Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Firkins.
Hi Leslie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always had a love of both people and fashion. When I was a kid, I was always dressing my Barbie, and it became apparent that I needed to make my pieces for them so she could live the life that I had come up for her in my mind. When I was about 8, I went to live with my grandparents on a farm. They had my mom and aunt’s old Barbie clothes still in the room I moved into. I found clothes that my Grandma and Aunt had sewed themselves, opening a new door for me. Soon, I learned how to sew, embroidery, and even modify patterns. I was like a sponge and would take any old fabric anyone would give me and try to fashion it into something unexpected or chic. I spent the rest of my elementary and high school days always modifying my look—just something so fun about taking what I already had and making it look fresh.
In High School, I was lucky enough to work with two of my best friends at a beautiful photography studio near my school. Polaroids were a great help to look at what we were framing up -there were obviously not unlimited snaps like there are today. This was back in the days of the actual film, and to say I learned a lot about what to watch for during a shoot and how to make other people look good is an understatement.
Throughout college, I worked in retail management – The Limited and Chanel Beaute – which taught me so much about the power of making a woman feel her best at the moment. I also worked for a couple of photographers as an assistant. One of them introduced me to the world of styling as a PROFESSION and asked if I’d like to assist a Minneapolis Stylist for Fashion Quarterly at City Pages. This was such a dream for me. I discovered how much I loved directing, project management, and beauty.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a long and windy road to where I am today. I have two children. They are 19 and 15, and I feel like much of my life has been devoted to being there for them while trying to juggle part-time pursuits that fed my brain and kept me joyful. Along the way, I have been many versions of myself – an educator, an event planner, and an activist.
So many of these things boil down to the same core skill – listening to other folks and building relationships, having the confidence in your own decisions.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a fashion stylist. I help many women look and, more importantly, feel their best. I want anyone I work with to dress for the life they want. I want them to feel comfortable, put together, joyful, and powerful.
I specialize in wardrobe overhauls. I love to ask questions about what/how they plan to wear these clothes, how they feel, etc. They should feel all set up and less stressed about their lives after seeing me. I also love dressing women for events. So many women don’t realize just how lovely they are. I love pointing out what’s beautiful about each of them and helping them accentuate that.
I think I am known mostly for my passion, my joy, and hopefully, kindness. I will never forget that I once dressed a wonderful woman about my age, and she said, “Listen, I WANT to spend time with you. You make this so fun and exciting, and I know you won’t let me leave here in something that isn’t my best.” That made me feel so proud
What sets me apart from others is that I like to build versatility into the pieces that women are looking at. I feel like we spend enough on our clothes – we should have several ideas of how to wear them. This world is not slowing down, but maybe we can slow down by buying so many “disposable” items.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
My email is LeslieLovesPockets@gmail.com, and my Instagram (where I try to give tips, show new arrivals and ways to wear them, plus my fave brands to work with) is also LeslieLovesPockets. Reach out in email or DM, and we can consult or set up an appointment. I also assist with shoots and plan events as well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: LeslieLovesPockets
- Twitter: @LeslieSimone_
