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

Hi Charlotte, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I remember joining Instagram in November 2010, when only a few people were on the platform or even knew about it. This coincided with my time at Syracuse. With my love for photos and style, it felt like the perfect place to showcase my personal aesthetic throughout college. I mixed my normal clothes with cute spins on tailgate fits.

When I graduated from Syracuse, I went on to work at Bergdorf Goodman in September 2016 as an assistant buyer. During my time at BG, Instagram had gained traction and users, making it even more appealing to showcase my fun outfits at work. I also shared my life as a buyer, attending market appointments and fashion shows—all within the same fashion family.

I realized that buying wasn’t for me, as my heart lay more with the creative elements of fashion. I left BG a year later to give my Instagram a real go! Seven years later, after many lessons, relationships, and time, here I am. I wouldn’t change my journey for the world!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I run my own Instagram account, @chbickley. Other than my manager, Arleigh, the CEO of Collxab, it’s just me doing and running everything! Since my Instagram account happened super naturally back in 2010, just wanting to showcase my love for photos and sense of style, I think that separates me from other Instagram accounts. Every photo you see on my page happened in the moment. I don’t take time to edit at length or create a grid aesthetic. I do what feels right in the moment, and I’ve stayed true to that the whole time!

It has not always been easy. Putting yourself out on Instagram and being a “public” account opens you up to the world’s judgment, whether you want it or not. A lot of people love me, but there are always haters, and that wasn’t always easy. I have super thick skin, but as I turn 30 in September, I’m in a place where you either like me or you don’t.

I have learned a few lessons about opening up too much and trusting the wrong people who didn’t want the best for me. It was a hard lesson, but I believe everything happens for a reason, and it’s all part of your journey!

My brand is still the same as it was in 2016 when I really launched as a content creator! You’ll find my high and low item picks, makeup, facial, and hair recommendations, known as #approvedbychar, my love for family and dogs, and now a little of my fiancé and our life together! My most recent addition to my page is my bridal era, which I’m having so much fun showing to my followers! People really love all things bridal, and there are so many fun ways to show your personality and creative vibe through that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being new to LA (going on my second year here), I’m going to bring you the @chbickley guide to LA! I’m still learning!

**Avva Coffee** in Beverly Hills—I’m obsessed with the iced vanilla latte!

**Forma Heat Pilates** in the Beverly Glen Center is my favorite workout!

Eat lunch at **Found Oyster**—this cute little seafood spot in Silver Lake!

Always hang at the **Beverly Hills Hotel**. Call me basic, but it’s the best vibe ever!

Dinner obsessed with **Cobi’s, Dolce Vita**, and this place, **Up Thai**!

The **Brentwood Country Mart** is a must-stop for the shopping vibe and food!

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?
My dad! He’s my rock and guiding light. Having been in the industry for many years, he knew a lot of people to connect me with initially, but he’s also been a great sounding board. As I grow older, I realize that he and I are a lot more similar than I ever knew.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chbickley?igsh=MXhvbnNkNnBzeXdsOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlottehbickley?_t=8oteKpMUgMI&_r=1

Image Credits
Hagop

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.