Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Ravenna.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rebecca. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been a freelance stylist and personal shopper for years and my educational background is in writing. I started working in retail in several incredible Chicago-based stores. I left that world to grow a family business completely outside of fashion but always styled clients on the side. Fashion was always what I loved and felt inspired by so, it just was time to really throw myself into it again. I saw a gap in the digital market and always said that, “online personal shopping” should be a thing. Think of the internet as a never ending department store. It’s an amazing concept but overwhelming for so many people. That’s where I came in. I created a business where I am your online personal shopper and your digital stylist. Through my blog and Instagram platform, I am able to connect with so many people outside of where I live. There, I share my styling philosophy, fashion tips, personal style and most importantly, it is where I meet and communicate with my clients.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting my digital styling and personal shopping business has been an amazing and fulfilling process. I started it from an idea and built on my go to phrase, “I found the best thing!” which is genuinely what I say every time I get excited by something new. From there, things just sort of fell into place. I just took every opportunity to learn what I could and surrounded myself with supportive and passionate people. Outside of anything that can be done on an app, I am not technologically savvy so starting my website required a lot of help. I am fortunate to have some brilliant, patient and generous friends who sat at my kitchen table and built my blog and taught me how to navigate it. As with any business, I have encountered some people who want to connect for personal gain, but for the most part, I have found this community to be welcoming and supportive. I have made some incredible friendships and business connections. The way that this platform brings people together never ceases to amaze and excite me, it is where I have met the people who inspire me and encourage me to be better. I started a side project, The Chicago Fashion Crew, with fellow bloggers Ami Klinker (@klinkerbelll) and Abby Matalon (@abigailroze) to bring together, what we feel, are the exciting members of the fashion community in Chicago.
Please tell us about Found The Best Thing (FTBT).
My job is a multi hyphenate! I am a stylist/personal shopper/writer/content creator/editor/finder of things. I’m incredibly passionate about her; ping clients to develop their personal style and using it to empower themselves. My general philosophy is that your closet should be filled with pieces that work for you, make you feel your best and make your life easier (and chic). Getting dressed and feeling pulled together shouldn’t be hard, it just requires a little extra effort upfront to find the right pieces. But that’s my job and I’m good at it. I am here to find the right pieces for each individual person, it’s a totally unique and customized process. We all have our talents in life, mine just happens to be finding things. I am especially good at sourcing those hard to find, sold out or under the radar pieces. If you’re struggling to find that designer bag that’s sold out, there is a good chance I can find it. If you want something no one has ever heard of before, I’m the girl to ask. Looking for the best t-shirt or jeans for you? I have the answer and back up options.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I don’t know that I can pick a favorite but it certainly involves shopping.
Pricing:
- $150/hour (on the 1/4 hour) for in person styling, in-store personal shopping and wardrobe edits (please note that I do not charge commission on purchases)
- $100/hour (pre paid, deducted on the 1/4 hour) digital personal styling
Contact Info:
- Website: http://foundthebestthing.com
- Email: foundthebestthing@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foundthebestthing/
Image Credit:
Andrea Pascalau, Megan Taylor, Alex Bryjak, Brittany Sowacke
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.
