By…
Meet Kim Appelt, a top celebrity stylist and self-made social media star
Kim Appelt is one of Canada’s top personal and celebrity stylists and a go-to expert on all things fashion. She dresses local television personalities, musicians and A-list celebrities for red carpet events, from the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards to the Daytime Emmy’s. Her social media following of over 100,000 fans (check out @StylebyKimxo on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube) speaks to her status as a highly respected influencer in the fashion scene, a status she earned by being consistent, positive, and always true to herself.
Hear Kim’s story of how she owned her brand and became one of Canada’s top social media fashion influencers on December 6 at our Evening series finale.
My first job ever was… Besides being the local neighborhood baby sitter, my very first job was as a sales assistant.
I chose my career path because… I have always loved helping people feel their best. Styling is my gift that I use to accomplish that goal.
My proudest accomplishment is… My children.
My boldest move to date was… Taking on a client to dress for the red carpet at the Daytime Emmy’s when I’d only had a few styling experiences. I just decided I could do it and he won best dressed that year.
I surprise people when I tell them… I grew up in Africa.
My best advice to people starting their career is… You just have to literally close your eyes and jump. Believe that you can and you will rise to the occasion or find a way to rise to the occasion. The only way to get where you want to go is work hard, help everyone along the way and believe that you can and will reach your goals.
My best advice from a mentor was… My mother, she taught me to just look forward. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
I would tell my 20-year old self… To relax and enjoy the ride. Growing your career is a long game. Take chances, follow your instincts and give to others along the way.
My biggest setback was… Listening to others tell me what I should be. I finished two university degrees before I had the confidence to listen to myself and go back to styling.
I overcame it by… Not looking back. My degrees and time spent in university was great and a valuable life experience. I’m glad that I did it and I’m also glad that I followed my gut and just jumped back into the fashion world.
Work/life balance is… Tough to accomplish, especially since I work online, which means that there really is no “end” to my work day. I try to set out time for my family and friends and give them dedicated time where I turn off my phone. I literally can’t have it on or near me or it draws me in!
My personal brand could be described as… I describe my style as classy with edge, but if I used just one word to describe my personal brand, I would use “Inspire.” While this doesn’t describe what I do, it describes where I add value. In my styling and speaking, I seek to inspire.
If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know… That I cry when I laugh hard.
I stay inspired by… The world around me, the people I meet everyday and by my kids!
The future excites me because… It’s so open! I have a few balls in the air and I’m excited to see which direction they take me in. Currently, I’m just checking them all out and going with the flow.
My next step is… Taking my YouTube channel to the next level. I’m not totally sure what that looks like or even means, but that’s the focus.
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