SPEAKER_00 0:05

Hi, friend, and welcome to the Dreamers Podcast, the show where we explore bold dreams, highlight inspiring stories, and the real journeys behind them. I'm your host, Lydia Ingenieri, and each episode I sit down with creators, founders, visionaries, and everyday people who dared to imagine more and did something about it. This isn't just about success. It's about the setbacks, the turning points, the late nights, and those moments when quitting felt easier than continuing. So whether you're building something new, standing at a crossroads, or simply searching for inspiration, you're in the right place. So take a breath, lean in, and let yourself dream a little bigger. This is the Dreamers Podcast. Well, hello everybody, and welcome to the Dreamers Podcast. I am really excited about today's episode because I have the incredible Zoe Zemiti with me today, who you will be hearing from here very soon. But let me just take a moment and talk a little bit about Zoe and why I am so stoked for this episode. So she is a stylist and um an uber creative. She is so gifted. She is uh somebody who just really steps in and helps elevate the person in their confidence, in their look. And we're gonna actually dive in today about why this is actually important because this kind of topic of like fashion and style, it seems so niche, you know, to like the average person. Like, why would this have anything to do with me? I'm not rich and famous. Um, but what I love about Zoe is that she does deal with the rich and famous, but she also deals with the not rich and the not famous and um just the person, whether you're a mom who just needs some help or you need like a closet edit, or you're a guy who just maybe wants to not wear sweats and a hoodie every day, but would like to maybe elevate. Uh, maybe you just got a new job and you just need some styling help. But not only is she so gifted in that, but she is a young, rising entrepreneur. And my heart with this podcast is to highlight young entrepreneurs who are making a difference not only in their field, but in the kingdom through their work. Zoe's only 23 years old. She has been styling since she was a teenager and is already years into her career, which is incredible to me. So, Zoe, welcome. Hi. So excited to have you here.

SPEAKER_01 3:00

What a great intro.

SPEAKER_00 3:01

Well, you're a great human being, and I am so honored that you said yes to do this. So I met you like three years ago in 2022. Um, and how we met was because I was about to record my worship record. Oh, yeah. Yes. And listen, I, you know, for someone who has been a little bit in the public eye with that kind of thing, like sometimes there is just this overwhelmingness about like, what am I gonna wear? And especially on the night of a recording, it's gonna be taped, and you just want to be as confident and as comfortable as possible. I well, I didn't know you then, but we have a mutual friend at church that I reached out to and I was like, Do you know anybody? And she was like, I sure do. Her name is Zoeza Mitty, and she texted me your number within like five seconds. And I literally think within a few days, we were having lunch at Urban Market in Franklin, and we sat there for a while and just got to know each other, shared each, shared our stories, and um, and you said yes to help me, which I was like so thankful I could have cried. Um but not saying thanks for letting me. Yeah, no, totally, but I have personally worked with Zoe on two separate occasions, not only for my album recording, but also for the photo shoot for my album. And you knocked it out of the park. I have never felt more good about myself in something. And it wasn't even that I was maybe even my best self in that season. You helped me feel like I was by the clothes that you put me in. And um, you listened, you you you took note. So I actually didn't give you much to go on. I was like, I love red, I want a red power suit, and I want a huge fluffy black dress. I think that was like I was like perfect, great. Yes, and that's like all I said, and you like came with this myriad of things and you shopped for me and took care of everything. You came to my house. Oh my gosh, it was just the best experience. So thank you, Zoe, for what you did to help me through that season. Um, because every time I look back on the pictures, I I'm just so grateful, you know, that I felt as good as I did and you helped me look my best self. So, anyway, enough of me talking. We want to hear from you. So I would love for you to share about your beginnings and where you're from, where you were raised, and then just kind of talk about how you kind of develop this love for fashion.

SPEAKER_01 5:42

Yeah. Um I also loved working on those uh shoots with you and dressing you. That was so fun because that was like in the earlier days of my uh career per se, where like I was still like figuring stuff out, and so I'm I just feel really honored that you let me style you because that was such a fun shoot. It was, it was very fun. It looked amazing in that big dress. I was like, that was honestly iconic. It was great. I weighed so much, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 6:12

And like a couple days after I was so sore everywhere, and I couldn't figure out why, because the photographer was having me twirl and throw this thing around. It was because of that dress.

SPEAKER_01 6:23

So much tool, so much tool, so much so much tool. Yay for tool. Yeah. Um, but I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Okay, which I feel like is one of the mechas of all things entertainment, uh, fashion, whatever. Less on the fashion side, I feel like. I mean, some like there's a lot of styling going on, but it's not like New York or Paris or whatever. Um, and yeah, I mean, I loved it growing up there. My whole life was there, my family, everyone was there. Um, and then my parents decided to move to Nashville. I was in college at the time. And I was in college on the East Coast, and so then I kind of without going into crazy detail, ended up in Nashville. Um and yeah, just like didn't think I was gonna move. The reason I went to college across the literal US was because I thought, oh well, I'll just go there for four years and then I'll go back to LA and spend my whole life there. Little did I know that I was not ever gonna go back when I moved. Um so yeah, I grew up in LA. Um, I honestly have loved fashion for my entire life. Like I think, like it wasn't anything I like developed. Like, I think I was literally born with like a love and a desire to be in that world. Um my mom and my grandma talk about this frequently, but they're like, You were like four, and we would be getting dressed, and we would be like, Zoe, like, does this look good? And I'd be like, No, or whatever, and then pull something else for them, and then they'd put it on and be like, Oh, I love it. Wait, I'm so confused. How did a four-year-old actually make my outfit look better? Oh my gosh. I know. I'm like, I wish I could have like met my younger self. Like that would be so cool.

SPEAKER_00 8:25

But did you think that you were stylish when you were younger?

SPEAKER_01 8:29

I have okay. When I look back at photos, I'm like, whoa, what was happening? Mom, why did you let me go out of the house like that? No, literally, but I feel like I just it was always something I loved. Like, literally, if you were to have asked me what I wanted to be, probably from an age where I was honestly like very conscious about stuff, like I would have said fashion designer. Like, there was literally not a shadow of a doubt that I was gonna be a fashion designer. I was like, yeah, of course. Like, I like learn how to sew and I would probably sketch like every day. My all my books growing up were all fashion stuff. That's awesome. I mean, it was actually crazy. That's like all I wanted to do. Wow growing up. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 9:13

So wow, that's amazing. So, okay, so now you're in Nashville. Yes. And so what got you into styling?

SPEAKER_01 9:24

I feel like there's usually two different versions that I tell of this, but for the sake of this podcast, I really it was God, honestly, because I had always wanted to be in fashion. Um, and then I kind of got to my maybe middle of high school and I started to have a lot of doubts. I was going through personal stuff, which like affected the way that I viewed myself and different uh situations in um my life that honestly caused me to have doubt like whether or not I could survive in the fashion industry. Cause I knew from that age, like it was not gonna be an easy task. Like the industry's fairly dark per se, where it's just a lot of it is um, there's just a lot of it, it's a lot of self things, a lot of self-image. And I think as someone who had struggled with that, I was like, I don't think I can like put myself in that industry if if I'm also going through something like that. Yeah. And so I kind of like um went on a different path and ended up going to school for engineering. Okay, which was interesting. And because I I like loved math, and I was like, oh my gosh, I'll just be an engineer. You love math. Wow, that is I so rarely hear that. I did. I was so bad at English and like reading stuff, and I was like, I loved math. Well, math is like A plus B equals C, so perfect. Is it girl?

SPEAKER_00 10:50

Is it that simple? Because I have two freshmen at the same time and it just I don't think it's just that, but okay. Maybe for your brain and then I don't know why.

SPEAKER_01 11:03

It just like came easy in the girl. A plus B equals C. Okay. No, so I just like was like, well, I love it. I guess that's another thing I loved. Yeah. So I just was like, I guess I'll go to school for that. Wow. So then I went to school for that. When I moved to Nashville, I was kind of like middle of college, moved to schools, was like, what am I doing with my life? Like, I'm not sure what's happening. And then I right when I moved, I had met someone um at our church, and she'd asked me to go on tour with her for like a few weeks and just be because she was on tour with like um some guys and stuff, and was like, I just need a girl to like come out here. And we were I like I was in school at the time, but really was doing a lot of school online, and so I was like, totally, I'll absolutely come. So I went out there, met her in like Cincinnati or something, and just like went across the country with her for a few weeks, and she ended up being like, You have great style. Like, would you ever want to style me for like a a music video or something? And I was like, I do not know how to do that. Like, I I can dress myself, but like I don't know what to do. And so it was kind of like one of those things where I I said yes, but it was when I said yes, I was like, Oh, I forgot that this is what I used to love and like used to want to do. And so it was almost like her, and I I I still tell her to this day, I'm like, if it literally wasn't for you asking me to style you, and I apologize, I'm like, oh my gosh, I could have done such a better job on you because I had no clue what I was doing. But like, if it wasn't for her, like I probably would not be doing this because I just it was like fear that was keeping me away from like stepping into what I was called to do.

SPEAKER_00 12:55

Yeah. Isn't it amazing how powerful a yes is? Yes, like even when you literally feel like how you felt, like I'm just gonna say yes because something within me is telling me I need to do this, even though I feel ill-equipped, even though there was a part of you that was like, I don't know what to do, but yes, you know, and the power in an invitation, yeah, like whoever this person was, and just having that confidence to just see something in you and pull it out of you. Yeah, and you know, and that's really what you're doing as a stylist, too, is you are pulling the best out of the person that you are styling. So, okay, so talk how tell me about what that transition was like of when you were like, Well, I know how to style myself, but I don't know how to style somebody else. But clearly you did. Were you just afraid, or was there just a moment where it just clicked and you're like, I can literally see what would look amazing on this person because of their personality, because of their body shape. Yeah, like what's that like?

SPEAKER_01 14:03

So for me, I had a misconception as to what being a fashion stylist was. Okay. I just thought, oh, you just put clothes on people's body. Super simple, whatever. Little did I know the intricacies and the multiple steps and like actually like the business behind fashion and like fashion styling and like how much goes into creating a look or sourcing a look for someone in a music video. Yeah. Like the first look I did, I was like, well, I guess, okay, so I have to buy an outfit. I don't know if it's gonna fit her.

SPEAKER_03 14:40

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 14:40

So should I go to Goodwill? Like, what's her like, but I don't know if I can like I'm you know, I don't want to buy something and then return it and like what even though that's like the entire business, I have no clue. Wow. But like there's just so much that I didn't know about. And so after I styled her thing, um, her music video, I ended up interning for a few celebrity stylists in Nashville for probably about a year and a half, two years. I literally worked for free. I was working um another job, and just like whenever I had free days with that in school, I just like would be there for like nine to 12 hours, like wow, unboxing stuff, learning their systems, hearing how they're talking to their clients. Like, wait, so you bought all of this from this store, and yeah, okay, how are you keeping track of that? And how are you, you know, whatever. There, I I just learned like the extent to systems that are in place in fashion styling in order to have a successful business. That's amazing. So I don't know if that answers your question.

SPEAKER_00 15:44

Yeah, but let's not skip over the part where you said I worked for free. Yeah. Okay, talk about that because there are a lot of people out there that aren't willing to do that. Yeah. And they miss out, honestly, I think. And it's not that we don't, you know, the laborers do their wages, but when you are so desperate to learn something, I feel like you'll go to desperate measures to like do what you need to do. And sometimes that includes just showing up without any expectation and just I'm literally here for my own learning. Whoever will accept me and receive me and give me an opportunity. So let's let's marinate on that for just a second. So talk to us about why you did that.

SPEAKER_01 16:32

Yeah. I mean, I'm a firm believer that if you won't do something for free, then like, do you even really like it?

SPEAKER_00 16:39

You know what I mean?

SPEAKER_01 16:40

Wow. Like I to this day, like I had a client last week who I was styling for the Dev Awards, and I was potentially gonna style his wife, and I told his manager, well, actually, I heard God tell me to do this, but God was like, just do it for like style her for free. And like I'm like this far into my career, and I'm still doing that. I'm like a hundred percent like because I love it. Like I like I would do it for free. And like honestly, my grandfather used to tell me, if you do something that you love, like you won't have to work a day in your life. And that's how I feel, like, with fashion. So for me, like obviously it didn't mean like it doesn't mean I like loved every second of working for free. I like honestly, most times throughout the day, I would leave be like my body was in pain because I had just literally been hunched over for nine hours tracking these things, and it wasn't even for for myself. Like, I was literally learning from amazing people in the industry and not feeling seen and not feeling whatever, but it was like a heart check for me. Wow. Like it was like, do you really like this? Because if you're willing to do it for free and not be seen and like learn from people and be respectful and work extremely hard, even when like you don't like feel like you're getting like you know, like you're not getting money from it or you're whatever, like do you still like it? Right. If you're not getting like all the accolades and stuff.

SPEAKER_00 18:13

Absolutely. And and just knowing that even doing that, you're doing it unto the Lord. Yes. And also, you know, uh bringing the kingdom of God into this because you are a Christian and you do this uh for uh, you know, ministry as well. You know, like every one of your clients, you are, you know, you're you're ministering unto them by the way that you treat them, serve them, help them, and and just your ethic. And so talk to me a little bit about how ministry plays into this career for you.

SPEAKER_01 18:49

Well, I think it's like there's so many ways to go with this. But like if it wasn't for God bringing this into my lap, then I wouldn't be doing it. But it also was like my part as well. Yeah, because like God can give you signs and God can give you words and whatever, but if you're not willing to step into it and do the work, then I think it he'll just give it to someone else.

SPEAKER_00 19:14

I agree a hundred.

SPEAKER_01 19:16

You know, so it's like I don't want to miss out on like what God's doing. And so I said yes, even when it was hard and worked for free for two years and also worked a retail job that I loved, but then even in like the hardest times, like you know, taking out the trash and being like, why am I doing why am I still working here? And I'm like, no, like how I finish one season is how I'll start the next. So if I don't end this season well, so good, and like like I mean, I I started like taking out the trash at this job and like was praying and was like, God, thank you so much that I get to take out the trash at this job. Amazing, but I feel like it like set me up for when God did say that I could officially because I worked for free and worked at this retail job for a while. Then I started to work like and kind of um work as a stylist under my own name and not someone else. So I started doing things by myself while I was also working at the retail job. Okay, which I feel like is also necessary because I feel like a lot of people think that you can't like double dip, you know, like start your own thing and work for someone else. Um, but I worked at like an amazing retailer who like yeah, like they were like, wait, when's your next shoe? Like it was like they were so supportive. And then after that probably year-long season, then God allowing me and like almost like lifting like this grace to not work there anymore and like really trust because it's also scary, like when you have like fixed income coming in, yeah, and then you're like, oh my god, now I'm gonna be fully freelanced, and then you don't have fixed income. And then I don't have fixed income, and I'm like, everything I get is from the Lord, yeah, you know, so like sure things like like that, I guess, is um, I guess really just like a form of of ministry, and and just like learning that. But I feel like my job in general, I'm with people in their most vulnerable state. Like we don't really know each other, but you're getting undressed before me, and we're just gonna make you look good on this photo shoot.

SPEAKER_00 21:28

And there's I remember thinking that when you Yeah, I'm like, hey, nice to meet you.

SPEAKER_01 21:33

Can you try on this dress? And it's kind of like here, like I'm like, trust me, it's not weird, like it's you know, whatever, like it'll be fine. Like, I'll turn around. Like, you know, it's like yeah, but it's like you get like this like um closeness with someone, yeah. And like uh you you just get to be really close to people really quick in this industry, and it's like people trust you with their visions. Like, for example, you had this. This vision of what you wanted your album to be, what you wanted your recording to be. And you're like, here. And like that's like scary as like from creative to creative. It's like, oh my gosh, I hope this person gets this right. And like that translates from me working with you to me working with like other celebrities, or even just like a mom who's like had three kids and is like in her postpartum stage and is like, I don't know what looks good on me, help, like whatever. Like people put a lot of trust in my hands. And so I'm like, I don't take that lightly. Like, I'm gonna steward that and like work to the best of my ability to make that person feel seen and loved and confident and like truly know that, like I mean, we were kind of talking about this, but like my motto is like that the clothes shouldn't wear you, but that you should wear the clothes, and like truly teaching people how uh to see themselves and like how clothes are just like the cherry on top of that, and like when you're confident and when you know who you are and all that stuff, like your clothes will look 10 times better. Amen.

SPEAKER_00 23:12

You know what I mean? That's so good, and and I think that there are a lot of people that don't feel as confident as they could, yeah, simply because maybe they're just not wearing something that's right for their body, or they think they have to wear this style because that's what's in, you know. And the truth is too, is this is not just for women. So this is everybody on earth wears clothes, at least in 98% of the world, you know. So it's like, so it's like, you know, this this is for men too. So, you know, and I I have a son who is very into style and fashion, and and because he has just, I think, seen how confident now all of my kids are, and both of my sons really love their clothes and they've got great taste. But my one son in particular is just really he thrives in that and he thinks through his his fits and what he wants to wear to church or what he's gonna wear when he's on the platform, or what he's gonna wear when he's at that video shoot, or what he's gonna wear when he's just hanging out with friends, and and but part of that, because like you said, it can I think turn some people up. Well, that sounds so many like you shouldn't care about those things. But the thing is, is I feel, and I know you feel this way too, is we should care about the way that we present ourselves, how we carry ourselves. You know, you you do only have one chance to make a first impression, especially if this has to do with a career or a job interview or something like that. Like you want to look put together. So let's talk a little bit about that, about like how can we get out of that frame of mind of like, oh, this is so vain, this is so why would you spend so much time and energy on that? And maybe focus more on the empowerment piece of it, because when you helped me, that's exactly what it did. I felt so empowered. And then it kind of stirred my curiosity because there's other things that you do too, besides like you come in and help people edit their closets and just figure out, you know, how to even do that in a practical way that doesn't feel overwhelming. But I I know for me, and you know, there are times where I am in the public eye and I'm on the platform, and it just stinks when you look back and go, Why did I wear that? Or that doesn't even look good on me. Like, what the heck? Why did somebody say something? You know, or like, or shouldn't I know that? And so you do have that group of people too that are just clueless, and it's like, I don't even know what looks good on me. So let's just talk a little bit about that empowering piece and just maybe even some practical things that could help both men and women feel feel like their best self.

SPEAKER_01 25:56

Yeah, well, I I do think there is a I don't want to say stigma, but like this um just like mindset when as Christians sometimes where we just don't feel like like it's okay to like buy things. I yeah I don't really know how to explain it, but it's like, oh no, like I shouldn't, because like, you know, there's you know, this person who needs that more or whatever. Like we just oftentimes like there's I don't want to say like religious, but there can be kind of like a religious mindset towards like not wanting to take care of yourself because we think it's like vain. Yeah, but I think it's actually a polar opposite because God gave us our body to take care of. That's right. And we are carriers of the Holy Spirit, and so for me it's like it's like the same as like eating, eating well. Yeah, like I'm gonna eat an 80-20 diet where I'm gonna eat 80% of the time really well, and 20% of the time, like, you know, have some cookies or whatever. But like that's how like we should take care of our like that our outer appearance is equally as important as, you know, like anything else. I like I feel like so. I think it's actually not vain at all to care what you look like and to actually invest in yourself and invest in your closet. And I think there's a level to which you can do that because some people have like serious shopaholic addictions and like never feel satisfied or or you know, yeah, like they always want something new or the next thing or whatever. And I think that is something to be aware of. But I think if you're refreshing your closet once a season and you get a few things here and there, I'm not saying you need to go to Louis Vuitton or YSL to like refresh your closet to look presentable, but I think you can go to Zara, you can go and like you can even do like a clothing uh switch with friends. That's right. You can do things like that where you're like, or you could go through your closet, sell some stuff on Poshmark, make money, you know, like and then buy some new clothes for yourself. Like there's so many different ways, but I think it it's really important how we present ourselves um to people because that's how sadly a lot of people like that's everyone's first impression is like how you look. Yeah, like I'm not gonna be like, oh, like like if I just met you, I'm not gonna be like, Lydia's heart is so amazing. Like after we hang out and I hear your story, I'll be like, oh my gosh, she's the most amazing person ever, and like also cute outfit. But like most important, like yeah, it it is first impressions that sadly is like a lot how a lot of the world operates. Yeah. And so I do think it is important. Um, but also I think without like the empowering piece of what you were talking about, like without knowing who we are, I think anything we wear and anything we do is like it's not gonna satisfy us. Correct. You know, yeah, and clothes should never like satisfy you. Like for me, if I'm wearing sweats and a t-shirt to work one day, I'm like, this is amazing. Yeah. But then if I'm also like, you know, getting dressed or whatever to go to, you know, something else, like, you know, an event or whatever, I'll also feel like this is like I I feel amazing. But truly, like for me, it's like my relationship with God and like allowing God to tell me who I am and me stepping into that is ultimately gonna make me feel the best. And then the clothes are just like I think I said this earlier, but like the cherry on top.

SPEAKER_00 29:56

The cherry on top, yeah, absolutely. Talk a little bit about, you know, again, so many people think fashion is only for the rich and famous, and just, you know, many of us live on a budget and we don't have, you know, I can't add a thousand dollars worth of clothing every time I see some, which most people cannot.

SPEAKER_02 30:16

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 30:17

Um, but you also said something about how most of our closets are full of a lot of clothes that we don't even wear because we think we have to have it, or oh, that's cute, or I'll wear it for this one thing. So are you like a fan of capsule closets? Okay, so talk it so for those who have not heard what a capsule wardrobe is, it's it's staple pieces that are that you can like intermix with other things, you know. Um, a lot of people say it's like, you know, you have like 20 to 30 things that you just like rotate between jackets and shirts and sweaters and pants and skirts and shoes and things like that. And it's it's more simple, it's more minimalistic, but it sure makes it a lot easier, I think, sometimes to uh to choose what you're gonna wear. And especially like if you know your style, like I've discovered about myself, I just tend to like classic looks. Um, I tend to like neutral colors. I love color, but I don't tend to lean into that if I'm gonna pick, like it has to be like a really special thing, or if I really like want to make a statement, but I I like neutrals, I like things that I know are just gonna just look good on me no matter what I'm doing.

SPEAKER_02 31:36

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 31:37

So talk about how you can do this affordably. You kind of touched on it with like selling some of your stuff and then using that money, you know, to maybe invest in something new. But is there other advice you would have for those who are like, I have$150 and that's it? What would you say would be a good start?

SPEAKER_01 31:57

Well, to talk about the capsule wardrobe, like the most important like I think a lot of people struggle getting dressed because they don't have a good jean that they like, they don't have a good white t-shirt, black t-shirt, gray t-shirt, they don't have a good slack, like they don't have a good white sneaker that they love or a sandal or whatever, and they're struggling to put together these pieces because they're missing basic fundamental things that are honestly like the backbone to outfits. There you go. If that makes sense. Oh, yeah. So, like for me, if you I wouldn't buy anything new until you have those things like set in place because a lot of times I'll all of clients be like, Well, I just don't know what to wear this with, like whatever. And it's like this$500 jacket that they bought, and it's a statement and it's amazing. And I'm like, Well, you you don't even have like a good white tank top, yeah, which is needed in order to make that jacket look good or whatever the case may be. So for me, I would discourage any shopping until you have basic capsule wardrobe things, that's good, which is truly just like white, black, and gray t-shirts, even in long sleeve forms and tank top forms. I feel like uh of those colors is great. A great jean that you love. Honestly, I I prefer like light wash and like mid-wash jeans. I'm not really a big fan of super dark wash unless it's black, because I find it harder to like style. Yeah. And then honestly, having like a sandal, a white sneaker, a loafer, a boot. That's good. And then you can spruce things up with like what jacket you decide to buy. Like if you want to invest in a vintage, you know, leather jacket or whatever that may be. But I think if you have a small budget, I think it's like baby steps. Like look at how much you have in your closet. Because I I mean, I did talk about this with food, but really there is an 80-20 rule in like your closet as well, where we only really wear 20% of our closet. Like everything that's on the top and everything that's like closest to like you know, whatever is easily accessible to you is really what you're gonna wear. And oftentimes that is like the newer stuff that you've bought. And so I think going through your closet, which I I've done this for countless people. Yeah. But going through and being like, when's the last time you wore this? And they're like, Well, I wore that five years ago, but I really want to keep it just in case I have this event and I have that. Yeah, I'm like, I'm sorry, that event's never coming. And it's it's not it's not coming. But there's a difference between if you have something sentimental, you know what I mean? Like where you're like, I wore this to my engagement party or whatever. I'm like, great, but we can fold that, put it in a box.

SPEAKER_00 35:04

And that was 25 years ago.

SPEAKER_01 35:06

And that was yes, that was 25 years ago.

SPEAKER_00 35:08

So I yeah.

SPEAKER_01 35:10

I got you. Yeah. So when people start making excuses for the case.

SPEAKER_00 35:14

How are you so like gracious?

SPEAKER_01 35:16

Like, are you like how do you say that with grace, you know, where it's like you're living in a dream world, you're never gonna wear this. Yeah, well, my my favorite thing is when my clients are like, well, that could be a good costume. Uh no, yeah, you're never gonna make that into a costume, you know? Um, no, my thing is I won't say anything.

SPEAKER_00 35:34

Yeah, oh, that's good.

SPEAKER_01 35:35

So if that's someone, like if we're going through someone's closet or whatever and they're holding up, I'm holding up, you know, this piece. Because for the most part, I'll be like, that's cute, that's cute, okay, great. That could be reused. Okay, this seems really old.

SPEAKER_00 35:48

Like so you don't give your opinion, your thought, you just stay silent and let them kind of the client.

SPEAKER_01 35:56

Sometimes, like if I'm keeping things, I'll make it very vocal to them and be like, great job, like this is great. Like, try to like build them up, you know, because it it is a sensitive thing. It's like I'm going through like all your belongings. It's like, it's like this is stuff that you have memories associated with. And it's like, yeah. If I'm like, oh, this is horrible, they're gonna be like, that I wore that to Hawaii and that was such a great time, and now I'm just like poo-pooing on your, you know, whatever, your thing. So, anyways, I have to be sensitive. Yeah, of course. Because I can be very direct too, and that's not always people's you have to be a good mix, or you probably could not do this job. Yes. I've learned compassion over the years. Sometimes I'm like, oh my gosh, like what? But I've learned when there is something that I'm like, this I really don't like this, but this could potentially be someone's favorite item. I have to be like, so what do you think about this? Like, when was the last time you wore this? How do you feel when you wear it? Why are you keeping this if you want to keep this? Like, do you think you're eventually gonna fit into it, or do you eventually want to wear that again with another outfit? Like, what is the purpose behind this? And I'll try to ask them questions. That's good, like kind of coach them through the process. Yes. Yeah, because a lot of times then I can teach people how to do it for themselves. Yeah. That's like also a good business model, is like not like obviously I would love for people to keep hiring me to do that, but like I do want to empower people to be like, you can you can do this by yourself too. Like it is easier when someone's telling you what to get rid of and what to keep. Yeah. But I also think there is a way to think about stuff.

SPEAKER_00 37:38

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 37:38

Where it's like, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 37:41

Well, I had different questions. I definitely learned when I worked with you, especially about that. Like, what does this mean to you and why are you holding on to it? You know, that is a very important question. So is it hugely different, which I think I already know the question to this, styling men than it is women? Yes. Okay.

SPEAKER_01 38:03

I love styling men. It is so e it's so much easier. Yeah. For me. Well, clearly. Yeah, like I it's us women are complicated. Yeah. I love styling women too. I think it's so fun. But men, there's just this like um ease about it where like they just are fully like, whatever you say. Yeah, I will wear that. They do. And I'm like, they're turned. Perfect.

SPEAKER_00 38:31

It puts your trust in Zoe. Yes.

SPEAKER_01 38:33

And so I really enjoy that because I think I can have a little bit more freedom sometimes. And that trust does build um over the course of a relationship with a few of my like female clients, where they'll be like, oh my God, anything you want. I trust you. Like, but it does take time because I feel like women think about getting dressed more frequently. And like men, like their whole closet's pretty much a capsule wardrobe. Yeah. Unless they have like streetwear style or you know, like other things that uh they, you know, yeah, are interested in. Sure. But women, there's like we can wear pants or skirts or shorts or a mini skirt or capris, or we can wear a dress, or we can wear a blouse and this, and there's like so many different things. So much more intricate. Yeah. Yes. So um there there is a difference, but it really ultimately is just speaking to the heart of that person and like figuring out what they want and can't make happen and like bringing that to life with them.

SPEAKER_00 39:36

Yeah, that's so good. That's so good. Do you what are like just some practical tips? Just because you did start this so young and the Lord brought you into this so early and just has really propelled you forward into this in such a beautiful way. So obviously, there is a business side of this to you as well. It's not just ding dong, I'm here at your house to with all these things. I mean, it is a lot to manage. And you haven't even really talked about that, about you know, somebody tells you what you want, and then you then are shopping for that person, which oh my gosh, shopping takes, in my opinion, so much time and energy if you're gonna do it right. Yeah. And finding the right thing, and then having multiple sizes and options. I know when you came to my house with all the selection, it was there was multiple sizes, there's multiple brands, it was like, and which, you know, Tom showed me how good you are because you had a selection knowing that that might not work for you. She might not like that. And then you have all the returning and like how that part just sounds like it'd be a little overwhelming. How do you manage that? And do you just have any words of advice, you know, just for young entrepreneurs on maybe just like or like being organized and just I don't know, just like what have you learned in this?

SPEAKER_01 40:59

Styling is interesting because you need to be both type A and type B. Okay. Like I was born type A out of the womb, like super organized, very orderly, everything is on time, everything is, you know, just color core. Like, I love that kind of stuff. But I've also had to learn to go with the flow because everything in this industry, it I won't find out about an event sometimes until like three days before I'm gonna do it. I mean, does anything go as planned? No, nothing. I'm like, how do you even prepare? Nothing, or it's like, oh my gosh, I got them 20 things and nothing works, and now they have to be ready to go to a red carpet in two days, and I need to figure this out. Like, or this is this doesn't fit them. I have to call this tailor and I have to drop the like there's so many more things besides like, oh, we got this straight off the rack. And when that happens and it fits someone, it is oh my gosh. I'm like, you're hearing you're hearing the angel sing. Yes, literally, I'm like, this is the best day ever, but there it it truly is so much more, yeah, so much more business-y than I thought, which I actually love because I feel like when I was interning, I didn't no one really told me like the extent to business that I had to learn. So it's like keeping track of all receipts, yeah, being organized with every single job, making sure I track all my jobs, because now I'm at this point where I'm like, oh my gosh, I forgot to invoice that person. Like, and it's been a month, and I'm like, like, it's kind of crazy to think that like I wouldn't be like tracking down my money, but I just forgot. Like, I'm like, oh my gosh, I didn't get paid from that. Yeah. So then it's like having all that organized and like having Excel spreadsheets and making sure I and like even learning how to like track down every item that someone purchased from the day of a shoot and then figuring out what to return and like having to track down return, like just there's so many things. I can only imagine. And honestly, if I think if I were to really tell everyone about it in depth, people's mind would be like, what is happening? Because like people hate doing returns in general. Imagine doing it for a living, you know, like I would cry crazy. And like honestly, I have a grace over it this season. I'm just like, perfect, I get to go like do these things and whatever. And like, I know the Green Hills Mall in Nashville, like the back of my hand.

SPEAKER_00 43:36

You'd probably be blindfolded and know where everything is in that.

SPEAKER_01 43:39

No, I literally texted my friend. She was like, I'm looking for a leather jacket. Like, do you know where I can find it? I'm like, go to the right of the register at Zahara, third hook on the left. And she's like, This is concerning. Like, this is how what my brain absorbs.

SPEAKER_00 43:56

That's what makes you so good. I mean, are you hearing this, people? Like she could tell you exactly to the inch where to find where this item is.

SPEAKER_01 44:07

This is crazy. It's crazy. So, and I'm I'm even like I'm never not learning. Like yesterday, I probably had one of the best days ever since starting my career because I was, I realized how much I didn't know. And like I had I've on I'm honestly stepping into like a uh a more in-depth season in styling where I'm learning like now how to like design things with designers and like work with certain tailors to custom make suits for clients and like learning how to reach out to like PR and like showrooms and pull things from designer collections, like whatever for clients, and like there's just there keeps being so many layers that I'm like, when am I ever gonna reach the bottom? And I don't think I ever will, and I'm happy about that because it's really cool, and I get so pumped up about it because I'm like it just is a reminder like this is what I'm supposed to do, and it's cool, even though it's really hard, yeah, yeah, like it's also just like inspiring that I keep getting to learn. And I think something for like young entrepreneurs is like even when something's hard, yeah, even if you feel anxious, even if you feel stressed about something, it doesn't mean that God's not in it. Come on, because I I I thought like, oh my gosh, I'm feeling so stressed about this, and I'm like, God must not be in this because I'm feeling stressed. I'm sorry, like that's just called working hard and you don't know everything. And like you need to figure it out and like be uncomfortable because I love being comfortable.

SPEAKER_00 45:47

That's good, Zoe. And I'm like, oh my gosh, like God's like, girl. Well, and that's for anybody. Come on, let's just be real. You know, when things get hard, you know, we just want to give up. And it's like, listen, it's in the hard that you discover number one, what the heck you're made of.

SPEAKER_02 46:04

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 46:05

And some of us need to just figure out that we've got some grit and we've got some smarts. And until you face that challenge where it's not always about everybody telling you what to do, you are gonna have to figure things out on your own. And even if somebody does say, this is my way of doing it, that might not be the best way for you, nor, especially if you're a Christian, it what God's wanting you to do. Yes. And I know for me, like, especially like in this last year and a half with what I've entered into, it has been a completely new world. I mean, y'all, I've been living with for the Lord since I was a child, and and have, you know, walked with him pretty much almost every day of my life. But I have been in a ball in a heap crying more the last year and a half than ever because I didn't know what to do. And I it's like you are never not gonna have that. And I guess, I mean, I'll be as bold as to say, if you're not having times like that, I would challenge you. What are you doing to grow in your in your job, in your career, in your gift, in your space, whatever, wherever you are? Um, because it is really the only way to grow. And, you know, some of us face that with like, come on, bring it on. I'm gonna just buzz through this totally. And and not all of us are like that, and that is totally fine. But it's in the fire that you know, you get tested and like stronger.

SPEAKER_01 47:39

Are you a threat if if you're not actually like experiencing those things? Because like for me, I'm like, why am I going through this? Like this year, I've I've probably had more anxiety than I've ever had in my entire life. Like, I never really struggled with that. And I don't think it's a coincidence that I struggled with that as I have done this year in styling has been absurd. Like, I've done so much stuff that I've always wanted to do. And like it just like I'm like, oh, okay, so that makes so much sense why I was so anxious or why I had this panic attack or whatever. Like it wasn't like because I'm a I'm becoming more of a threat now because of like the territory that I'm stepping into. Sure. And like I've actually overcome that. Like, I don't think God wants us to live with that. Yeah. And I think there was there was a lot of things I learned about myself about like control and like not fully letting God into those things that like caused those things. But I think like I knew that I was I thought that I was doing something wrong, but when I look back, I was actually doing something right because I was actually truly stepping into like what God wanted me to do. And I I read this book earlier this year called Living Fearless um by Jamie Winship. Changed my life. Changed my life because it talks without going into crazy detail about your identity in God. And first and foremost, we are daughters and sons of God. So we're royalty, essentially. Yes. But this book talks about how what our identity on earth is to accomplish through Christ or with Christ. And because like Abraham, well, he went from Abram to Abraham when this happened, but in Genesis, I think it's oh it's in Genesis. I don't I don't want to say the wrong chapter, but um, where God tells him that he's gonna be the father of many nations, like Abraham's already a son of God, right? But then he spoke a name and an identity over Abraham, which is the father of many nations, which was when he was in his upper 90s, if not hundreds, at that point. Yeah. And he's like, We don't even have kids, like, how can I how can I be a father of many nations? And he's like, just God's like, just trust me, like I will allow this to come to pass. And of course, you know, they have sons, and like it's just like God made that happen. And I think for me, after reading this book, God told me my identity on this earth. And so when things get hard and when things don't seem to be going as planned, I think back like, okay, no, I was created to do this. Yeah. So like now I know that like all those little things are not gonna cause me to sway from the right to the left. I might be sad or I might be going through something because I'm human, but it's not gonna cause me to like second guess what I'm called to do.

SPEAKER_00 50:56

Absolutely. That is so good. That's an amazing word for somebody. That's an awesome word. Let's talk a little bit about the fact that you are 23 years old. Yeah. And the fact that you started this when you were 18. I mean, really, when you were four, apparently, by telling your mom and aunt, you look terrible, go change. Um, but as a business, you know, as a career, um has the fact that you are younger, has that uh hindered your business? Has that helped your business? Has it have you not really noticed? Um and one thing that I see is just from somebody who is in the more middle, middle-aged category. I'm in my mid-40s, and so I'm nowhere near being old, and I but I'm also not 23. Um, I'm right in the middle. So, but what I see is a powerful anointed generation of these, you know, 30 and under, and and even like, you know, 21 and under, and these teenagers that are so entrepreneurial and so gifted and early on growing so strong in their gift, um, which really, you know, God was developing in you from the time you were a tiny child, you just didn't fully realize it until later. And it's the same with my kids too. And and I think even my journey has been the same. Um, but has has you being young, has that played into anything here, just in your career? And what would be a word of encouragement that you would give to those who are young like you, stepping out into something so big and so vast?

SPEAKER_01 52:47

Yeah, honestly, I forget I'm 23. Yeah, like most times. I mean, I'm I'm married to a 30-year-old, so I think that also helps. Yeah, I love him. And I well, you are mature for your age. Well, I think honestly, that was because I grew up in LA. Like, I feel like you just are in circles and surrounded by people. You just grow up really quick, and so I think that's like my story. I don't know if that's like everyone's story, but I feel like for me, I don't talk about my age. Yeah, like ever.

SPEAKER_03 53:22

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 53:22

And I think I'm sure a lot of people think I'm older than I am.

SPEAKER_03 53:25

Uh-huh.

SPEAKER_01 53:26

And I'm not afraid to talk about it, but I feel like you get to this place where it like doesn't really matter.

SPEAKER_00 53:31

It doesn't matter. I'm so glad you're saying this. Like so glad you're saying it. And it's like you can be 40 or you can be 20.

SPEAKER_01 53:38

And it's like if you're good at what you do and you work hard, come on, and you are really just like, like, if you act like you're 23, people will know that you're 23. I'm trying to act like I've been doing like when people like I I've struggled with with when people are like, so how long have you been doing this for? And I'm like, does it matter? But I'm like, it does matter. Yeah. Because people are curious. People want to know. They want to know. Because I've always felt like, oh my gosh, I've only been doing this for like five years, whatever. But the amount that I've done in five years, especially for being 23, it's like, first of all, if it wasn't for God, I don't know if I would be in those circles or if I wouldn't have moved to Nashville. Because I I think I skipped a lot of steps that a lot of people have to do, especially in the fashion industry. Because you're like, you know, fetching coffee for a few years if I were to be living in LA. Right. Um, so but I I just think it's like if you are confident and bold and work hard and are the first to get there and the last to leave. Come on. And really just give it your all. I don't think it matters like what age you are, you know? And I think I had to learn that because I like, yeah, like for me, I I mean, truly, I do forget that I'm 23 frequently. Like where I will literally be like, why isn't this happened? And my husband's like, some people are like fresh out of college and like don't know what they're doing yet. Like, yeah, so good. Yeah. Just like relaxed, you know? And like honestly, true. Like so good. So I think it's a balance of like being really hardworking, organized, doing all those things, showing up, being okay to work for free, like just putting your heart honestly on the line and like just not being afraid to sweat and like get dirty. Cause I don't often look like this when I'm smiling. Also, I'm looking for it. You look fabulous today, by the way. I usually look horrible. I'm like sweating. I'm not sure if that's I'm trying to make that person look great, you know. Whatever. I think it's I think it's a fine line between like doing all that and then also having grace for yourself. Because I think in this generation, people because we have social media, yeah, people can compare themselves really frequently and be like, well, why am I not there yet? Like that person's doing that, or that person's doing that. And it's like, well, you you don't know their whole story, so it's like don't let that hinder you from starting because like you see this, you know, external person, like you just see their their life on a on a screen or a phone or whatever. Right. But like just give yourself grace and just like I've this year a thing that I've been learning is like how to be present and how to focus on what I'm doing today, what I'm doing in the next few days, and not be like, well, I'm not where I want to be, you know, in the next five years yet. And it's like, no, like work hard, but also like remember like that you're actually killing it too. Even if it isn't, if it if you're not always feeling like that as well.

SPEAKER_00 56:52

That is so, so good. I think confidence, work, ethic, integrity, those are all the things that really actually stand out. And I think especially when somebody older sees that in a younger person, I'm telling you, it, it draws, like it draws my attention. I I would no offense to the people that are my age, but you know, we've we've lived some life, we've had a lot of opportunities. I would rather give the opportunity to a younger person that I see that drive in and help pull that out of them than, you know, than somebody my age, honestly.

SPEAKER_01 57:31

Yeah, and like don't discount your influence that you have on certain people. Like I was um um assisting this one stylist who I I had never really met her, and we were assisting um one of her clients who was this like bigger artist. And he was probably 40 years older than me at at the time when I was doing this, which was like early on in like my assisting career, and I said something to him that literally, because he was trying on you know these clothes and nothing was really working, and I said something to him, and he literally like looked at me and was like, Whoa. Like it was almost like it was something that he had needed to hear for a really long time. Wow, and then literally after the shoot, it was a great day. He follows me on Instagram and DMs me and is like, I'm still thinking about what you told me. And I'm like, I'm not even the stylist, I didn't do anything, but I had just like said something that I th the Holy Spirit said through me, which he needed to hear, and I was like 19. So it's like also realizing like you can have impact on people's lives.

SPEAKER_03 58:51

That's right.

SPEAKER_01 58:52

Even if you're not, I I didn't have to be like the main stylist, I was there to impact him, and that's all that needed to happen. And like I still think about that. I'm like, oh my gosh, like thanks God for letting me do that, and like give that message to him.

SPEAKER_00 59:04

Yeah, that is so good. That is so good. You have said so much today that is um, I believe, helpful and just insightful into really an industry that I've heard you say is really kind of a hidden industry because you know, we're seeing the person that has been styled, the person in the pictures, the person in the magazine or in the movies or on the screen or you know, at the event. But to understand what really goes on behind the scenes and is just really wonderful, and just to hear that it can have such a profound impact on a person. Um, as we kind of start to wind down this conversation, which has been so fun. Thank you so much for this. Um, I would like to ask, what are you dreaming about now? And what is something that you would really like to accomplish in your career?

SPEAKER_01 1:00:05

Um, I feel like I'm kind of living it at the moment. Like I am currently in the process of being obedient and designing my first brand. Wow. So that's in the works at the moment, which I'm not sure timing on that or anything, but that is my dream is I love styling and I probably will do it forever. Um, but fashion design and like bringing life through clothes is really inspiring to me. Um that's something I'm dreaming about. And I'm also like a part of this like random competition right now to be like the style icon or something. It's like a part of our it's like associated with um Elton John's AIDS Foundation and Charlotte Tilbury. No way, yeah. It's this crazy thing. So I got accepted to be in it, and now it's like a week-by-week elimination thing. So if I win that, I'll be going to the Versace show in February. Oh my goodness. Zoe, that's a big deal. And also gonna be like in this uh be like in Flaunt magazine, which is a magazine and like win a prize, which I would put towards my new brand. So wow, I'm just like, wow, God, if you want me to do that, great. If you don't, totally good. Yeah, you know, this is a great opportunity and just cool exposure, anyways. But those are like the two things I feel like I'm really looking forward to at the moment.

SPEAKER_00 1:01:42

That's amazing. So we'll see. That's amazing. I'm so proud of you. It is such a delight to see you soar and to see you just walk in the favor of God and these doors that are opening for you. Tell us, how can people follow you? Okay, well, on Instagram, it's at ZozoGal. Zozogal Z-O-Z-O-Z-G-A-L.

SPEAKER_01 1:02:06

Yes. Um, I have TikTok, which is just at Zoe Zumity. My website's ZoeZamiti.com. Yeah. Um any fashion questions or inquiries available on there at the contact page. You're doing a great job with your with your social media too.

SPEAKER_00 1:02:22

You she has this very fun thing that she calls it Fashion Friday. Yes. Where you can just dump all your questions. Freestyling advice. Yes, freestyling advice. And she has got good advice, I'm telling you. And you can just like go on there and like dump all your questions, and she will respond and answer. It is, it is so, so great. It is fun great. Zoe, I just want to thank you for being here today, for again, just being a light in this world, for helping us understand the importance of what you do, and even just distinguishing between um good stewardship of our own selves and how, you know, yes, the man does look at the outside, but God looks at our heart. And that is the most important thing is keeping our hearts right before the Lord. And and I know that those of you who are uh listening to this or maybe watching, hopefully you've just been inspired to even just explore this more for your own self. Maybe it's just inspired you to take a deeper look at your closet and be like, is even what I'm wearing fitting me properly? Or is this, you know, is this even really something I like, you know, and just even thinking through things and just being intentional. Um, you know, we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, that we should walk in them and not only walk in them, but walk in them confidently and boldly. And part of that, like you already said so beautifully, Zoe, is your identity always rests in Christ and that freedom that comes from that. And and I hope that we all, myself included, will continue to have fun exploring just who we are creatively, even with our clothes and our outfits, our homes, you know, something for me. I love to, I love to decorate. I think it's so fun. Yeah. And and just to just have that expression, that expression that comes from the Holy Spirit that inspires us to live this way. So thank you, thank you, Zoe, so much. It was such an honor and privilege to have you here. It was so fun. Thank you for having me. You're so welcome. Until next time. Well, thank you everybody for listening today. And uh, you can follow Zoe, go check out her website, follow her, she is amazing. You will be inspired. Join us next time for our next episode. Dreams don't come with the roadmap, only courage, curiosity, and the willingness to keep going. If today's story resonated with you, let it remind you that your journey matters, even if it's still unfolding. Thank you for spending this time with me today on the Dreamers Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a little inspiration today. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep moving, and trust that the story you're writing is worth telling. We'll see you on the next episode.