"It Was A Big Risk": How Jude Stevens Started Styling By Lumiere
Almost three years ago, Jude Stevens took the leap to move away from her 20-year career in finance and focus 100% on her side hustle, Styling by Lumiere. In our Member Spotlight interview, Jude takes us on the exciting trajectory of her career, and gets real about juggling two jobs while following her passion.
You're a financial services consultant, a personal stylist and founder of Styling by Lumiere. Tell us about your career journey so far.
I’ve been a qualified accountant for over 20 years. Halfway through uni, I started working for an accounting firm as an undergraduate whilst finishing my degree part-time. After graduating from uni and completing my chartered accountancy program, I moved into the financial services industry. But I have always been interested in fashion and style. I always made an effort in the way I presented myself – still do, no matter what the occasion is! My friends and family often ask me for style advice. So about two-and-a-half years ago I quit my job as a Senior Manager to focus 100% on Styling by Lumiere. After having a 6-months break, still feeling very nervous about it all, I registered the business name and here we are! About a year ago I went back into financial services as a part-time consultant (three days a week) so that I have some regular cash flow while I still have time to focus on one of my passions, which is to give everyday people confidence in their style.
When you started at She Mentors you mentioned that your 12-month goal for Styling by Lumiere was to be working in it full time. Are you on track with that? If not, what might you do to meet or adjust your goal?
So far, I am on track and happy with the progress I’ve made. At times I find the juggling between the two jobs is difficult. My strategy for developing Styling by Lumiere is still on track.
Which three qualities/skills should a side hustler cultivate to be fearless and successful in business?
- Believe in yourself
- Grit/persistence
- Eagerness to learn
How do you spend your time when not working?
I love to travel any chance I get. In between travel, I love going to live music events and spending time with family and friends – this mostly involves food!
If you could go back in time and change one thing to make your ‘right now’ better, what’s one thing you’d do differently?
Taking a career trajectory from a senior management role in finance that I worked very hard to get to – then to quit that job/career to start my own business in personal styling was a big decision. It was a big risk and I was scared. But it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. I wish I had started pursuing my passion earlier as I have really enjoyed establishing and growing Styling by Lumiere.
We're totally inspired by Jude’s story! If you are too, head over to her profile to request a Mentor Hour with her and catch up over a cuppa to connect! Not a member? Join the today.
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