Name: Shante Williams & Beverly Osemwenkhae
Job Title and Description: Founders of S+B MODE Wardrobe Consultants
College/Major: Berkeley College/Marketing and Management
Website: www.s-bmode.com
Twitter Handle: @SBMode1
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Shante Williams: I don’t believe in typical days. A typical day equals boredom, and no one likes to be bored.
Beverly Osemwenkhae: What makes our job so special is the constant change. There is no such thing as a typical day for us. We work with different clients everyday and there is always something new. A normal day can [include] meeting a client at 10AM to redo her closet, creating different looks for her and then meeting with another client at 3PM who is scheduled for a shopping tour. It really depends what service is scheduled for that day. We even host styling parties!
What is the best part of your job?
SW: The best part of the job is being able to shop the stores and get a personal tour of our client’s closet. It’s always interesting to go through a client’s closet and get a taste of what they view as “hot.”
BO: Yes! That is one of my favorite parts as well. I really enjoy working on a client’s closet. It tells you a lot about the person and there are always a few hidden treasures! I’ll take a dress out of the closet and say, “I’m obsessed! This will be perfect with this and you need to add that.” Then [the client] says, “I would have never thought about that!” I just LOVE that part!
What inspired you to create S+B MODE?
SW: As a student in college, I did a lot of freelance styling. John Moore, celebrity stylist, was a mentor to me for some time. From then, I knew I wanted to style the people that walked the streets of New York City. I would always have friends, family and co-workers comment on my sense of style, and they would always seek my advice on what to wear. I just thought to myself, “Why waste this talent?” So I called Beverly! Beverly and I attended college together, and I pitched the idea to her. This was only right because she has been styling for some time now and worked as a Fashion Stylist. The rest is pretty much history!
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
SW: My first entry-level job was in E-Commerce working as an Assistant Web Merchandiser for a wedding, prom and other special occasions retailer. I needed a gig fast and a friend of mine, who is well connected, got me the position. I gained in-depth knowledge of fabrics and fitting the everyday woman. It was definitely a learning experience.
BO: My story is a bit different. While in school, I interned in the Public Relations offices of Lanvin and Christian Louboutin. After I graduated, I started working for the PR department at Custo Barcelona, and I realized PR was not the career I wanted to pursue. Within a few weeks, I decided to change my career path and just focus on styling.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
SW: It’s who you know, not what you know.
BO: I agree! Connections are key in any industry.
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
SW: I would probably say a former co-worker of mine. I watched him work towards his goals and finally make his aspirations a reality. He opened my eyes to a lot of things and was in part an inspiration for S+B MODE.
BO: When I interned at Cosmopolitan, they had a mentor program for all interns. My mentor was Miriam Friedman and she was the most amazing person ever! She always gave me words of encouragement and really guided me during my internship. She definitely made it memorable.
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
SW: Keep it simple stupid. I’m very minimal, so I live by that phrase.
BO: Be original, be yourself, stay chic. Â
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
SW: I’ve always felt this sense of entitlement when I left college. I think that was a huge mistake to make. You have to go with the kind of attitude that no one owes you anything. The feeling of entitlement almost always shows and it can make or break your success.
BO: While growing up, I always went with the flow and did not challenge myself enough. I was never a risk taker, and when I graduated, I decided to go into PR because it was a much safer career path. I didn’t love what I was doing. I learned when you love what you do, it never feels like work and taking that risk always pays off in the end.
The two of you founded S+B MODE together! What are some tips for creating something with a business partner (as the two of you did)?
SW: You must use your partner’s strengths for the success of the business. I always say Beverly makes up where I lack. There are also some areas that I’m stronger in. At the end of the day, using these attributes can drive the success of what you’re trying to build.
BO: Shante and I have such big personalities and are very similar and yet so different in many ways, but it works! We are very honest and respect each other’s opinions and ideas, which are so important when forming a partnership. We always come in with an open mind and at the end, an agreement will always be made.
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
SW: I have a history of working in start-up environments. People [in start-ups] are usually chill, but at the same time, there is always a strong work ethic. So I look for people who are easy-going and ready to roll with the punches. In contrast to someone who is uptight, which I HATE.
BO: Work ethic is a major factor when it comes to hiring. We are probably the easiest and most laidback people to work with. However, we are perfectionists when we work. I look for efficiency and of course someone who is excited about fashion and eager to grow.
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
SW: If you really want to do this, DO IT. Don’t sit around because there is plenty of competition and you’re not getting any younger.
BO: If you’re passionate about something, just do it. Your talent can never be taken away.  It will advance with time and dedication! We live once! Why not start now?