How I Got My Job: Laura Mullett, Stylist, Blogger & Presenter

Tell us a bit about your job

I’m an editorial and commercial fashion stylist, meaning I style clients for press shoots, ad campaigns and publications. I also work as a personal shopper in Dundrum Town Centre, and as a radio interviewer for RTE.

Blogging opened a lot of doors for me.

What was your path to your current job?

I worked the whole way through college which gave me a bit of an edge and a kick-start. By the time I completed my course I felt really sure about what I wanted to do and I had already started striving for it. At this stage, I’d started my blog and had an outlet to share my experiences. Blogging opened a lot of doors for me, especially in terms of working as a stylist. It helped me get myself out there.

Did you always want to work in this area?

I couldn’t have dreamed things would have panned out as well as they have. I’ve always had a deep love and appreciation for fashion, and as a complete bookworm I knew that I wanted to be a writer, but as I’ve grown up I found a means to have both as a career. It can be  hectic and very challenging as a result, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Did your college/previous experience have anything to do with your current role?

Completely! I feel as though I learned a great deal in Griffith College about conducting myself in a professional way and even in terms of liaising with people; I became more self-assured and confident.

What does a typical day look like in your job?

On Mondays I do some reporting out in RTE in Donnybrook. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays I work on shoots for different companies. I’d be styling for the day in studio or on location. I squeeze in my blogging and freelance articles in the evenings.

On Fridays and Saturdays I work in Dundrum Town Centre as a personal shopper. I have four clients per day – the appointments are two hours per client.

However long the journey, it’s the destination that counts.

What challenges have you experienced getting to where you are now?

At times I found the college/work balance really tough as I was so eager to keep up interviewing and styling, but I think in retrospect it was completely worth it.

In your experience, what’s the best way to deal with those challenges?

To realise that however long the journey, it’s the destination that counts.

Tell us about some of your career highlights?

Last summer Madeline Mulqueen asked me to be her stylist for all the Transformers: Age of Extinction premieres for the global tour. It was one of the most spectacular opportunities of my life to dress her for red carpets in Dublin, Berlin, New York, Shanghai, Miami, Rio, Tokyo and Beijing. Being the stylist for the tour gave me a chance to work with people I’ve admired for a very long time, which was surreal.

Another highlight for me is the Irish Film and TV Awards, which I’ve covered annually for the past five years as an RTE red carpet correspondent.

What’s the best bit about your job?

I think it’s the people you get to meet. I’ve been lucky enough to interview Pierce Brosnan, Michael Fassbender, Colin Farrell, Kim Cattrall and many more. Also getting to meet creative people in the industry and collaborate with them on editorials is a really magical feeling. I love going to events and fashion shows because I get to see a lot of people in a really fun and lively setting. But overall, the best part is feeling like you’re building towards something that’ll stand to you.

And the drawbacks?

For me the drawback is I’d like to spend more time with my two sisters Jade and Kim who live in Wexford. We’re incredibly close and with all of us working and the girls being far away, I miss waking up in the same house.

By not being too hard on myself I learned to take things with a pinch of salt and a sense of humour.

What do you think has been the key to your success?

As cheesy as it sounds – being your own best friend. By not being too hard on myself I learned to take things with a pinch of salt and a sense of humour. I always work hard and even if I’m tired, I’ll be bright and cheery. By having your own back and cutting yourself slack, you’re in a good mindframe to strive for what you want in life.

A good way to learn more about styling is by offering to assist an experienced stylist and by doing your utmost to be helpful.

What advice would you give anyone aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

I think it’s important to have a college education in terms of media and broadcasting. In terms of fashion and styling, it’s important to have a flair and a passion. A good way to learn more about styling is by offering to assist an experienced stylist and by doing your utmost to be helpful. Blogging is a great tool to showcase what you’ve been up to in a creative way too. Always be on the lookout for internships and work experience and you’ll be a standout candidate.

What sort of career progression is there in your area of work?

I think there are tremendous opportunities in fashion and media in Ireland but it’s not lucrative from the get go. You have to be willing to do an unpaid internship and really put yourself out there.

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