Today we’d like to introduce you to India Purnell.
Indi is a freelance fashion stylist and style blogger specializing in curating time capsule pieces, revamping closets, and personal shopping services. A native of Los Angeles, California, Indi received her undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Psychology as well as her Master degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. As a licensed professional, Indi specializes in human behavior analysis and infuses her therapeutic background in a way that allows her to individualize the client experience.
Whether designer or streetwear, Indi has a flair for detail and possesses the ability to mix labels, looks, and trends to astounding effect. With a mindful take on implementing sustainable fashion, Indi up-cycles innovative pieces for a variety of clientele. Utilizing her background in psychology to promote positive body imaging through a wardrobe, Indi guides her clients towards being comfortable with stepping outside of their comfort zone.
While balancing “multiple hats” in her life, she is a proud wife and mother of an amazing little diva/style assistant. She is also a devastating diva herself, being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Indi, as well as her style platform, IndiStyleU”, believe in inclusivity, (un)comfortability, and sustainability.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think I have an abnormal view of what I consider to be a smooth road. I don’t think I have had any major hiccups along the road, but one could say that I am still more so at the beginning of my journey. Yes, without a doubt, I have struggles. Things are not always easy to do when you step outside of your comfort zone. But what I do think is that everything has happened in my life for a reason. Whether it has been an easy or hard lesson, there are many things that I have learned about myself, my gifts, and more importantly, how I choose to utilize those gifts. That is why styling has been such a joy to me. It has become a world in which I am truly in my element.
If I were to give any advice, it would stem from what I have recently learned of myself. Merge your passions for the ultimate career happiness. Doing something you love, with the skills that you have, makes working really not feel like work at all. And if nothing else, just enjoy all parts of the journey because you won’t get a second time to make the trip.
Please tell us about IndiStyleU – what should we know?
I am a therapeutic wardrobe stylist, which allows me to work with my clients from the inside out. No, therapeutic doesn’t mean I give therapy. There is no couch or talk therapy. But I may ask questions of you to get you to place where you can truly voice what you want from our experience together. I have achieved this through personal shopping, closet transformations, runway, and editorial shots. I even do a little creative direction when I am not in front of the camera. I would say my specialty and a large part of my platform is sustainable wear. Not just recycling, but repurposing clothing as well. I have a few upcycled pieces that I have created just for myself but I am thinking about branching out to selling curated pieces for those that I am interested in.
What I am most proud is also what allows me to uniquely brand myself when it comes to IndiStyleU. Each client is assessed and considered from a holistic perspective as we work together. I do my best to be in tune with what the needs are while also providing a safe space to step outside of one’s comfort zone. Like I said before merging things you love to do, with things you do very well in, is literally the best way I can use my gifts. So, I am proud to be able to fully give myself professionally and creatively to the world.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Apps – Literally, all google functions that come in app form, Smart Closet to organize my chaos and find new inspiration at times. Monday.com and Agenda to organize my many projects.
Books – 48 laws of Power by Robert Greene is always in rotation. Has been since sophomore year of college. A new addition has been The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz which is a nice short read that I find myself coming back to every once in a while.
My favorite podcasts that keep me on my toes:
The Fashion School Dropout
Pulling Receipts
Melanin & Mindfulness
Contact Info:
- Website: https://indistyleu.wixsite.com/indistyleu
- Phone: 480-442-9437
- Email: indistyleu@gmail.com
- Instagram: @indistyleu
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IndistyleU
Image Credit:
Darryl Brown II
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