After practicing law for nearly 10 years, Melissa Garcia left it all behind to follow her dreams in fashion and hasn't looked back since. Melissa spends her days making appearances as a fashion expert on shows such as the TODAY Show, The Wendy Williams Show, EXTRA or The Meredith Vieira Show to name a few; shooting segments for global network-Fashion One as their Business/Fashion Expert; writing fashion Columns for sites such as E! or Ivanka Trump or styling actors/TV personalities. Melissa embraces charity work; she was lead stylist on a charity shoot benefiting the Women's Prison Organization, is a volunteer for Dress For Success and has also offered her services for both women's and children's cancer organizations. Her relatability, professionalism and expertise make Melissa one of the most highly sought after fashion experts in the country. Melissa lives in New York and is married to her high school sweetheart with whom she has three beautiful children.
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@mgarciastyling
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Notes from the show:
From an early age, Melissa loved fashion. Her grandmother knitted and crocheted and her grandfather was a tailor.
She always thought that success meant becoming a doctor or lawyer.
She almost dropped out of law school, but she doesn't consider herself a quitter.
Melissa practiced for 10 years, and hated most of it.
While she was an attorney, Melissa found that people sought her fashion advice.
Melissa's best friend, a holistic life coach, convinced her to leave law.
She started up a web site after taking an 8 week online course.
A local blogger, Amy Selling of LuluandLattes.com promoted her.
She creates a "digital lookbook" for easy repeat use from a phone.
Every woman has a different feeling about hiring a personal stylist. There is a lot of insecurity involved.
"I feel we're all given gifts that we're born with, and whether you choose to pursue them or not is up to you... What do you love to do that comes naturally and easy to you, that's not easy for everyone else? That's your gift."
Her job is to tap into each individual's personal style.
Having a supportive husband was instrumental to her success.
One of her best friends' friend is in PR, and connected Melissa. They shot a segment on an iPhone and that got her her first gig: better TV.
"I always come from a place of 'Yes.' "
"Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real."
"If you don't let fear get in the way, and you kind of take a huge chance and leap of faith and walk through the fear, amazing things happen on the other side."
The Today Show had her first appearance during a blizzard.
"My real job is when I am home."
It takes a village.
Social media keeps her in the loop.
"I've had to become comfortable in the uncomfortable."
Book recommendations:
Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success by Steve Harvey
Destiny: Step Into Your Purpose by T.D. Jakes
Discussed Life is Too Short for Miller Lite
The joys of helping clients feel beautiful
She has worked with a number of charitable organizations, including Dress for Success and Women's Prison Association.
She still works with everyday women.
Melissa wants to do more television and more charitable work.
When she left law, her family took a financial hit.
Her preference for social media platforms has shifted from Facebook to instagram to Snapchat.
"Please, take that leap of faith!"
