About me — from psychology to fashion

My story

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 was obsessively outfitting my Barbies), a career in fashion always seemed far-fetched.

At 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 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 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.

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