FOSTERING A NEW GENERATION OF ARTIST-ENTREPRENEURS

The Artist Lounge Raleigh is an art-centered, community-driven art exhibition and private event space. We exist to rekindle the imagination by hosting curated art events that connect artists, entrepreneurs, and supporters.

Georgia Tardy Art is a fine art, apparel, and art education studio. GTA’s company focus is to inspire people to cultivate their creativity and live out an authentic expression of their life.

Georgia’s intent is to spread the message that “art is everything, everywhere and in everyone.” Her mission is to foster a new generation of artist-entrepreneurs by building a fine art studio, creative agency, and technology education center where artists, with desire and demonstrated talent, can nurture their creativity and learn how to monetize it.

Summer Colors

GORGEOUS STYLES FROM LOCAL BOUTIQUES

Location: The Artists Loft, Raleigh

Styling: Sofia Lujan of Sofia Lujan Styling in collaboration with Crystal Watts

Model this page: Kalabria Gilbert Lemire @kalabrialemire

Model on opposite page: Sarah Kleckley IG: @ohsar.modeling

Hat, Dress, Bag, Shoes, Earrings and Bracelets - Smitten Boutique, Durham

Photographer: Dimitri Williams Photography dimitriphotos.com

Button Up Dress, shorts, and jewelry:

- Smitten Boutique, Durham

Top, Shoes and Sunglasses: Stylists

Dress, Earrings, Shoes and Sweater

Bag: at Ease Boutique, Raleigh

Necklace: Stylists

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A STYLIST?

I always had a passion for fashion and style. Everything started by styling family and friends just for fun.

WHO ARE YOUR TYPICAL CLIENTS?

As a Fashion Stylist I divide my work between Personal Styling and Commercial Styling.

For personal styling, I like to concentrate on styling women. My typical client is the multitasking woman who has a busy schedule of all the different roles in her daily life and who wants to look fabulous.

For commercial styling there is a wide variety. There are all kinds of projects that would include styling women, men, families or kids. To mention some examples, I can work on wardrobe styling for a big company, in other projects I can create looks for a model test shoot or style models for a new product launch.

DO YOU HAVE A STYLING PHILOSOPHY?

Yes. I am all about versatility. I always like to give my clients alternatives to use the same piece. I believe that adding garments to a wardrobe should go beyond that finding five items you already own that match your new piece. For example, a dress that is styled in a particular way can work as a top as well as a layering piece and then combined with existing pieces will give numerous options.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT BEING A STYLIST?

That everything about our job is very glamorous. We get those moments to dress up to the nines but when you are on set for long hours comfort is always the key.

What Is Your Favorite Classic Color Combination

As much as I love and enjoy color blocking, I must confess that my favorite combination is the timeless black and white.

What Are You Most Surprised By That Is Actually

TRENDING RIGHT NOW?

Low rise bottoms. In my opinion they have never been flattering.

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE ONE'S STYLE?

I like to work closely with each client taking into account her style journey. Our style doesn't stay the same forever; we are evolving as we go through different life experiences. I listen attentively and ask questions to determine what are each client's preferences or dislikes. Additionally, there are some tasks that offer me support like questionnaires and moodboards.

IN THE TIME OF HACKS, WHAT IS ONE STYLING HACK THAT YOU USE OFTEN?

I use rubber bands to hold up the sleeves of my button up shirt or blazers.

DO YOU OFFER ON-GOING STYLING SERVICES?

Yes. For personal styling I have four packages that are tailored for certain styling needs. Currently I offer four packages for Personal Styling starting with Style in a Rush which provides the client quick access to everyday styling needs to Shop your Closet that is a complete wardrobe makeover.

YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ON MY WEBSITE

WWW.SOFIALUJANSTYLING.COM

919-578-7831

HELLO@SOFIALUJANSTYLING.COM

WWW.SOFIALUJANSTYLING.COM

DESCRIBE YOUR GO TO SUMMER OUTFIT?

Jean shorts, a cropped t-shirt, sneakers and some simple gold jewelry!

ONE TRIANGLE RESTAURANT YOU WANT TO TRY THIS SUMMER?

Sitting outside at Mulino Italian Kitchen has been on my list for forever! Hoping I get to try it this summer.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT SUMMER WEEKEND!

My perfect summer weekend would be spending time with friends and family on the beautiful NC Coast!

CURRENT SONG ON REPEAT?

Midnight Sky by Miley Cyrus!

LAST BOOK READ AND WHAT DID YOU THINK OF IT?

The Little Book of Lykke: Secrets of the World's Happiest People. It is one of my favs! I always pick it up when I need a change of perspective.!

WHAT THREE THINGS ARE ON YOUR TO DO LIST THIS SUMMER?

Go to a summer concert, travel someplace new, and to spend as much time as I can enjoying the company of friends and family.

MOST USED APP ON YOUR PHONE? TikTok!

LAST TV SERIES YOU BINGE WATCHED?

- Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

LAST CONCERT?

Aly & AJ at The Ritz!

IF YOU HAD A WARNING LABEL, WHAT WOULD YOURS SAY?

Warning: Will put parmesan cheese on everything.

WHAT IS ONE HACK YOU SWEAR BY?

Curling my eyelashes! Instantly makes me look more awake.

Sarah Kleckley

IG: @ohsar.modeling photo by @walkercorl