Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria E. Plevritis.
Maria, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a Wardrobe Stylist and I own a specialty salon in Park Ridge, XO Glow. The journey has been unbelievable thus far, and I look forward to everything the future has to offer. My story begins with growing up in an immigrant household on the Northwest side of Chicago. I went to a private Greek school, named Socrates, in the city. I graduated with a Finance degree from DePaul University and a Master’s of Arts in Education with a focus in Mathematics from Dominican University in River Forest. I proudly state this because I was the first in my family to graduate from university and the first to receive my Master’s degree. I also mention the above for anyone who may be reading this and can relate with growing up the first generation in the US. It’s not easy having your heart in two countries but I consider it a huge blessing to be apart of the American and Greek cultures. I also find it extremely important to give back to my communities, so my volunteer work and donations are always geared towards education and children, where I assist the next generation as they begin their journeys through adolescence and adulthood.
I have an incredible eye for detail, I enjoy collaborating creatively with others, and I love helping people, especially women, gain confidence in themselves. In 2007, while at DePaul, I opened my first business with my mom, XO Glow in Park Ridge. We’re about to celebrate 11 years on August 16th! We offer threading, body waxing, tanning and custom airbrushing. The salon has been the cornerstone of my professional life and has helped mold me into the business woman that I am today. I’d like to shoutout my XO team that works very hard. XO Glow has become a staple in servicing the community in their beauty needs and also supporting the schools by donating to programs and sports teams.
My next passion: Wardrobe Styling. I began wardrobe styling in June of 2010. Right after graduating from DePaul and right before my graduate program was to begin, my friend and fashion photographer, Chris Free sent me a message and said: “you should be a stylist”. I thought, why not? I joined his online publication, Project Captured, and with his help was lucky enough to be a part of New York Fashion Week twice, Fall 2011 and Spring 2012. Then, the love affair officially began. This moment with Chris – he took a chance with me when I had no experience in the industry, it’s a great example of how making genuine connections with people can lead you to the unexpected. I surround myself with solid people, and I am forever grateful to my people, who believe in me even when I sometimes doubt myself.
That moment in time with Chris set the standard for how I pursue my styling career. I connect with people who trust me and give me an opportunity. I work in a field that I love but in the beginning, I was very much outside of my comfort zone. I approach each situation with respect and value those I work with, from the assistant to the director, because everyone plays a vital role. This is how I make a lasting impression – I develop strong, genuine relationships. A constant goal of mine in any workplace is to create a respectful, energetic and strategic environment – which I believe is the foundation of long-term success.
Has it been a smooth road?
Struggles Along the Way:
I’ve had struggles in my life, but I believe that most things happen for a reason. Everything I do, I do with my loved ones in mind, so that helps guide me. My struggles don’t compare to the adversities that my parents had to face. They came here with nothing in their pockets, not knowing a word of English, and worked tirelessly to provide a better life for me and my brother. Their resilience taught me to learn from my hardships and because of this, I choose to acknowledge the luxuries and opportunities that I have in Chicago.
The only true struggle that has taken a piece of my heart was losing my father, Louie (Elias in Greek) in 2013. After he passed, I took a break from certain things, but I eventually took my sorrow and turned it into fuel to stride forward in true Spartan spirit. I have to show love to my friends and family, but also to a special XO Glow client, friend, and mentor, Linda Wolfe, a retired producer, for helping me get me back on two feet with my return to styling.
Advice for Women:
I am lucky to say that I have incredible female role models, my number one is my mom, Georgia. She is the definition of a superhero. I want women to believe in themselves and stay true to their core values. Don’t sell yourself short – you should be open to exploring the unknown but it’s important to note that not everything is for everyone, it is okay to know what works for you and how you want your work to be represented. Definitely, get involved and give back to your community.
I would also say that while you go through your process, whatever the process is, trust yourself and your intuition. Understand that your only competition is you, be better than you were yesterday and continue to persevere. You will fail, but mistakes will prepare you for bigger opportunities. Find your balance, love and be loved…enjoy life!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As a Wardrobe/Fashion Stylist, I’m able to express myself creatively through clothing. Simply put, I am responsible for the clothing during the production of whatever project I am working on. My goal is always to embrace my client’s vision and work closely with them to produce a final product that goes beyond their expectations. I have been lucky enough to collaborate with brilliant art directors, clothing designers, and marketing teams with a wide range of clients.
My portfolio spans from television to print, and from very talented local designers like Assata Designs, to TV commercials and marketing campaigns for American Girl. Something that always excites me is when I get to work at Cinespace, the main hub of production for Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Empire and many more. I have also been apart of wardrobe and production teams for national commercials and marketing campaigns for Foot Locker (feat. Joakim Noah), Steak N’ Shake, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gerber, Lowes and more. The most recent corporate photoshoot that I lead was for Hyatt. I’ve worked on photoshoots for United, Westin, and AT&T, to name a few.
I just completed styling a portion of Soho House Chicago’s first ever lookbook which is getting distributed across the other Houses. A website that can be shared with the public is also currently being developed. For this lookbook, I partnered with local designers, and other Soho House members to help showcase all the beautiful corners in the City of Big Shoulders.
My proudest moment thus far is my work as the Lead Wardrobe Stylist on my national commercials and marketing campaign for American Girl. Working closely with their art directors and creative team has been amazing. My first commercial with them was truly a milestone for me. To be able to have an open dialogue with their team and offer input in terms of creative direction was a dream come true. My work with them has encompassed all of my passions: working with young children, putting a smile on people’s faces, all while being able to create something beautiful! (I owe this experience to a great friend and one of my favorite Hair & Makeup artists, Anjelica Bannos.)
What sets me apart from others? Hmm, that’s a good question…someone once told me that I march to the beat of my own drum… and I really enjoyed that comment. Last year, I went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Spring 2017 Exhibition, Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between, and I read this quote by Rei Kawakubo…it really stuck with me: “The right half of my brain likes tradition and history, the left wants to break the rules.” There is something unique with combining tradition and a new way of thinking. It allows me to connect with many generations and cultures. We are all more alike than we know and so if everyone took the time to establish a connection, we would be a better world.
What also probably sets me apart is my work ethic, understanding that everything is three dimensional, being real with people, my ability to foster genuine relationships and not being afraid to think outside of the box. It’s also important for me to stay current, to continue to learn and experience new things to inspire me creatively. The wardrobe game operates differently in Chicago than it does in New York and Los Angeles, and so there are still many ideas I have, that have not come to fruition just yet.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Absolutely. I know I touched upon this earlier but growing up in a Greek immigrant household in Chicago completely shaped my life.
Having my parents as role models set the precedence for what “hard work” meant. They also gave (and continue to give) my brother and I the love and support we need. They always told us that nothing is handed to you, you need to go and get what you want. We were taught to stand tall, push forward, respect others and go after our goals. Never remain sedentary… BUT, while breaking barriers, they also made sure to always raise a glass in classic Greek spirit and toast to health, happiness, and love… because life is short, so make sure to dance and enjoy the music.
Now, for my stomping grounds, the beautiful Chicago, I have three words: Hospitality, Hustle & Heart. There is something magical about the way this city operates and I love being a part of it.
Aside from what I’ve mentioned above, another key part of my childhood and life is my brother, Jimmy, and my friends – friends that have become family. Without the people that I love, the Greek and Chicago communities standing beside me, I wouldn’t be able to do the things that I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mariaplevritis.com/ ; https://www.xoglow.com/
- Email: maria.plevritis@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaplevriti/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/mariastyledit/ ; https://www.instagram.com/xoglow/
Image Credit:
American Girl, Mattel, Bloomingdale’s, Assata Designs, Luxury Garage Sale, Maria E. Plevritis, Jacki Hydock, Whitney Hseih, Kara Rosenbaum, Ashley Y. Venerable, Chris Free, Toni C. Napolez, Arianna Jamerson, Sam Lula, Kit Royce, Rin Gorcos, Alisa Radoi
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
