it’s been awhile since i’ve done a taking the leap interview.  i don’t know about you, but i always find myself inspired by reading about people i admire.  because more often than not, you find out that they’re just people who have fears and hurdles just like the rest of us (what?  they’re human??!)

as you may know from reading my blog, one of my far-fetched dreams has always been to be a stylist.  of course, it takes much more than dreaming (darn it).  cue my friend sharon, the photo stylist behind style scout co, who has both the eye and talent for styling – which is why she has clients such as anthropologie and arhaus.

if you haven’t had a chance, check out her amazing house here and then read on to find out how sharon got started and where she gets her inspiration!

Can you share a bit about yourself…what’s your background?  How did you get started?

I had no idea that photo styling existed while I was studying photography and advertising at Columbus Collage of Art and Design! After graduation, I saw a job posting for a photo stylist, and thought the job sounded like the perfect combination of my education, skills and more importantly, it sounded like fun! Lucky me- it was! I was a full time photo stylist for American Greetings for many years, working on catalogs, and other advertising pieces as well as trying my hand at display design for Anthropologie for a while also. And then, after being laid-off twice, i decided to start my own business. That’s when Style Scout was conceived.

What goals do you have for Style Scout?

1. push my creative boundary 2. to make a living 3. to continue to gather great clients 4. to travel for projects 5. to use technology effectively

Where do you get your inspiration from?

This changes often, but right now, it’s feathers, coco and pewter color pallet, ice, felt, metallic leather, faux bois, repourposed suitcases

Creating work and running a small business can be time consuming, can you share how you manage to balance home/work life?

I’ve always been good at life balance. (Libra) Me time is a must. I also make lots of realistic lists to stay organized and focused.

What is the most glamorous part of your business? Least glamorous?

I’d say it’s a tie between shopping with client’s money and working with beautiful and expensive product. The least glam, is packing/unpacking and cleaning a home owners belongings in order to use the home for a shoot.

Just for fun – what’s a guilty pleasure of yours?

naps in the middle of the day

thanks sharon!!  you can find her here