Name: PaviElle Santos
Hometown: South Windsor, CT
Major/Minor: Marketing/Psychology
PS: Where to begin?! I fell in love with fashion the first time I picked up a vogue magazine when I was 13. I actually started my own design portfolio in high school, it only has maybe 25 designs but I would go to it every time I had an idea. After high school, I attended Lincoln College of New England to pursue an associates degree in Fashion Merchandising. During my time there, the school hosted its first annual fashion show which I was able to organize and style it! I also had the opportunity of being on ‘Connecticut Style’, an in-state talk show back home, during the time leading up to the fashion show; it was pretty amazing!
HC: How did you develop your personal styling business?
PS: I kicked off my styling company, “PaviElle Styling”, only two months after my graduation from Lincoln in 2011. I knew I was continuing my education at Bryant but I didn’t care – when I want something, I go for it! It was the some of the most incredible months of my life. Just through networking, I was able to consult with doctors, college professors, and business owners! Unfortunately, after six months, I had to postpone my business because I found out I needed surgery on my shoulder which would tie me up for at least four months. With my business being mainly wardrobe consulting and re-organizing client’s closets, it just wasn’t going to be acceptable. I must say, being a student at Bryant is also more consuming then I thought it would be. Though now that I am healed, I continue to style on the side as well as keep up on my style blog where I discuss anything from trends to outfit ideas to fashion events I attend! Once I graduate from Bryant, I am determined to have ‘PaviElle Styling’ back up and running!
HC: Who are your biggest inspirations?
PS: I would have to say my biggest inspiration in the fashion world is Coco Chanel. For those of you that don’t know her story, she started from nothing yet became a well-known couturier in France in her 30’s introducing Chanel No. 5 and the ‘little black dress’. After the great depression hit in the 1930’s, she had to close up shop; which she thought would be for good. Twenty years later, she missed what she loved so much and was determine to bring her name back into the fashion world. In 1954, Chanel was back and stronger then ever! You know the rest of the story.. It just goes to show no matter what happens in life, if you are passionate about something, you can make it happen!
HC: What would your dream job be in the fashion world?
PS: Honestly, my dream job is to be a fashion entrepreneur. My goal is to own a boutique in the next five to ten years and with hard-work, continue to expand from there!