Meet Carlee Wallace | Fashion Stylist & Art Director

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

Hi Carlee, how do you think about risk?
Leaving my full time role as Lead Stylist at Lululemon to pursue a freelance career was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my life so far. I’ve never looked back and while I’ve been offered many other full time in house roles I’m set on my path and couldn’t be happier. Working for myself was always the dream and it took risks to get here. Sometimes choosing the path with more resistance isn’t a bad thing. Taking risks and feeling uncomfortable is where the real work begins – discomfort is a catalyst for growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always joke that editorial feeds my soul and advertising feeds my bank account. This isn’t to say I don’t love and get hugely creative when taking on advertising shoots. However, I often feel myself needing to express creativity in the biggest and least restrictive way possible – in my wold this is through editorial. I adore the process of collaboration and creating a story from start to finish. This world is extremely rewarding as we can actually see the finished product after it comes to life which is one of many reasons I still and always will love print magazines. The idea that someone could pick up a magazine with my work in it 20 years from now and get inspired is something truly amazing. Legacy is a word I use often and I’d like to believe that in some way either through the art itself or the people I interact with along the way makes some kind of impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m based in East LA and there are so many amazing spots to mention so I’ll just name a few. For food; Atrium, Figaro Bistrot, El Zarape, Saffy’s, Kismet and Salazar. For nature; Griffith Park, The Huntington Japanese Garden, Los Angeles County Arboretum. For art; The Broad, LACMA, Corey Helford Gallery, Hauser & Wirth, Over The Influence, The Getty, MOCA.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many people thank for supporting me throughout my life and career. My parents have been instrumental in my success. They always raised my brother and I to believe that if we “do what we love, the money will follow.” This philosophy of choosing a career we truly cared about and never having to “work” a day in our lives changed the way I approached how to make a living from a very early age. I’m forever grateful of their support.

Website: www.carleewallace.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlee_wallace/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleewallace/

Image Credits
Vogue and Elle covers also parachute image Photography Sam Spence Yellow dress woman falling over in sand Photography by Edward Aninaru Esquire cover Photography by Mike Carreiro