The Stylist of Chicago-Exclusive Interview with Renita S. Manley of Revamped Image Consulting

I recently had the privilege to interview Renita S. Manley the Owner and Founder of Revamped Image Consulting based out of Chicago! She is a professional stylist who not only has her own business, but also works with philanthropy around the community. She is an inspiration to all!!!!

Renita S. Manley at Fashion Fetish Fete 2011

Me: Can you tell us a little about your background?

Renita: I actually grew up in the suburbs of Chicago; I spent much of my time with my mom and older sister and my older brother. My mom and sister are both MAJOR fashionistas; my mom may actually be a diva times, introducing the divas to me early on :) My dad definitely had and has his own style, but it’s not so fashion forward. Yet, I draw a lot of my style inspiration from him; he dresses comfortably and consistently which I tend to showcase in my styling. 

I remember as a kid and teen, my mom and I fought a lot because she did not like my choices of clothing. She would say, “You dress like your dad!” Keep in mind, it was the 90’s and early 2000’s, so I wore a lot of baggy jeans, plaid shirts (OH NO)!! Once I started High School, I began to dress more womanly, therefore my teachers and peers would compliment me and tell me, “I like your style."  I never tried to follow trends, I did my own thing; Ironically, at that point, I began helping my mom choose outfits to wear to work.

After High School, I attended Northern Illinois University where I earned a  BA in English and then Governors State University where I earned a Master’s in Public Administration with a certificate in Public Management, and I moved to Chicago soon after.

Me: How did you get started in your business?

Renita: While I attended NIU, my friends would come to me for clothing advice. One of them told me I should tell people what to wear for a living, which I thought was a joke; that would be too awesome, too good to be true. I went on to earn my two degrees, became a career coach, and then I got a job as a middle school Reading and Writing teacher.  I was a Wardrobe Consultant part-time during that time. After two years of teaching, I decided to take my college friend’s advice, and I began to pursue my business full time, never turning back. 

Me: What do you love best about having your business based in Chicago?

Renita: Two characteristics about Chicago that I love is our drive and our diversity. There is a plethora of entities that are driven and creative in terms of our businesses. This phenomenon helps me to stay inventive and constantly challenge my business and myself. Moreover, the large amount of diversity…the diversity here in the Chicago land area is amazing! It makes for great business.  

Me: What do you feel is the future fashion outlook in Chicago? 

Renita: Those that choose to stay in Chicago are so talented, driven, and optimistic. I believe with the talent we have here, we are going to make Chicago fashion eclectic, harmonious, and progressive. We have many different styles and creative direction here in Chicago, that I think that we are starting to learn that we are stronger when we amalgamate instead of consistently competing against each other, as long as our businesses remain afloat and flourish. Where there is a united front, there is power, especially here in Chicago.

Renita with Catholic Charities Veterans at Fashion Fetish Fete 2011

Me: What are some events you are planning or currently involved in? 

Renita:  I got a lot going on right now, but here is just a few: On December 10, my community outreach group, Chicago Fashion and Arts for Humanity, will be volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association for their awareness/charity walk at the United Center. On December 17^th, Amour Genesis (model/host/spokesperson) and I will be working with Creatively Caring in Wheeling to collect winter apparel for the MGR Foundation, and I am starting the planning process for 2012’s Fashion Fetish Fete. I have also been working with the Princess Closet and blank nation apparel for their Curvy Girl contest and Dream Day Events. 

  

Me: WOW, you are SUPER busy!!! So before you go, any styling advice for us women for the holidays? 

Renita: I believe that the look is sequins, lace, faux fur and even animal prints for the holiday season.  Spice up your style a bit by adding leather, sheer, velvet and daringly bold accessory piece. And now is the time to find your perfect shade of red lipstick. Also, be sure to keep your handy second layer close (cardigan, cotton blazer) in fun holiday colors such as forest green, tomato red, and any metallic color.  

Me: THANK YOU SOOO MUCH RENITA!! You truly are an inspiration to us all!!! AND we cannot make do without your styling advice :)  

Renita at Fashion Fetish Fete

 Stella *