From the age of eight, Noreen Elizabeth watched Fashion TV religiously, becoming obsessed with fashion designers.
Noreen graduated from the University of Northumbria with a degree in Business Management and started a career in hospitality.
It was during this time where she began styling colleagues and friends when she discovered her unique talent for and wanted to make a full-time career of styling.
You began your styling career in 2009, what was it that made you want a job in styling?
“I wanted to wake up every morning and be excited to go to work. I started my career by styling friends and family; I always had a passion for the industry, I remember watching Fashion TV from the age of 8 and being obsessed with the designers, their collections and wanting to know ‘who were the women they were designed for’.”
It says on your website that you have become the leading stylist in the North East, what do you pay your success to?
“My work ethic, taught to me by my parents – work hard, help others and never, ever give up.”
Have you always worked solely in the North East, if not, do you prefer working in other areas of the country?
“I have worked styling for clients in London and Manchester as well as around the North. I love the challenge of working with different types of clients, brands, trends and so on. I think it’s very important to be able to adapt to various work environments.”
What was your most memorable moment working for catwalks and photoshoots?
“One of my first jobs assisting backstage at a catwalk show turned out to be my first job styling a catwalk show; the stylist injured her back on the way to the show so I volunteered to take her place. It was hugely successful as well as being one of the most stressful days of my career.”
What do you like most/least about being a stylist?
“Most – the clients I work with. Least – it can be hard to switch off.”
Noreen’s Top Tips for the Fashion Industry
1. Get as much experience as you can, take every opportunity you get, be brave and network, network, network!
2. Work ethic. It was taught to me by my parents – work hard, help others and never, ever give up.
3. Must be driven – Don’t settle for any position in any career.
Check out her website
here.
