old, I’d accompany her to Loehmann’s, racing through the racks to curate outfits for her.

As I grew up, fashion continued to be my creative outlet and calling. Friends would flock to see my meticulously organized closet, often borrowing pieces whenever we went out. In high school, I was affectionately nicknamed “fashion girl,” spending lunch hours sewing my latest designs. Despite occasionally being teased for wearing something “weird,” I was proudly voted “Best Dressed” in my senior superlatives.

With such a deep-rooted love for clothing, pursuing a BFA in Fashion Design at Savannah College of Art and Design was the natural next step. After graduating, I launched my career as a designer, starting at a garment factory in Bangladesh, where I spent two years immersing myself in the world of production and design. From there, I moved to New York City, where I worked in fashion design for seven years before finally making my way to Charleston.

After 14 years in the fashion industry, I felt called to share my expertise in a more personal way. That’s when I founded Styled By Lys, focusing on helping real people navigate their own fashion journeys. I’ve always believed clothing is the most powerful way to express yourself without saying a word, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to show my clients just how transformative the right wardrobe can be.