Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaime Diehl
Hi Jaime, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins with a singular passion: people. Unlike most stylists, for me, the people come first- and fashion is (a very close) second. Many stylists lead with their “passion for fashion” or sewing skills from a young age, while that’s true for me as well, what truly drives me is my passion for the transformation in people.
My journey began with a background in psychology; I spent a decade working in community mental health in Philadelphia, primarily as an in-home family therapist. Helping people find their strength and navigating life’s challenges was the driving force behind my work. During those years, I developed a deep understanding of the human psyche and how our environments and choices- both big and small- can shape our identity and self-worth.
Gradually, I found myself drawn to another form of transformation: personal style. I realized that clothing and fashion are more than just about looking good; they are powerful tools for self-expression and confidence. For many women, especially those over 40, style can become neglected as life’s demands take precedence. But what we wear can significantly impact how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us. This realization led me to transition into personal styling and I brought my psychology background with me.
But the transition wasn’t easy- I worked hard to break into the fashion industry. I gained hands-on experience in visual merchandising and fashion styling at QVC., where I developed my eye for detail and how to create compelling visual stories. Soon after I became a Senior Stylist at StitchFix where I spent 5 years mastering the art of virtual styling years before my industry was forced to adapt to virtual services. Thanks to that early experience and the incredible software I adopted into my business, I built a roster of clients around the globe.
I didn’t just want to help women look good—I wanted them to feel good, to rediscover themselves, and to step into their own power through their wardrobe choices. I developed my *Elevate My Style* program, which blends my expertise in psychology with my love for fashion. It’s not just about creating outfits; it’s about creating a new way of being, a transformation from the inside out. Now, with nearly a decade in the personal styling field, I’m proud to say that my approach is unique in the industry. I help women, particularly those in midlife, to reconnect with who they are today—not who they were 20 years ago—and to embrace new chapters with confidence and style. My work isn’t just about clothes or trends; it’s about identity, empowerment, and the joy that comes from feeling truly seen and celebrated.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Transitioning from a career in mental health to personal styling wasn’t easy, and it came with its fair share of doubts and fears… good ‘ole imposter syndrome was alive and well at all times. I was stepping away from a field where I was established and respected, and venturing into a new industry where I had to prove myself all over again. One of the biggest challenges was breaking into the fashion industry without a traditional background in fashion design or retail. While I was an expert at helping people and personal growth, I had to start all over again in building my skills and my network. Working at QVC was a great opportunity where I had to quickly adapt to the fast-paced live TV environment and develop a keen eye for visual merchandising, all while staying true to my core belief that people come first.
Another significant challenge was navigating the world of virtual styling. When I joined Stitch Fix as a senior stylist, virtual styling was still a relatively new concept. There were no roadmaps, no established best practices—I had to figure it out as I went along but it was fun and exciting. And it was my experience there that prompted me to start my own business with a blend of in-person styling and virtual. After curating more than 15,000 boxes of fashion for over 100 repeat clients… I answered their call for more. Their pleas to help them with their closets and style them with other brands and just form deeper relationships outside of a box of clothes… which was outside the scope of my role at an online personal styling company. So I leaped and branched out on my own.
Figuring it out on my own pushed me to innovate and refine my approach over those first few years. Then, of course, there’s the challenge of balancing my career with my personal life. Like many women, I’ve had to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities; Mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, moving a business 1,000 miles from home… and there have been times when it felt like I was being pulled in too many directions. But these experiences have also taught me the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, lessons that I now pass on to my clients. Despite these challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every obstacle has been a learning experience, and every struggle has shaped the stylist and the person I am today. Helping women is incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for every step of the way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a personal stylist who specializes in helping women over 30, particularly those looking to rediscover and reinvent themselves or just make a busy life easier when it comes to personal style. My work with women is rooted in a unique blend of my psychology background and fashion, allowing me to facilitate transformations from the inside out. I’m also NLP Life Coach certified (neuro-linguistic programming). This enables me to understand the deeper patterns that influence clients’ choices, allowing me to tailor my approach to their needs and create lasting change… not just a closet cleanout or shopping trip. I’m known for connecting with clients in a friendly way and making them feel at ease with a touchy subject. Because the fashion industry has traditionally always been exclusive and mysterious, I always lead with the “you can sit with us” vibe which is rare in the fashion industry.
One of the things I’m most proud of in my business is the early adoption of virtual styling; especially when my industry & peers thought it was impossible for stylists. Well, we all know how that went! Most industries were forced to find ways to work virtually and styling was no exception. This early adoption allowed me to build a global client base and positioned me as a go-to expert when other stylists and brands needed to pivot in the years following 2020. Believing that there’s room for us all, I coach other stylists while running my business.
With clients I focus on creating wardrobes with intention- transforming closets stuffed with “nothing to wear” into collections of outfits that empower women and make them feel excited to get dressed. From closet cleanouts to navigating the overwhelming shopping options, I ensure that my clients have real outfits, for the real activities in their lives from professional engagements, speaking events, and photo shoots to Mom life, to the weekend,… my specialty is “Elevated Casual”- that perfect blend of current but not overly trendy, cool but not like you’re trying too hard, and dressed but not over the top. My clients love to capture that “she looks so put-together” feeling,
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next five to ten years, the personal styling industry will evolve significantly, influenced by technology and changing consumer behaviors. There are a few trends and shifts I know might shape the future:
1. Digital Integration and Virtual Styling: I mean, that’s been here since 2015 for early adopters like myself! But the use of virtual styling tools, which began gaining traction during the pandemic, is expected to continue growing. Personal stylists will increasingly leverage technology to offer remote consultations and virtual closet audits, making styling services more accessible to a global clientele. Not to mention, curated outfits and digital closets that all of my clients have come to love.
2. Sustainability Focus: As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable fashion will likely increase. Stylists might focus more on helping clients choose eco-friendly brands, upcycled clothing, and timeless pieces over fast fashion. The more options available for purchase, the more consumers are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, that’s where personalized curation comes in!
3. Personalization Through AI: Artificial intelligence could play a larger role in personal styling, helping stylists analyze client preferences more effectively and predict trends that cater to individual tastes. This could lead to more personalized, data-driven service offerings. I’m looking forward to that soon.
4. Inclusive Styling: There’s been a greater emphasis on inclusivity and that will certainly grow, with stylists catering to a more diverse clientele in terms of size, age, gender, and cultural backgrounds. This inclusivity will not only be reflected in the brands and products stylists recommend but reflected in styling specialties as well; for example Plus exclusive stylists, Petite exclusive stylists, etc
5. Holistic Approach: I saved the best for last… my approach. The trend towards viewing personal style as part of overall wellness could deepen, with stylists entering the field with backgrounds in psychology, education, corporate experience, etc. Or working alongside wellness coaches and psychologists to offer a more holistic service that addresses not just how clients look but also how they feel. These shifts indicate a future where personal styling is more accessible, personalized, and integrated with lifestyle and wellness, aligning well with broader consumer values and technological advancements.
Pricing:
- $3,000 for a personal transformation kickstart
- My year-contract clients invest $10,000 and up to have my support monthly for the whole year.
- Jaime now coaches established personal stylists to grow their business exponentially by expanding their services online starting at $2,500.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jaimediehlstyle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimediehlstyle/
Image Credits
Kimberly Romano- photog
