How did you first get started as a fashion blogger?
I followed fashion and travel influencers. Once I got my budget doing it, I started to make my travel plans and buy my first “fancy” clothes. I then realized that I could become a blogger too as I love shopping and traveling.
What inspired you to launch Len Parent Style?
I have always liked creating outfits and the amount of requests I received from people wanting to recreate my looks inspired me to collate them all in one place. I decided that if my fellow friends or even strangers in the street love the outfits I'm wearing, then others may like them too. In 2015, I decided to create a more fashion and lifestyle-focused site (lenparent.com), and I really fell in love with the process of creating content. It’s been a joy to connect with so many phenomenal women through the blog and beyond.
As a working mom, how do you balance your busy home life with running a successful business?
Thankfully, time management is one of my strong suits, and I’m thankful to have found solutions to balance both for more than a decade. At the end of the day, it really comes down to priorities. My children are my number one priority! At times, that means posting less to Instagram and the blog… and that’s okay! Furthermore, I really embrace the fact that I can’t do it all. I focus on the channels and outlets that bring me joy, and don’t try to be everywhere.
What would you tell other aspiring mother entrepreneurs who want to “have it all”?
Women are incredible, powerful, and dynamic, and they make the world go round - truly! We can do anything we set our minds to. We can never be fully successful or happy if we only do things for ourselves. We must spark beauty in this world not only through fashion or beautiful images but in how we treat people and put others first.
How has your immigrant identity impacted your experience as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry?
I feel that I have a passion for fashion and nothing can change that. It was instilled in me and it’s in my DNA. I’ve always wanted to express myself through fashion. Since I've always liked fashion and photography and found a way to combine the two. It didn't really have to do with being an immigrant. This is who I am. Modeling and creating art around fashion is something I would do every day, all day.
How would you describe your personal sense of style?
My personal sense of style is classic, modern, and fun. My eye for classic pieces, mixed with trendy accessories creates elegance and mass appeal. I also believe that when people look good, they actually feel great.
If you could only keep one piece in your closet, what would it be?
That would be my Louis Vuitton handbag. I love their juxtaposition of masculine and feminine. The brand's current style direction mimics my personal style.
What advice would you give to someone looking to define and elevate their own style?
The key to elevating your style doesn’t involve an astronomical amount of money or a constant stream of designer purchases. In fact, a lot of it comes not from what you own but from what you do. Whenever I look at people who always present themselves impeccably, I always notice that they have a few things in common. Here’s where you can start if you want to elevate your look.
*Invest in quality items= There are workhorses in every wardrobe and they need to be the best quality that you can afford. Don’t scrimp on things that you’re likely to use all the time like a work bag, or shoes that you’ll wear constantly on the weekend. Identify these key items and splurge on them. Quality items generally withstand wear and tear a little better. You can then be a little more economical with other things in your wardrobe that won’t get used quite as often.
*Know your style = People who have amazing styles are always confident in their looks. They know what works and what doesn’t and essentially what makes them look their own. If you’re still a little unsure of your style, pay attention to things that you always gravitate towards. Pinpoint the pieces that make you feel and look amazing. You’ll soon be able to distill what it is that defines your aesthetic.
*Avoid jumping on every single trend= Elevating your style involves looking like you’re confident in what you’re wearing. That means being able to pinpoint knowingly what works and what doesn’t for you and that involves being selective in the trends that you adopt. Experimenting with looks is great, but so is knowing what your style is and not feeling like you have to jump on every single trend to look good.
