About Elissa.
The about page…goodness. Where do I begin —
I started my love for fashion when I was 5; I was VERY particular about my outfits. They had to be soft and comfortable because I like to play hard, but girlie — because that’s what I liked. Most days I’d be wearing a dress with stretchy shorts underneath so I could climb trees freely.
Fast forward to my family moving to Hanoi, Vietnam when I was 8. All of a sudden my sartorial choices were VERY limited.
So I learned how to design clothes, shop at the fabric markets and have clothes made.
And that’s what I did all 10 years of my time in South East Asia. I worked with a tailor to make the clothes I wanted.
—
Then it came time to decide what I wanted to do for a career. I grew up in a very academic and Christian household — the things that were celebrated were doctors, nurses, missionaries (read: not creatives) so out went my fashion ambitions and after graduation, I landed in the safe world of tech sales + marketing.
But I craved the creative world of fashion.
I had worked in retail merchandising + styling for 7 years while putting myself through college — so I had the skills….and I loved the magic of seeing a woman come alive when her outsides matched her insides.
Soul expression.
Clothes that make a human do a little happy dance.
Beauty as a form of worship.
So I started a wardrobe styling business on the side in late 2012. I started dressing women across Southern California…and beyond.
My philosophy is this: You get to love your clothes. You get to put an outfit on and want to do a little happy dance. Your pleasure is your access — and you get to follow it.
Over the last decade, I have dressed celebrities, executives, business owners. I have worked with brands on set, I have been on national TV, written articles. At my core I love working with people. I love seeing people fully self-expressed — I love dressing world changers.
—-
Some other facts about Elissa:
My name is prounounced EL-issa. Like “Melissa” without the “M”.
When I’m not building businesses, I love hosing dinners and parties — basically any reason for deep connection is my jam — oh and charcuterie boards. Done!
I love real estate — I spent my 20’s building a mini real estate portfolio.
Luxury is my vibe always. And I’ve had to LEARN to accept and love this about myself.
I grew up in South East Asia to American parents (hello Vietnam and the Philippines!)
I LOVE nature, backpacking, camping and being outside. It’s either dirt or 5 star hotels…there isn’t really an in-between for me.
I started the School of Heart-Centered Styling in 2018 because I am a STRONG believer in transformation through personal style — and I wanted to give stylists a HOLISTIC approach to styling (mind, body, spirit).
The thing I care MOST about in the world is freedom (human sovereignty). I believe that we GET to choose how we want our life to go.
I also care a lot about self-expression. The world wants to see you, I promise. ;)
Professional Certifications:
Bachelor of Art, International Studies & Political Science, University of California, San Diego.
Self-expression & Leadership Training Program, Landmark Worldwide.
Energy Mastery TM, Foundation, Energy Mastery.
Digital Marketing Certificate, Hubspot.
Certified Marketing Consultant Training, ONTRAPORT.