Meet Kim Rodriguez | Personal Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Often when I tell people what I do for a living they think “how fun”. While working in fashion can be fun and glamorous at times, styling is alot of hard work behind the scenes. Long hours, lots of schlepping and running around, networking, and another whole job is creating your brand on social media.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up in Upstate New York, so, not quite the fashion capital, but I always loved fashion from a very young age, and my parents were very supportive. I went to college at The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC to pursue my dream of working in the business in the best city! I worked and lived there for 18 years. NY taught me so much about the business of fashion but also how to be strong, savvy, independent, and ambitious. The city itself is the best learning ground, period.

When my husband and I decided to move to Miami it wasn’t an easy decision but it was time for a change for us. My daughter was young so I loved being a mom for a few years but realized I’m still young and really want to feel connected to my old life. I wasn’t sure how to do that in Miami in a capacity that I could also be a very present parent.

My business venture came about organically. Many people would ask me questions about fashion, what to buy, what to wear for a wedding, what’s the best denim, etc and I thought if they need help then many women must have the same questions and concerns. So, I started small and locally with people I knew to help get the word out, and networked alot. I’ve now been doing this for almost 14 years but it really took several years for me to feel settled and proud with where I am. I don’t stop pushing forward but I’m very happy with what I’ve built thus far.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It’s Miami so always the beach first. We belong to the Soho House so that is typically where we go. We can be at the beach which is beautiful in that area and then entertain at the bars and restaurants there. Southpointe on South Beach is a great wide beach area and beautiful as well. All of South beach has a boardwalk so you really won’t be disappointed anywhere on the beach, although it can be crowded during season.

I would absolutely spend a day in the Miami Design District shopping all the designer stores, even just for window shopping it’s such a cool vibe and have lunch or dinner at my favorite restaurant Mandolin, and maybe drinks at Contessa.

I would probably go to the Perez Art Museum as it’s a beautiful spot with amazing views of the city and great architecture, and then continue to Leku for lunch in the Rubell art museum and walk the museum and others in that area.

Definitely Wynwood for all the art and specialty boutiques.

I don’t own a boat, so renting would be on the list for sure. It’s the best way to really enjoy the water and the beautiful city views.

And a day trip to the Keys for sure. We sometimes go to Islamorada for lunch at Morada Bay. Your table is in the sand overlooking the Bay. On the way back we get the best Key Lime pie at Mrs Macs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ll have to say my family and friends. They have all supported me in so many ways on this journey, I think my husband is my biggest fan, and several of my very good friends are also my clients:)

Website: https://krpersonalstyle.com

Instagram: krpersonalstyle

Image Credits
All photography by @purezealphotography