Hi I’m Ella, a Personal Stylist based in the South West. I am 43 and have reached a milestone 25 years in my career as a Stylist. In 2000 I qualified with the Internationally renowned, Toni & Guy Artistic team in London. I honed my skills, beside incredible Artists, was lucky enough to work backstage at LFW and won a few creative awards, along the way. After relocating to Bristol in 2008, I trained in Colour and Make up with Aveda, where I was introduced to organic skin/ haircare and a more holistic approach to my craft.
In 2013 I proudly took, a gargantuan step, to open my own Salon & Spa in Clifton Village. ‘Atelier’ was a stunning space that my partner and I designed. I grew a large team and cultivated an amazing clientele. The process of creating the brand, décor and website was immensely fulfilling and I enjoyed 10 successful years in business. Some of my highlights would be winning Bristol Hairdresser of The Year, my work featuring on the front cover of Bristol Life and consulting on the pioneering design, of the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer.
Then in 2020 I experienced what you might call a bit of a ‘Lifequake’.. Now this is not a therapy site, so I’ll skip the personal deep dive, but this ultimately culminated, in the closure of my salon and a relocation to Cornwall. These unexpected shifts in the trajectory of our lives can initially feel devastating, but also inevitably provide the beneficial outcome, of catalysing growth and transformation.
I have always been told I have ‘an eye for style’ and the magical ability, to read what someone wants, but can’t articulate. My extensive experience in hair and beauty, alongside a passion for people, design and fashion, lead me to study in 2024 as an Image Consultant.
“Fashions fade, style is eternal”
Yves Saint Laurent
I myself confess, to once being a Fashion Junkie. Fast and furious, trend led, retail therapy had me hooked, up until (embarrassingly) about a year ago! The environmental implications and drain on my resources were one thing, the high fleeting, plus I still regularly pondered, why I had nothing to wear!
I grew up in Notting Hill near the bustling Portobello Road. My Father a Publisher, my Mother a florist. I realise now, this was an incredibly bohemian, melting pot of culture and characters, which no doubt shaped my taste and ambitions.
Kensington High Street was my teenage manor, where I recall clearly, my first independently chosen outfit. I don’t remember the name of the shop, but we left the outlet (nightclub vibes/offensive bass), with a luminous turquoise Co-ord. The top was a cropped mohair cardigan and bottom, a lurex glittery mini skirt. Yup. Not sure what opportunity I envisaged to debut, but this tells us two things-
- A) I was born fabulous LOL
- B) We all know what we like, but may benefit from some objectivity, prior to checkout..
From poor fit, wrong colour/fabric through to ‘impulse’ purchasing, there are a minefield of factors to trip you up, when shopping these days-Arguably increased by online marketing. So, it’s no wonder we all feel disengaged with the joy fashion should inspire. The same can be said for the hair and cosmetic sector. I pride myself on knowing the industry, what works, what’s BS and how to tangibly achieve your style goals.
I have often found myself in unfamiliar territory, where I have been tested, pre-judged or underestimated and daily had to promote confidence in others. Whether that be training and leading a team, directing a creative shoot or inspiring a client to step out of their comfort zone, when you know you can make them look and feel amazing. I now find great fulfilment in empowering others’confidence and the ability to restyle, not just a client’s hair, but the entire canvas.
So many people now, report losing the love of shopping. We are all guilty of fashion fails and simply can’t afford them in a cost-of-living and environmental crisis. Objective guidance can save you time, stress and money. Knowing your skin tone, perfect palette and curating a capsule wardrobe of garments and accessories you enjoy (and most importantly wear), won’t solve all your problems- It will however give you skills and armour to face the world daily, as the best possible version of yourself.
“Clothes aren’t going to change the world. The Women who wear them will.”
(Anne Klein)
I absolutely love watching someone light up, when they see themselves restyled. I have an amazing client base, through building trust with my customers, consistently delivering and subtley evolving their style over the years.
I now work Freelance from Trevor Sorbie when in Bristol and from my home studio in beautiful North Cornwall.
So now you know a little about me. My mission is to guide, inspire and entertain you, with style advice for all budgets and lifestyles.
I am delighted to be accepting new clients. To book please connect with a direct message here, or via my social media channels.
Ella x