Ten Questions with professional stylist Chloe Markham 

Chloe Markham is a Limerick-based stylist who is located in Newcastle West 

Ten Questions with professional stylist Chloe Markham 

By I Love Limerick Correspondent Jade Crowe

Chloe Pictured above has had an interest in all things fashion and décor from a young age

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Chloe Markham is a Limerick-based stylist who launched her incredible business here in Limerick in 2019. 

From editorial and commercial styling to the professional styling of a client and even a personal shopper, Chloe Markham is truly a hero to all fashion and styling needs today. 

Not only did she work on the production of YouTube’s first-ever Merchandise Collection and Fashion Show and style the iconic Sarah McTernan in her latest music video, but this incredible young woman also previously won the Creative Professional Award in Limerick Businesswoman of the Year. 

We chatted with Chloe about her life and career. 

Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?   

I grew up in Rathkeale County Limerick. I would describe my childhood as an extremely happy and loving one, not to sound cheesy but looking back on it through an adults eyes I realise how blessed I was and it’s something that I feel shapes the person you become later in life. Growing up I loved to be involved in everything, such as sports, drama, dancing, I wanted to do it all, lol. Activities like these I find are an amazing way to develop social skills and move out of your comfort zone as a carefree child.  

How did it feel to win the Creative Professional Award in Limerick Businesswoman of the Year?   

I really cannot describe what this award meant to me. As a creative, you face many challenges and sometimes feel like you need to constantly validate what you do and the purpose of your business. Winning this award has proved not only personally but professionally to myself and the outside world that what I do comes from determination, hard work and that it is a viable successful business. To be recognised for that is priceless and I have the Network to thank for that. It is an amazing group to be part of.  

Did you always have an interest in fashion?   

yes, yes and yes! It may sound cliche but it has been my earliest and most present passion to date. To give you an example, one of my earliest memories is me shouting through the bathroom door to my mother, about what I planned to wear to mass that day, Always outfit planning, lol! I used to buy fashion magazines and dissect them, or find any fashion-related tv program and feeling excited at the possibility of someday working in a like-minded environment.  

How did you gain an interest in home/interior design?   

I think fashion and interiors come hand in hand. The eye to spot what colours and fabrics work best together, or how to incorporate someone’s personality into their home has many similarities to styling a client. As a child, I would get so excited if my bedroom was getting a makeover and would look at magazines for inspiration. I would also rearrange my room to try and give it a “new” look. Owning and decorating my own home has been a dream of mine so when my husband and I renovated an old farmhouse which is ongoing, I could hardly contain my excitement. I love to document this on both my business and dedicated home page on Instagram.  

Chloe won a Creative Professional Award in the Limerick Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2021

When did your social media platform take off and how did you go about it?   

I started very slowly as I had never done anything like this before and just began to share my simple fashion tips on Instagram, before announcing my business. Networking played a huge role in getting my name out there and I believe the power of networking shouldn’t be taken for granted, so highly recommend it to anyone starting out. I think I can seem more confident than I actually am but when I encourage myself to put myself out there and go beyond my comfort zone I am glad afterwards as new opportunities arise and I prove to myself that I can always do more! In saying that, I like to keep my personal life separate from my social media. It allows me to switch off and spend quality time with those close to me.  

Who would be your favourite type of client to work with? E.g., Personal shopper, special occasion etc?   

This is a tricky question as I always say I love the variety my work brings. As a Personal Stylist, meeting and helping clients look and feel confident in their style is something I am so passionate about. Then my role can move into Fashion Stylist creating shoots for brands and hiring a team is a different element I am equally passionate about. This is where my real creative side comes out and it is this variety that keeps me on my toes, always looking to improve. 

What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in fashion/styling?   

Experience is key! The ladder can seem long and we all want to be at the top but gaining that industry experience before putting yourself out there in my opinion is vital! I have worked in the industry for many years, working in Australia, Youtube Space London, to finally settling in the beautiful Limerick City. This experience within the industry helped me find my niche, define what I was good at as well as what I enjoyed! The day I placed “Stylist” after my name was a big deal for me, it was only then I really felt I could wear that title with pride as I had the experience and knowledge to back this up. This will not just come, you need to work hard consistently and put in the hard yards if you want a successful career. The motivation to do so will come from passion in your work.   

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?   

In 5 years, my dream is to expand my business, have a larger studio space with a team of creatives to help me grow, take on larger productions and new clients. There is always a future goal that I am working towards and I am excited to see where it goes  

And lastly, what do you love about Limerick?  

The Edge of the city and its people! Whilst living in London I still kept up to date on what was happening in Limerick and used to get excited at the thoughts knowing that is where my business would really begin. I am biased but I truly love my city. I think the people of Limerick may have an underdog mentality from years of bad press, but it’s that grit, determination and edge that makes it the city it is. There is an impressive mix of creatives from all backgrounds soaring throughout the city, from fashion to music and more, getting recognition in Limerick and far beyond. The nature of my business could only thrive in a forward-thinking innovative city and there is nowhere else I’d rather be, than the lovely Limerick. 
 

For more information on Chloe’s services go HERE

For more stories on Chloe Markham go HERE