Find out more about our Personal Brand Style Editor Shyla Hassan

Starting her career in fashion design, she was a former finalist in the prestigious British Graduate ‘Designer of the Year’ Awards. This led to roles with brands including DKNY and Reebok, however working on photoshoots is where Shyla fell in love with creating whole looks. Using her background in design, she has worked with a number of global brands.

What sparked your passion for fashion and personal styling?

My passion for fashion started from a very early age. Ialways felt like I was invisible coming from a hugefamily and being the youngest of 9! I think it was due tohaving a deep need for an identity and show mypersonality visually because I found it difficult to speakbeing quite a shy person. I became interested in clothesand how, from my perspective, they tell a story. It becamemy way of communicating without my needing to use anywords! In fact, it gave me much more confidence and as aresult, I became less shy because my style gave me myvoice doing what I love and showing my creativity. That’show I see personal style…it’s about having a voice andsaying hey, this is who I am and my brand.

I think clothes say a lot about a person. First impressionscount, and people make their mind up visually before youget to open your mouth. People often ask me where I getmy clothes from and how I put colour and clothestogether, which is why I naturally became good at helpingothers to have their personal voice and presence throughfashion.

What advice would you give to people who may be a little colour shy with their wardrobe?

The advice I would give to those who are colour shy is tostart with a colour that you feel most represents you onthe colour spectrum. For example, I love green as itbrings me closer to nature… Your Personal tone shouldmake you feel good about yourself and what you want tosay to the world. You don't need to follow fashion or feelpressured by it, your style should give you confidenceand not anxiety. Get to know your body and have fun withcolours to find out what suits your skin tone.

The first thing people notice about a person is usually thecolours they are wearing and silhouette so, look at yourcomplexion and get that right first, because wearing theright tone will make you glow! Start by wearing colourfulaccessories that you’ve never worn before like earrings,scarf or bags then slowly take it further out of yourcomfort zone by wearing a printed blouse or coloured t-shirt. Gradually you will get used to wearing a little morecolour and gain some confidence. Always take note andwear something that highlights your face with the coloursyou choose. Everyone has a particular colour they radiatein, you just need to find yours!

What is the 1 area of your own personal brand that you would like to improve?

I would like to improve the visibility of my brand onsocial media! Okay, so I have conquered shyness andgained confidence through my personal style and image,but I now have to learn to feel comfortable in puttingmyself in front of the camera more frequently!

I see many people in my industry being consistent andbuilding their brand and influence through visibility andincreasing their success. I know that as a servicebusiness owner, I am my brand and people need to seeme, so it's an area I really need to overcome andshowcase myself and hopefully inspire people with myown personal style too.