We recently had the chance to connect with Tori Bouldin and have shared our conversation below.
Tori, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A common misconception about personal stylists is that a stylist is supposed to tell you what to wear, grabs last-minute outfits for you, and tells you how to wear them. A true and intentional personal stylist truly takes the time to get to know her/his client, their lifestyle, their current wardrobe struggles, their story, and what message they want to convey to the rest of the world when they walk into any room. A personal stylist should understand your goals with your style and closet whether you want to walk to your closet and have clarity on your closet’s inventory, figuring out a daily uniform or uniform combinations to make getting dressed effortless, learning how to dress for your body and proportions, finding a statement making look for an upcoming branding photoshoot for a podcast launch, etc. Your personal stylist should be intentional about teaching you and providing you with the tools to look, feel, and present yourself confidently and authentically in the world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Tori Bouldin — a mom of two, stylist, and the founder of The Stylette Experience. My journey started over a decade ago when I was pregnant with my son, and what began as a style blog has since evolved into a full styling agency and lifestyle platform. I’ve had the privilege of styling for major brands like Nordstrom, H&M, Under Armour, and Stitch Fix, but what truly lights me up is helping everyday women — especially moms, creative and professional women — step into their signature style.
For me, style has never just been about clothes. It’s about confidence, identity, and showing up as the best version of yourself, no matter the season of life you’re in. That’s why The Stylette Experience isn’t just about putting outfits together — it’s about creating a glow-up from the inside out. My motto is simple: Look good, feel good, do good. When you feel aligned in your style, it spills over into your career, your relationships, your goals — everything.
Through The Stylette Experience, I offer personal styling sessions, digital resources, and workshops, along with a growing lifestyle brand and community that encourages women to own their signature style. It’s boutique, fun, soulful, and transformative. At the end of the day, I want women to know that investing in themselves is never superficial — it’s a form of self-respect and power.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a creative, fearless little girl who loved to play dress-up, put on shows, and dream out loud. I was expressive, imaginative, and bold — never afraid to take up space or try something new. Somewhere along the way, life, motherhood, and expectations made me feel like I had to tone that down — to be more “realistic,” more responsible, more quiet.
But deep down, that bold, stylish, expressive girl never went away. The Stylette Experience was really my way of reconnecting with her — bringing that creativity, confidence, and joy back into my life and helping other women do the same. Before the world told me who I had to be, I was just me — vibrant, curious, and full of vision. And now, I’m honoring her again in everything I create.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh yes, absolutely. There have been multiple moments in my journey where I felt like giving up was the easier and best option. A couple of years ago, I went through a breakup with my children’s dad and it seemed like life took me on a wild ride ever since then. From rebuilding my clientele and business partnerships from scratch or putting myself out there after setbacks. One moment that really stands out to me is a few months after the breakup, after I had invested a much time and energy into my styling business and finally started seeing consistent results, the clients and opportunites I was hoping for just weren’t coming through. I started questioning if I was cut out for this or I should just stick with something “safer” and give up completely on my styling dreams.
But something inside of me wouldn’t let me quit. I reminded myself why I started in the first place to help women feel confident., to show them that style is a form of self-respect and emppowerment. I realized that neither growth, transformation, and real success doesn’t happen in a straight line. Sometimes you have to fail, pivot, and put yourself out there again, and that’s exactly what I did and currently doing.
Looking back at those moments of almost giving up were actually the turning points. They pushed me to be more creative, more strategic, and more confident in my value. Today, I see and know that perserverance is one of the most powerful tools a Stylette can have in her back pocket–and it’s a lesson I share with my clients all the time.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to helping young Black girls build confidence, self-esteem, and a strong sense of individuality — and that commitment has grown into a project I’m incredibly passionate about: Crowned & Confident Academy. I believe every girl deserves a safe space to explore who she is, express herself, and develop life skills that will carry her into adulthood with confidence and pride.
Crowned & Confident Academy is more than just a workshop; it’s a full experience. We’re talking modeling classes, style events, field trips, yoga, guest speakers, and even business and life skills lessons — all designed to help girls feel like the queens they truly are. My goal is to create a program that not only teaches girls how to look and feel their best but also how to carry themselves with self-respect, poise, and unapologetic confidence.
No matter how long it takes, I’m committed to growing this program, securing sponsorships, and creating a sustainable space that empowers future generations of young Black women. To me, this isn’t just a project — it’s a legacy.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve learned that style isn’t just about clothes — it’s a language. Most people think it’s about trends, labels, or looking “put together,” but I understand that true style is about how you communicate who you are without saying a word. It’s confidence, presence, and alignment with your identity. When a woman shows up in her signature style, it changes how people perceive her — and more importantly, how she perceives herself.
I also understand that feeling good in your style directly impacts your life outcomes — your career, relationships, and even your mindset. Many people underestimate how much energy, confidence, and clarity can come from simply owning your look and showing up as your fullest self. That’s why I help women create a wardrobe and a style system that works for their life, their body, and their goals — because it’s not superficial, it’s strategic self-expression.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-stylette.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/the.stylette & instagram.com/satoriallytori
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toribouldin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestylette/
Image Credits
photo credits
Amanda Ghobadi IG: @thebrandingbabe
Tyrone Wilkens IG: @cantclonetyrone
