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

Hi Brenda, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Historically, I’ve never been a major risk taker in terms of my professional life. After college, I chose the safe (financially) and practical career path to the corporate world. I think a lot of us Gen X thought that way. However, despite working a successful job, I always found myself dreaming to work in a creative field, I was never truly happy in the corporate world. I was just afraid of loosing that nice paycheck and starting all over again from ground zero. In hindsight, that’s when I should have done it, but I always say God knows what is best for us. Perhaps at the time it would have not been the best path for me. Now, after leaving the corporate world, staying home with my kids, I have stepped out to pursue those passions I never had the confidence to do back then. Now, I say yes to every opportunity that will challenge me and open new doors; granted the opportunity of course in line with my values and brand. Further, no experience is wasted, my corporate experience is only an asset to me as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry. My advice to you Gen X ladies out there afraid to pursue your passions later in life, DO IT, be patient and don’t look back.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a self-taught fashion stylist. I never went to fashion school, I didn’t grow up in the fashion world, but I always had a keen eye for fashion and style. I style private and commercial clients. I am a brand consultant, working with boutiques and retail brands. I also curate designer events, working with global brands like Ba&Sh and Zadig & Voltaire. My proudest moment was styling my first editorial photoshoot for sustainable luxury brand, Careste. I’m a Franchophile. I’m inspired by the je ne sais quoi of French style, but adapt it to the cool California lifestyle. I am aware of trends, but I don’t follow them, my personal style is classic, chic with a rock-n-roll edge. I want to help and inspire other Gen X women like me who still want to look cool and relevant, without appearing trendy. Originally, I didn’t know what I wanted to do in fashion, but I wanted to do something. So a friend suggested I post my outfits on Instagram. This was challenging for me because I am more of a BTS person, I don’t really like being in front of the camera. I really had to step out of my comfort zone. As time went on, I created better content, (still a work in progress), I started networking more and getting those styling opportunities I would have not otherwise were it not for the platform. Hence the birth of a new career for me: fashion stylist. I’ve learned you need to keep showing up, network and get out there. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people, you never know what can happen, or who you will meet.

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?
My favorites grub spots in LA: Chateau Marmont Cafe Stella in Silver Lake for great French food and drinks. Nobu Malibu for delicious Japanese food and views Zinque – Venice Shopping in LA: Melrose Ave Robertson Ave Abbot Kinney, Venice Just take a drive on PCH and let it take you anywhere. There’s nothing like a drive along the coast. Also, there are great hikes all around LA and surrounding areas. Since Covid, I’ve been hiking a lot more. Grab a buddy, (and a mask), pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. In my hood the South Bay: Fav Grub spots: Gum Tree Cafe – Hermosa Beach Homie – Manhattan Beach Green Street Market – Hermosa Beach Petros Shopping: BLVD Wrights Beehive Right Tribe – Vintage Weekend Escape: Terranea Resort – Palos Verdes

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God #1 – My husband, my family and my friends (you know who you are) who have supported me from the beginning. I wouldn’t keep going if it were not for their love and support.

Website: https://www.lafilledurock.co

Instagram: @lafilledurock

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-randall-5729939/

Image Credits
image credits: Benjamin Grenard @benjamingrenard Flash Monkey Studios @flashmonkeystudios Photographer: Sam Nava @saam_iaam Photographer Muge Geveci @mugephotos

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