Small Business Stories: Antoinette Stonham All About Style Sydney

This week I am kicking off a series of small business success stories with some inspiring and incredible women in business. The first episode I am chatting with Antoinette Stonham from All About Style. She has been in business for many years and has lots of stories to tell. This was such a fun chat! I hope you enjoy listening as much as we did putting this together.

A little bit about Antoinette:

I Am Passionate About Helping Women Feel Confident In Their Own Skin. Dressing For Their Body And Enhancing Their Beauty Through Fashion.

In 2013, I launched my business All About Style. As a Personal Stylist in the working class area of Campbelltown, people thought I was crazy! The perception of Personal Styling is that it is only for the rich and famous. However, I wanted to bring my knowledge and experience to women of all ages and budgets. Money should not be a barrier for looking fabulous.

I looked back on my years of experience in customised pattern making and design, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. I already had the expertise and knowledge of the male and female body shape as I was able to draft patterns specifically for all shapes and sizes to flatter and balance the body. I also had the eye for colour and style, which would give me an edge over most Personal Stylists.

One experience that really pushed me to start my business happened while shopping with a girlfriend. A lady was in the dressing room next to us who was being helped by the shop assistant.  I was watching what garments she was trying on and not a single garment suited her. The shop assistant sold her an expensive outfit that was not only the wrong colour for her, it was totally wrong for her body shape and was not flattering at all. Till this day I feel so bad for not saying something.

The reason I felt inspired to help was that the shop assistants are driven to make a sale, where I am impartial. I tell you the truth and want you to leave a shop with an outfit that will have you looking and feeling your best.

I had some great experiences in pattern making over the years and even had the opportunity to design and create costumes for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. While raising a family and supporting my husband in his business, I put aside my dreams. Turning 50 really kickstarted my passion to do what I love, and I have loved every day since.

Since the beginning I have styled both male and female clients, from all walks of life, as young as 11 years of age to the maturity of 90 years old. All body shapes and sizes from 6 to 26. I love playing dress-up from your wardrobe, experimenting with new styles for you and teaching you how to do it for yourself.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutstylesydney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllAboutStyleSydney/

Website: https://www.allaboutstyle.com.au/