Meet Dahlia Bradshaw | Wardrobe, & Fashion Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dahlia Bradshaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dahlia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The reason why I chose to pursue a creative career is based on how I view the world. As a stylist, I don’t see clothing only as black and white. Growing up, when watching television shows, movies, musicals, or plays, I realized that I analyzed characters based on their wardrobe or costumes first, and the storyline second.

During high school is when I began experimenting with my personal style. I had a lot of hit and misses, which is expected with fashion, yet it only fueled me to explore different looks and styles.The girls that I saw on Tumblr (the Instagram before Instagram) was an inspiration for what my style could be. The sky was really the limit and I began thrifting. Obsessed with how many vintage pieces were all under one roof, I was able to find pieces that I saw from all the hood 90s – 2000s shows I binged watched. That was the start of me “pulling” clothing.

Although I shopped for myself, I was always stopped by my fellow classmates and even adults complimenting me on my style. Some occasionally joking, “I wish you could shop for me.” What I didn’t know then, was that I could make a career out of shopping and dressing people.

After high school, I enrolled in college taking up psychology as my major which didn’t feel right to me. After about two years into my studies, I always found myself daydreaming about fashion, or browsing through the new trends of the season. While streaming fashion shows, I was intrigued by how well models wore clothes on the runway. That’s when I learned, who a fashion stylist was and what they did.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others creatively is, my creative process. I am organized, detailed oriented, and a perfectionist ( at least I try to be). I am most proud of myself in the area of constantly seeking knowledge in areas I am curious about. I do a lot of research for new looks, trends, and what’s not so hot. Although in fashion, everything makes a return, and is hardly ever forgotten about.

Balancing a full time job in the medical field, while being a stylist is not a walk in the park. I learned that my mental health is something that I take seriously. Taking care of myself first is a priority. I also believe in extending others grace. We all have bad days. Another thing I have learned along the way is to take each day, one step at a time. Slow progress is still progress.

When it comes to my brand, I am still building a name for myself. I don’t believe that anything happens overnight. Even if it does, you have to be prepared for the work that comes with the challenges. As far as my story goes, I am closing chapters and moving on to the next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The absolutely best place to visit is Houston! We have so much here to offer that it’s impossible to view everything in one day!

Joey Uptown is located right outside of the Galleria mall. After a long morning of shopping they open just in time for lunch. Their delicious menu includes sushi, lettuce wraps, and a happy hour menu to take away shopping woes!

Moxies which is in walking distance of the Galleria, is a great place to go for a late night dinner and great drinks. My favorite dish on the menu are the power bowls that include tofu for vegan and plant-based goers.

Urban Social has become a favorite lounge of mines recently. They are open seven days a week, and what I love the most about them is that they’re open early and close even later!

Thirteen Houston is a newcomer on the Houston social scene, but it is definitely a spot where non Houstonians fly in to get a taste of! Founded by former Rockets player, James Harden the restaurant has something for everyone. My personal favorite spot to go after a long week on a Friday evening is the hookah lounge that offers a full service bar with tailored drinks that feature some Houston namesakes, live DJs, and a mouthwatering menu!

Phil and Derek’s jazz bar and lounge offers live bands while musicians have a chance to wow the crowd on special evenings. Their brunch menu has everything from shrimp and grits to chicken and waffles and in between.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A HUGE thanks and shoutout, for my hands on experience, and introduction into the styling world, goes to Tracie Benton of Lux Style & Design. While looking for an internship, I reached out to Tracie through her company’s website. Her company focuses on tailored content that works close with stylists, designers, and boutiques to help curate personal style for an individual.

Tracie has taken me underneath her wings and has allowed me to have creative direction on my very first photo shoot that I styled for her. I am very grateful for her guidance, support, and mentorship on my styling journey.

Instagram: @its.dahliab @dahliabstyling

Image Credits
Charles Richard of Visual Culture Photography Instagram @_visualculture