Designing Your Dream Life: Entrepreneurship in the World of Styling

In this episode of 'Between, Over & Next', hosts Holli and Robert have a delightful discussion with their talented friend, Robin Zachary, a seasoned fashion and prop stylist, content creator, and educator. The conversation dives into Robin's eclectic career journey from her beginnings in magazine publishing to her successful transition into entrepreneurship. Robin shares her evolution in the fashion and wedding industries, her pivot to home decor and prop styling, and her passion for teaching at FIT.  Robin shares her inspiring story of transferring her skills from tableware and weddings to becoming an author. Holli and Robert revisit memorable moments from their collaboration during bridal markets and runway shows, illustrating the profound changes in the industry over time. Robin also discusses the nuances of her work, including the importance of staying updated with trends, the transition from print to digital media, and the evolving role of styling in today's image-centric world. The episode wraps up with Robin's passions, from collecting unique decor items to performing music with her husband, and the joys of living an entrepreneurial life. Join this inspiring conversation filled with expertise and creative insights. Key Takeaways Entrepreneurial Spirit: Robin emphasizes the importance of pivoting and adapting to changing industry trends while maintaining creative integrity. Educational Path: Detailed insights on the value of teaching and mentoring, highlighting Robin's transition to offering online courses and writing a comprehensive book on styling. Industry Evolution: How the fashion and bridal industries have shifted from print magazines to digital and social media platforms. Creative Process: The artistic inspirations behind Robin's successful career in styling, from fine arts to hands-on magazine layouts, and prop styling. Personal Interests: A glimpse into Robin's personal life, her love for music, and how she integrates her passions into her professional life. In This Episode 0:00 Reconnecting and Thriving in the Wedding Industry5:12 School Newspaper to Creative Director7:14 The Evolution of Bridal Magazines and Fashion10:39 Styling and Inspiration Sources14:04 Robin's Journey from Bridal Fashion to Prop Styling20:59 Transitioning From Print To Digital In The Styling Industry22:58 Teaching Styling Techniques and Business Strategies29:43 Discovering Unique Collectibles and Transforming Home Spaces34:02 Publication Work to Freelance Success39:55 The Art of Styling and Creating Beautiful Spaces45:18 Entrepreneurial Freedom and Life Design Robin Zachary Quotes: "I think, for a lot of people, when they look back on their careers, even though they may have been in and out of the corporate world, at heart, they're entrepreneurs.""The inspiration comes from everywhere.""What's much more important than money is to have pleasure in your life.""The days of working at a job, a physical job, I did that for many, many years, and I feel like I don't look back." "The idea of having your day be different every single day is the most exciting thing." ABOUT ROBIN ZACHARY Prop Stylist, Tabletop Editor, Creator of The Prop Styling Experience®  Robin Zachary is a New York-based prop stylist and creative director for over 20+ years, a styling educator, and author of the book STYLING BEYOND INSTAGRAM. The creator of The Prop Styling Experience®, a custom-designed hands-on styling workshop, she is also a contributing home editor at Bridal Guide Magazine and its former creative director. Robin is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops. She has been on the faculty of the Fashion Institute of Technology and has taught classes at the New York Botanical Gardens, the Penumbra Foundation, and West Elm. Her clients include national brands, magazines, e-commerce, and social media accounts. She lives in New York City and is passionate about vintage collecting, shopping, and being surrounded by flowers as much as possible. Follow Robin: Website, Found Artists, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn Robin's Classes The Prop Styling Experience® Prop Styling Workshops Online Learn More Click Here Robin's Prop Styling Tools    Order Robin's Book: Styling Beyond Instagram: Take Your Prop Styling Skills from the Square to the Street This comprehensive guide to the business of prop styling helps newcomers skip over some first-timer failures and approach styling work professionally. Stylist Robin Zachary explains the many types of styling that exist, and how to choose which focus is best for your goals.