Client Interview with Lee Heyward, Style Expert

1) How long have you been doing this, and how did you become a style expert?

It all began in fourth grade. My best friend had to change schools, and we wanted to make sure she made a great first impression. I edited her closet, getting rid of all things childish and not fitting for a cool fourth grader. Together, we planned the outfits she would wear during her first week at a new school.

My passion for helping people feel great about their style led me to a career as a retail merchandiser and sales representative for a large footwear and apparel company. It was not until my Dad promised to give my Mom $500 to go shopping if I would edit her closet that I realized I could help women everywhere achieve simple and effortless style.

In 2007, I created Charleston Style Concierge to show women that great style isn’t about being egotistical; it’s about achieving the confidence and happiness you deserve. The right clothes can make you feel invincible, giving you the confidence to accomplish anything you desire. I am committed to helping women feel more confident through the development of personal style. I have worked with countless individual clients, helped corporations upgrade their employees’ images, and spoken in front of groups teaching people how to achieve the style they want.

2) Who are the clients you have worked with?

I work with women - just like you - who stand in their closet staring at a sea of clothes, wishing they owned something they actually wanted to wear. As with anything in life, your style changes so you need the right tools and resources to ensure your style always sends the message and image you want to portray.

Here are some of the clients I have worked with . . .

• Women who want to open the closet door and know exactly what to wear.
• Women who want help getting rid of clothing that no longer works for their body shape or lifestyle.
• Women who no longer want to feel bored wearing the same old thing.
• Women who need to get dressed quickly and easily because they have no time to worry about what to wear.
• Women who want to learn how to shop for wardrobe pieces they can use to make additional outfits with clothing they already own.
• Women who want to have great style that doesn’t require a team of experts each morning.
• Women who have gained or lost weight and want to know flattering styles for their shape.
• Professionals who want to know the best way to dress for success.
• Women who want a fun and fresh wardrobe without having to go shopping every week.
• Busy women who want to feel stylish going from work to the PTA or to dinner with friends.
• Young professionals who want to look professional, but also young and hip.
• Women who want to upgrade their style within a budget.
• Brides who need help finding the perfect wardrobe for countless bridal engagements.
• Entrepreneurs who know their success depends greatly on who they are and the image they portray.
• Companies who need assistance upgrading their employees’ images.
• Organizations who want to offer fun and informative style seminars.

3) What really sets you apart from other style experts?

I truly believe anyone can have great style. The development of your personal style is not frivolous or vain; it is an important part of how you effectively communicate with the rest of the world. When working with clients, I focus on achieving style through a building blocks process. This means I value the act of teaching you why some things will work and others will not. When you work with me, I will show you how to create a style that is true to who you are, appropriate for your age and lifestyle, and easy to re-create and adapt for years to come.

To help clients achieve great style, I follow this philosophy:

Step 1: Know who you are.
Step 2: Create a style realistic for your lifestyle.
Step 3: Treat your closet as valuable real estate.
Step 4: Learn to shop like a pro.
Step 5: Put it together quickly and easily.

4) Are your services and products affordable?

Absolutely! Charleston Style Concierge has educational offerings starting at $16.95 while some services represent a larger investment in yourself. It all depends on the investment you wish to make and where you would like to start.

When you work with us, you gain invaluable knowledge to save you money and time. You are learning something, not simply having a style transformation. Our services are an investment that helps you save money by showing you how to make better choices. You will find you buy less and wear more of what you already have. Charleston Style Concierge has helped clients find wardrobe pieces from stores ranging from Target to Saks Fifth Avenue and everywhere in between.

5) With whom do you work best, and what is expected of me?

Charleston Style Concierge consultations, workshops, programs, and products are created for women who want to achieve simple and effortless style. All of our services are tailored to teach you how to obtain a personal style that makes you feel confident and happy.
I work best with women who are interested in learning more about the value of their image and want to look great without spending a lot of time or effort. All our services require is an open mind and the belief that with a little help you can have the style you desire. I can show you how to achieve the rest!

6) I love the idea of getting one-on-one style help but feel uncomfortable having someone see my closet.

Your closet and your style are very personal. It is not my job to judge anything about your closet organization, cleanliness, or style. I am here to help you achieve the style goals you want to achieve. For the best results, I need to see what is already in your closet. This helps me learn more about you and your personal style and helps us discover the best fits and styles for your body shape and lifestyle. Once I know what you already have in your closet, I can easily help you create a wardrobe plan that helps you wear what you already have more often, create new and different outfits, and purchase new items that integrate into your existing wardrobe.

Please feel free to check out my testimonial page. Many of my clients have felt the same way you do but will attest that the benefits highly outweigh the fear of someone seeing their closet. You can also contact my team or me to set up a complimentary get-acquainted consultation to learn more about the closet edit process.

7) I don’t live in the Charleston area. Can I still get style help from you?

Yes. I can come to you, or we can work together through our Virtual Style Consultation. Also, I offer many educational programs and services that I encourage you to take advantage of. Visit our Group Services page to learn more about upcoming events and seminars.

If we meet outside of Charleston, South Carolina, a travel charge will apply, but we will not charge mileage if you live within a 50-mile radius of Charleston. For anything over 50 miles, Charleston Style Concierge will charge the standard business mileage rate as published by the Internal Revenue Service, currently $0.55 (55 cents) per mile. 

For out-of-state / area travel fees, please contact my team or me at info@charlestonstyleconcierge.com or 843-323-2466.

8) How can I learn more about the products and services you offer?

It is my goal to offer products and services that provide women the resources they need to achieve the style they desire. I can help you create the style you want using many different timeframes, budgets, or locations. Our services range from a monthly membership to the Stylish Inner Circle to year-round styling with a VIP Personalized Style Consultation. Visit our Services page to learn more, or contact my team or me at info@charlestonstyleconcierge.com to set up a get-acquainted consultation to determine the right service for your needs. You can also visit our Products page to learn more about the products available to help you achieve great style.

9) This sounds great. How do I get started?

Congratulations on investing in yourself! Style is an important part of both your personal and professional growth. Individual style consultations are done Monday through Saturday by appointment. A major credit card reserves your appointment.

We also offer gift certificates. Charleston Style Concierge gift certificates are perfect for friends and family, like your sister who always complains she has nothing to wear (which is why she swiped your favorite sweater!) or the husband looking for the perfect gift for his wife.

10) Okay, I’m ready. But I do have a couple more questions before getting started. Can I contact you to discuss this further?

Yes, please do. Please email my team at info@charlestonstyleconcierge.com, or call me directly at 843.323.2466, and we’ll set up a complimentary get-acquainted consultation to discuss your style needs and see if I can help!

I look forward to helping you feel great every time you walk out the door!