We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Klewicki and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what role does tech play in your business?
Technology has made it easier than ever to connect with clients – and that has been fantastic! It’s wonderful to be able to consult clients on a video chat and accommodate their busy schedules but technology that seeks to replace and eliminate human interaction really hurts the quality of the shopping experience. Even subscriptions that send you items based on your figure type or personality do so on a very superficial level; the algorithm has to plug you into one of it’s pre-determined categories, or it can’t work. If you have a tough-to-fit body or a quirky personality, nothing can replace a live person who really cares about helping you.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Professionals these days have a lot at stake when it comes to their image but, at the same time, they are often flat-out ignored by Fashion – especially women. We can find store after store filled with weekend and lounge attire, but maybe only two or three suits in the entire mall. It can make dressing for work boring and depressing! I really feel this pain, because I used to have a very corporate job. I started Subliminal Style because professionals shouldn’t have to wait for the weekend to be who they really are. Unlike many stylists, I don’t have a Fashion degree, and I don’t place a high importance on fashion trends. I studied identity construction at UCLA, so my approach is much more about making a person’s inner qualities visible – like a visual resume. When I work with a client, our goal is to create an authentic personal style that reflects their values, flatters their body, and is easy to use in a busy lifestyle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend is my #1 Shopping Buddy and shares my joy of bargain hunting, so we’d have to hit up our favorite thrift and consignment stores, like Superthirft in North Hollywood and Return Style in Redondo Beach! We’d also have to browse one of the many local swap meets, like the one held at City College (a challenge for the more advanced thrifters among us). I’d go nuts taking her on a tour of all the cutest beach cities food spots – Dominique’s Kitchen, Little Sister, Hook & Plow, Klatch Coffee (Mexican Mochas all around!) – and work off our meals by hiking in Palos Verdes… where you can’t spit without hitting an epic ocean view.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The pressures of maintaining work-life balance can be just as stressful as running a business – for that reason, my shoutout is to Maya Simic of Consciously Selfish. Maya has such a powerful message and perspective which always reminds me that it’s okay to put on my “life mask” first! She’s added so much positivity and beauty to my days (and that has, ironically, made me even more productive).

Website: www.subliminalstyle.com
Instagram: @subliminal.style

Image Credits
Photographers: Jennifer Lublin, Qi Wong