Meet Bethanie Jones | Wardrobe Stylist

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

Hi Bethanie, how do you think about risk?

I moved to LA without any jobs lined up when I first came to the city. I hadn’t assisted a fashion stylist yet, but I knew that it was my time to make the move. It was the biggest risk I had taken in my adult life, but I felt it was what I needed to do! I didn’t want to think about styling anymore, I wanted to play a part in it. The only thing my plan consisted of was saying yes and trusting if I was meant to do this- the rest would fall into place.

Someone told me once that no is no if you don’t ask for a yes. Taking risks for me has come in the form of moving to LA all the way to saying yes to a job over an email. Without saying yes and taking these risks, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Risk taking is scary, however the other side could be exactly what we hoped for and what we needed to learn from.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

As a young creative in my career I would say what sets me apart is my commitment to being present to where I am at. Whenever I do a project or work with a client I want my attention to be in it through & through with the people I am with. What makes a good stylist is how they make people feel. I want people to feel seen and valued, but it requires presence to do that. Styling isn’t an easy job I came to find out early on… By having people and a collective vision in mind, I have realized how important focus and commitment truly is.

Fortunately, I have learned what is most valuable from the stylists I have worked under. Amia Serrano was the first fashion stylist who took me on as an assistant. I was learning a new city and job at that time- and that presented its challenges. I wanted to learn everything as an assistant early on and for LA to feel like home already. I didn’t always want to be patient in that way. (Its something I am working on.) However, time was on my side! I am learning time is always the secret ingredient to anything worthwhile.

It was until about a year of assisting that I started taking on my first styling jobs. Taking on my own jobs taught me so much. I am so glad I have mentors/ stylist friends who I was able to call. The days that were difficult and the moments I didn’t feel at my best was when I needed those voices of encouragement. The individuals who reminded me to keep going & to keep valuing people along the way.

However in all the challenges, set backs, and frustrations I have learned that I am enough. There is always going to be someone further along than you, taking other jobs you may want, etc. But there is only one Bethanie and I know that what I bring to the table is original. If there are jobs I know other stylists/ creatives are looking for, I want to be someone who can help in that way. There is only ever going to be one of you- so let your originality be your signature. Once we realize we are all working to express our creativity, competition turns into community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

While living in LA I was an eastside girl, (Silverlake to be exact!) If I had a friend in town I would start with showing them some of my favorite spots, starting with Silverlake.

For breakfast we would probably start at one of my favorite coffee shops, Laveta! In the mornings I’d take them to some of my other favorite places too like Larchmont Bungalow (great brunch), MARU coffee, and Breadlock in Griffith Park (really great pastries!)

When it came to our afternoon plans the beach, art museums, or parks would be a must! Griffith Observatory is a great place during the day to have a picnic & perhaps bring some good books to enjoy. Along with that, the Getty is an all day experience that is worth an afternoon in LA.

If some afternoons needed some shopping done the east side is also a great place to thrift/ shop around. Stores like Midland in Silverlake is a great place to find some LA treasures to take back home. Along with the east side, making a trip to Culver City is a great move as well. The Platform makes for a great shopping afternoon. I’d definitely take them to Janessa Leoné, a hat store I adore and actually used to work at!

Of course a proper LA dinner is a priority! One of my most favorite restaurants in LA is Bacari. If you aren’t feeling like dressing up tho, Monty’s burgers is also a great place. I still find myself dreaming of the fries and shakes…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this story to my parents. They have been the biggest supporters in my journey thus far. From my dad road-tripping all the way across the country to help move me in- to taking phone calls at 1 AM as I would process the hard days with them. Their love and support is priceless to me. I am so grateful to have them and know that they believe in me to do this.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bm_styled

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanie-jones-876781190

Image Credits
Model: Sara Rose Kelly Photographer: Eric Chang https://instagram.com/shotsbychang?igshid=NmNmNjAwNzg= Styling: Bethanie Jones