Where to Begin When You Want to Start or Grow Your Brand 

Like many creative journeys, the evolution of a styling studio is rarely mapped out in advance. Things grow organically, then suddenly, and often all at once. Along the way, you find yourself managing more people, more projects, and more decisions. This blog is a reflection of lessons learnt through that kind of growth—what to hold on to, what to let go of, and how to expand with intention.

Start by Knowing Your Voice

For young stylists looking to grow their studio, my first suggestion is to define your core. What makes your work distinct? For us, it was the emphasis on styling as a curatorial and emotional process. That helped shape not just how we approached projects, but how we positioned the brand. When your voice is clear, everything from your website to your Instagram reflects that clarity. 

As you immerse yourself in your role, you’ll begin to identify your niche interests or areas of specialization. I’ve found mine too — art curation.

Create Structure Before You Scale

Next, build a structure around your creativity. Growth often brings volume—more clients, more vendors, more moving parts. Without systems, you will burn out or become reactive. Simple templates for procurement, project timelines and production checklists can save days of confusion. (Confession: I own a Filofax. It keeps my chaos in order—whatever system works for you, stick with it) It is tempting to believe that process limits creativity. In reality, the process protects it.

Build the Right Team Around You

One of the most important decisions you will make is about who to bring on board. Hiring should be guided by values, not just skills. A team member who shares your aesthetic language and work ethic will add far more value than someone who is simply available. Sometimes, the right kind of difference — a thoughtful perspective from someone whose opinion you respect — can spark dialogue and lead to something unexpected and elevate the final outcome.At our studio, every person is chosen with care. We treat each project as a collaborative effort, and that only works when everyone understands the ethos.

Let Visibility Grow With Intention

Expansion is not just about team size. It is also about visibility. Press features, collaborative events and client testimonials all help shape perception. When we first started building media relationships, we learnt that authenticity matters more than packaging. Editors are looking for stories, not slogans. Sharing your process openly and consistently can often open more doors than trying to look perfect.

Return to Your ‘Why’

Finally, stay connected to your ‘why’. In the rush of growth, it is easy to move from one project to the next without reflection. But pausing to ask what worked, what felt right and what you want to evolve is key.

If you ever have questions, need personal advice, or just want to chat about your own journey, feel free to reach out — I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at arushimehta86@gmail.com

by Arushi Mehta