Stylists are often the unsung heroes of the fashion industry; that goes double for LGBTQIA+ stylists and women-identified stylists of color.
Parke Ballantine, Stylist & Creative Director
Hey, I’m Parke Ballantine (she/they), and I’m a stylist and creative director for bold, artistic and executive individuals in Austin. They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and I’m a firm believer in the impact of visual communication to transform our lives. My mission is to create meaningful change by empowering people to show up in ways that encourage and model a confident, stylish and authentic existence. Years of experience in marketing, media and creative production have allowed me to live out and hone that mission, especially by promoting women and queer communities as founders, entrepreneurs and across C-suites.
My expertise lies in being able to synthesize an individual’s or brand’s goals into a look that empowers and resonates. Whether preparing for a conference, launching a new product or cultivating a public presence, I care for my clients so they can go out into the world and make powerful moves.
Get in touch with me at parkeballantine.com.
Asma Parvez, Styled by Asma
A Muslim hijabi fashion stylist, that’s me—I’m Asma, a blend of American and Pakistani heritage. I’m a personal stylist and the founder of Styled by Asma, based here in Austin. My background serves as an empowering force for diverse styling. I style women from various backgrounds including many featured on the cover of this very magazine. My specialty lies in understanding diverse religious, cultural and spiritual needs, and crafting styles that honor traditions and beliefs. I’m here to tailor experiences uniquely for you, diving into your style and what defines you. Allow me to assist you on a journey where style becomes a conduit for deeper connections and personalized expressions.
Need event or photoshoot styling? Shopping or a closet edit? Or just help figuring out your personal style? I got you!
Find me on social media @styledbyasma and at my website, styledbyasma.com.
Teresa S. Test, Style With Teresa
My journey into the world of fashion began with a love for creativity and an innate desire to uplift others. Armed with a keen sense of style and the ability to translate one’s personality through clothing, I delve into the world of personal styling with the hopes of empowering women to discover their unique style and walk in confidence. Through my services, I take my clients on a style journey through three simple phases: style discovery, wardrobe curation and their very own digital closet, which accesses a curated collection of looks tailored to their personal style, lifestyle and aspirations. Whether they’re finding their style or redefining it, I aim to give my clients the confidence through wardrobe to stand firm and proud in both their uniqueness and individuality.
To start your style journey, get in touch by visiting me at stylewithteresa.com or follow me on Instagram @stylewith_teresa.
Empress Bey, The Style Lyfe
My love of fashion began at an early age, after being influenced by celebrity stylists such as June Ambrose and Rachel Zoe. Then I was diagnosed with lupus. Battling insecurities, self-inflicted pain and needing an overall makeover allowed me to utilize my inner gifts. The vision of The Style Lyfe was originally born in 2017. After a few years in both the fashion and entertainment industries, I was finally able to grasp the full purpose, mission, vision and provision of what The Style Lyfe should be.
The core issue is many women don’t realize they seek validation from others when it comes to what they wear. I have a unique gift for mastering a woman’s aesthetic to help her see her value through personal style. Through a four- to six-week process, I’m able to help each woman define her personal style, work on her mindset and have some fun while staying in tune to her daily lifestyle and busy schedule. Being gifted with a purpose and passion that will create profit and allow me to have fun is what true prosperity means to me.
thestylelyfe.com | contact@thestylelyfe.com
Mattison Gotcher, Wardrobe Stylist
Hi, I’m Mattison Gotcher, a wardrobe stylist in Austin. My love for fashion started at an early age. One of my favorite activities as a child was to draw outfits for characters in my favorite TV shows. I knew then that fashion interested me. That interest never stopped growing, and I took it to UT Austin, where I graduated with a B.S. in textiles and apparel design in 2019. While there, I worked as a costume designer on short films within the film department, making my early days of drawing clothes for characters come to reality and fostering my desire to become a designer for media. While new within the industry, so far I have had the opportunity to work on various TV shows and movies and with clientele such as Harry Styles, Dell and Samsung.
Keep in touch through Instagram @mattisondgotcher and my website mattisondgotcher.com.
Erika King, The Modernist Closet
I’m Erika, a Central Texas-based certified style coach and image consultant with more than 20 years in the fashion industry, a B.A. in fashion merchandising and an M.Ed. in higher education administration. Over the past decade, my professional journey has encompassed serving in retail management for companies such as Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, and teaching high school fashion design. I started The Modernist Closet after noticing my own wardrobe lacked clarity and did not reflect my professional status, lifestyle or, most importantly, my personality.
Further contributing was the realization that the stressors of career and family I had internalized were reflected through my wardrobe, and that friends, family and colleagues were experiencing some of the same struggles. My proven three-step modern style process teaches female C-suite executives to curate a wardrobe that highlights their most authentic selves, eliminate unnecessary clutter and successfully navigate personal versus professional style challenges unique to corporate America.
Liz Wendler, Style Coach
I am a renowned style coach who has helped women nationwide with my expertise. A mother of two and advocate for personal transformation, I understand the nuances of evolving styles and lifestyles. My personal journey included leaving the corporate world to start my styling business after having kids and wanting to make an impact. Focused on guiding women through various life transitions, from business professionals to new parents or retirees, I am your dedicated partner in your style journey. Beyond coaching, I become your confidante and curate a wardrobe that authentically reflects your unique personality and narrative. With a touch of Austin’s vibrant spirit, I invite you to embrace a new chapter, crafting a style that embodies confidence and authenticity. Connect with me for a complimentary style direction call and embark on your style adventure!
lizwendlerstyling.com | @lizwendlerstyling
Laura Zapata, Fashion Editor & Stylist
I am a freelance fashion editor and stylist with nearly 20 years of experience in the NYC fashion industry. Originally from Austin, I received my degree in fashion merchandising at UT Austin. I got my start in magazines, working as a copywriter and fashion assistant at Latina magazine, and later became the fashion editor of Cosmo for Latinas. My writing and styling work has been featured in WWD, ELLE, Cosmo, Popsugar, Billboard and Seventeen, and I’ve styled numerous celebs including Gina Rodriguez, Camila Cabello, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Normani, Diane Guerrero and Dascha Polanco. Now dividing my time between Austin and NYC, I’m currently a contributing editor for HearstMade (the branded content division at Hearst Media) and a freelance copywriter and stylist, working on creative and editorial projects for clients like LTK, Sephora, Soona and RoC Skincare.
For contact info, visit my website, laurazapatanyc.com.
