Sujin Kim, personal stylist laughing while wearing a bright green tee and pale blue jeans.

About me

As a 1.5 generation Korean-American from Seoul, navigating different cultures taught me to embrace my own sense of style. This perspective shaped how I saw fashion; not just as clothing, but as a form of personal expression. And even though my love for fashion started at a really young age (when I’d obsessively outfit my barbies), a career in fashion was something I thought only happened in movies.

By 13, I set my sights on becoming a psychologist. I was fascinated by people’s perspectives, enjoyed real conversations, and loved getting to the root of things. My friends would tell me, “you should be a shrink when you grow up!” (ah, the ‘90s). I graduated with my psych degree in 2004, but by senior year I decided grad school wasn’t for me. So, I decided to follow my other dream: moving to NYC and diving into fashion.

In 2007, I moved from my home in LA to New York and worked my way up in fashion buying. I went from a merchandising assistant to buyer, eventually landing roles at Barneys New York and Net-A-Porter. But by 2015, I felt ready for a change. After years in the luxury sector, I realized I wanted something deeper than the status/image-driven side of high-end fashion. Though I loved the clothes, I was ready to work with people in a way that felt more meaningful…more real.

I took a personal styling role as a temporary fix during this transition. It was sales-driven, and since I wasn’t a “salesperson”, I approached it the way I knew best: through real connection and problem-solving. Within a year, I was in the top 10% of the company without even knowing what my sales goals were. It was then that I realized I was able to marry my two passions — fashion and psychology — after all.

By 2020, I made the leap to become a full-time private personal stylist and I haven’t looked back since.

My story

My approach

Style is more than just clothes — it’s a reflection of who you are and how you want to be seen. This is why I focus on understanding you first: your lifestyle, your preferences, your passions. We work together to uncover your authentic style, piece-by-piece, combining practicality and creativity to create something uniquely you!

And honesty and trust are at the foundation of my process. I believe in straightforward guidance and genuine connection, because without these it’s impossible to make real progress.

Ultimately, my clients are looking for more than just a polished look or the latest trends— they value exclusivity, a true discernment for quality, and a relationship built on collaboration and care.

Sujin Kim, personal stylist, with a model on a photoshoot.

My experience

My psychology background has shaped the way I connect with clients, helping me understand their unique needs and communicate effectively. And with a decade of experience as a fashion buyer, I’ve developed an eye for quality, fit, and details that lead to both great style and smart choices.

Since 2015, I’ve worked one-on-one with private clients as a personal stylist, tailoring each experience to fit their lives and goals. I’ve also received extensive training in custom clothing, giving me a deep knowledge of garment construction and the art of proper alterations.

This blend of experience lets me offer a truly thoughtful and tailored approach to styling.

@STYLEBYSUJIN