Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabelle Lee.
Hi Isabelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey! I’m Isa, and I’m from Madison, Wisconsin. I currently live in Minneapolis and work a full-time job in the corporate world; I’m getting my master’s degree in music therapy and running my social media/Instagram page focused on fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Growing up, I hated choosing what to wear. Clothes always seemed to be the enemy, and my body seemed like the worst canvas for it. My parents never restricted self-expression, and I could express myself through music as I was a competitive classical pianist for most of my life. Still, as a young girl, I remember always being incredibly envious of others who felt they could wear whatever they wanted.
To make a long story short, I realized about four years ago that when you look good, you feel good. During the pandemic, I allowed myself to try out many different styles and wear whatever I wanted. I began to recognize that when I feel confident in what I wear, I make better decisions for myself and my life. I remember one day a few years ago, just wearing something that made me feel good, and for the first time in what felt like ever, I felt confident. True confidence. And it was so eye-opening because I was holding myself in a way that made others around me more receptive to what I had to say. I had never felt this before! All that to say, I’m not talking about surface-level beauty. When you feel confident about what you’re wearing and the skin that you’re in, you hold yourself in a manner that makes people excited and interested, and they listen to you. I want that for everyone. So, I started a little styling business on my Instagram page, and I enjoy sharing my outfits and encouraging self-expression in everyone around me. Everyone deserves to feel that way, and if I can help them get there, that’s such a big honor.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has not. I also had heart and kidney failure due to a very severe eating disorder when I was about 16-17 years old, so that caused me to create a tough shell towards self-expression and personal style. I never found myself or my confidence until I was about 22 years old. And I’m currently 25. Very recent! But that’s the beauty about late-bloomers; the journey seems a little less stale because you can leaf through the years of influence from others, society, the world, etc., and truly step out as yourself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love being a multi-faceted artist! I was a classical pianist from 3-23 years old (and I still play for leisure). I competed my whole life and performing was one of the only times I would feel like myself. I now also use styling and fashion as personal art and expression. And I love seeing others express themselves through fashion. Everyone is unique, and I hate trends because people will conform to what everyone else is wearing. I want to see you and your unique expression. I used to say, if what you’re wearing offends me, it’s done its job. I work full-time at a corporate job. Part-time, I’m getting my master’s degree in music psychotherapy, which is a beautiful part of my life, and I cherish it. And then fashion and travel fill the time in between 🙂
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Stop chasing comfort; learn to be comfortable with discomfort. The moments I started to learn to be uncomfortable comfortably, I could be happier, I could express myself more easily by just going for opportunities and risks, and I started living.
Pricing:
- Personal Styling on my instagram page: $30 for the service.
Contact Info:
