Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Bien-Willner.
Hi Robyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in South Africa but grew up in Irvine, California, and shortly after I graduated college, I moved to New York City in 2002 to fulfill my dream of living in the Big Apple. I had planned to go for just a year, and as it was, I stayed almost ten! After spending three years fundraising and planning events for a non-profit, I was fortunate to spend six years as a merchandiser for Coach, Corporate, where I fused my love of fashion with my analytical skills to aid the company in presenting strong assortments of new products month after month. I met my husband Jerry in 2007 through a setup by family and friends, and we got engaged in 2010. In 2011, we moved to Paradise Valley, Arizona, to start the next chapter of our lives together.
We have been in Paradise Valley for twelve years and have two beautiful kids and three loving dogs (we just got a puppy two weeks ago)! We are proud to send our kids to public school within the Scottsdale School District and are very active in the community. My husband Jerry is in his third term as the Mayor of Paradise Valley, an elected volunteer position he serves while working full-time as an entrepreneur. When I am not shuttling our kids around and helping in their school, I help Jerry with our businesses.
I also write a monthly contribution titled #StyledxRBW for Stroll Paradise Valley. I profile local businesses, interesting people, things that spark joy, and other newsworthy topics within the community. I love helping people feel and look their best and look forward to how #StyledxRBW evolves.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
Every road worth traveling has obstacles and bumps along the way! The old saying, “It’s all about who you know,” has rung true for me, coupled with a sprinkle of luck, has helped me get to where I am today. When I moved to New York City, I had my eye on the fashion world, but as one can imagine, that was a challenging market to break into. I didn’t have a specific fashion degree, but I knew I had the passion and drive that could lead me to great things. After three years of planning events all over the city, I parlayed my connections and secured an interview with the Human Resources department at Coach; the rest is history! When my husband Jerry and I decided to move to Paradise Valley, I took some time off work to focus on planning our California wedding and, after that, starting a family. I am fortunate to have the flexibility to be there for my kids and help Jerry with our business. I am also a monthly contributor to Stroll Paradise Valley, which I enjoy; I love having creative outlets to share things that bring joy. One of the struggles I have experienced is finding my purpose with each season of my life since I moved to Paradise Valley. My life was so different in New York City that it took me a little while to find my way and make new friends. I wouldn’t change anything, though. I have had many incredible firsts here (being a wife and a mom and settling into a new community, to name a few). I have had to put myself out there, which, for a naturally shy person at heart, has had its challenges for me. On the flip side, I am super proud of my personal growth. I look back now and know I am exactly where I should be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have always had a creative flair and an appreciation for fashion. I lean into classic styles paired with a fun top, a great shoe, or a statement piece of jewelry. I live for a capsule wardrobe that begins with a small collection of clothes that can be styled in several ways. Outfits can be dressed up with the right accessories and jewelry, two areas I can get behind an investment purchase. I have a background in fashion merchandising and a natural ability to know what styles complement different body types. I enjoy helping clients and friends edit their wardrobes and fill gaps or find unique pieces for an event, vacation, or family photo session. My style is very high-low (I love Zara and get excited to scour through endless online sales at my favorite high-end retailers). I always try to be approachable and respectful of what my client seeks. I also pride myself on being a great gift-giver. I enjoy gifting something someone wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves but would undoubtedly bring them joy. I can’t count the number of times that I have been approached to suggest great gift ideas that are outside the box. I always try to support local companies if I can. I am drawn to companies that offer special customizable touches, such as monogramming.
What do you think about happiness?
Happiness ebbs and flows; happiness is a state of mind, and no, that is not a lyric from a Taylor Swift song! So many simple things bring me happiness, like a great cup of coffee in the morning in my favorite mug and how my dogs greet me when I let them out (true unconditional love)! The first hug my kids give me in the morning when I wake them and a warm embrace from my husband always make me happy. I try to lead my life by showing kindness towards others; the reward for doing something kind for someone else induces happiness. I love being with my family and friends, creating new memories, exercising, trying new recipes, especially chocolate ones, and traveling to new places. Those things undoubtedly bring me joy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: #StyledxRBW
- Email: styledxrbw@yahoo.com
Image Credits
Colling Photography
David Lee Photography
ATPDesigns
Robyn Bien-Willner
