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

Hi Sana, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
After creating my clothing brand, GILANI, in 2020 while holding a large presence as a fashion influencer on TikTok and Instagram, I followed my heart to become a stylist in Fall of 2021. Styling had not only been a passion of mine but something that I had a lot of talent in as many individuals would come to me for all their fashion and dressing needs. Because of the pandemic, I was unable to travel consistently to style clients in person. I truly wanted to be available to all individuals around the world so I decided to combine my skills and availability and take my styling services to a level that has never been done before through virtually styled personalized lookbooks.

Virtual Lookbooks are completely personalized based on our clients preferences, budget, sizes, aesthetic, and more. Through this idea, I have been able to style individuals all around the world as well as the biggest influencers on TikTok and Instagram. As I decided to bring more exposure to this new concept of “virtual styling” in order to promote my new business, I believe I have inspired many other fashion entrepreneurs to also start their own virtual styling businesses!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ever since I was young, I have always loved fashion and art. Growing up within a conservative family was extremely tough for me as I had restrictions on what I was allowed to wear. A lot of types of clothes were looked down upon by my culture. However, as I grew older my family became more accepting as they began to notice my love for fashion. Fashion was more than what I wore on my body. It has given me an opportunity to express myself. I’ve learned that if you really want something in life, it is so important to make yourself heard and put your passions before other people’s opinions.

Through this, I have done my best to ensure that Gilani Fits not only helps create and enhance people’s wardrobes, but it gives individuals a chance to make their aesthetic and visions come to life by what they wear. As a stylist, I believe it is extremely important to understand your clients preferences. Our brand ensures that our clients are heard.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Growing up in Houston has been the best experience and I feel so blessed to be in a city as diverse as this one. One of my favorite places to take visitors is North Italia, a delicious Italian restaurant with pasta, pizza, and more all made from scratch. After North, I’d complete the day with shopping and thrifting in the city! If you know me, you know that pasta and shopping are my two favorite things. I love taking my friends to Money Money, a thrift store located on Shepherd Dr. This thrift store has an immense selection of sneakers, streetwear, vintage tees, and even the latest drops by the biggest trending brands. Lastly, I would stop at river oaks district to grab a drink at Toulouse, a french inspired restaurant, with the best outdoor seating and live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would most definitely love to dedicate this shoutout to my family. When I began my styling business, I was working a very stressful corporate job at the same time that wasn’t bringing me any satisfaction. After a months of working on my styling business “on the side” or “after hours”, I decided to quit my full time job and focus all my energy into my business. I was afraid that my family would disagree with my actions and would not support my dreams and goals. However, the response I got from them was the complete opposite as they were extremely proud of me for taking a risk for myself and my career. This has brought me so much motivation to work even harder so I can continue to make not only my family, but myself proud each and every day.

Website: gilanifits.com

Instagram: @sanagilani / @gilani.fits

Youtube: sanagilani

Other: TikTok: sanaballag

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