Millennial Spotlight, Charity Lewis

Charity Lewis

Dallas-Ft. Worth

What inspires you?

My husband and son.

Social Media Handles:

Instagram and Facebook –  C.LewStyles

Your favorite song currently and the artist:

Name of God- by Tasha Cobbs

Currently reading: 

The Bible, trying to open my bible more to get rooted in God’s word.

Favorite food spot in your city:

Torchy’s- chips and queso!!!

Sweet Tea or Lemonade (it’s a Southern thing):

Lemonade all day!

Describe yourself in one word:

Kind

If you attended University/College, where did you graduate:

The University of Houston, 1st degree- BS in Psychology; the University of Texas at Arlington- BS in Nursing

Greek Affiliation:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Favorite place to visit/vacation:

Somewhere near a beach

We are challenging ourselves to show our parents and others before us that God has given us all special gifts and talents- we’re just tapping into those gifts to bring more to the world. We’re walking in purpose- that’s what life is about.

Background information:

Where are you from? 

I was born in Mobile, Alabama but have been in Dallas since I was 2 yrs old. I grew up in Arlington and moved to the suburbs (DeSoto, TX) after 8th grade.

What do you do? How did this “role” come about? How are you best known by others?

I am a fashion stylist, I help people live life their best life in style! I’ve always wanted to help people, and I do that daily as a registered nurse. But this wasn’t enough for me. I was seeking for something more. I wanted to start a non-profit with a fashion component to assist women with styling tips for interview preparation and makeovers for people in remission from cancer diagnoses. I haven’t gotten to this area of my business, but in 2016 I stepped out on faith after hearing God’s voice and launched C.LewStyles via social media after a fashion photo shoot styled and directed by myself. After launching my brand via social media, I was booked 2 months later to do my first editorial photoshoot. From there I have styled several photo shoots, been published in magazines, and my work has been seen on Good Morning Texas, The Real Talk show and even OK! magazine.

Did you attend college and/or have formal training in your respective field or industry? If so, please elaborate on the year you graduated and from what institution.

I didn’t have any formal training to become a stylist. I attended a stylist class a couple years prior to starting my business. After I attended the class, I  assisted an amazing established stylist who also taught me about the business, before I stepped out on my mustard seed of faith. Every day I’m studying and learning about the business, and about fashion. Learning never stops.

 

What factors of your upbringing influenced your career goals? 

I was raised in a very strict household. My family was very religious, Pentecostal was the religion of choice. My wardrobe consisted of skirts, dresses, conservative and basic tops, and many styles of shoes. At school, there were a few other girls at school with families that practiced the same lifestyle and beliefs, and they too didn’t wear pants, but I felt like I was the poster child for us all. lol. I stood out, but that’s when I realized that I didn’t mind standing out, and I embraced my uniqueness. When I shopped, I would look for skirts and dresses that were unique and trendy. I had all types of skirts and dresses. I would pair them with tennis shoes, boots, anything. I even would tailor my dress or skirt to match my friend’s denim overall or pants as we all dressed alike for senior week. I learned to accept my lifestyle and tailor it in a way that allowed it to showcase my style and personality.

How long have you been in this career? What did you do previously?

C. LewStyles was launched in July 2016. I have been a registered nurse for five years. When I’m not styling clients, I am using my nursing skills. 

What long-term goals do you have? What steps are you currently taking in this direction?

I’d like to partner with organizations such as Susan G. Komen & Make a Wish foundation, to provide photoshoot styling sessions and makeovers to patients that are battling terminal illnesses. For the last 3 years, I have partnered with a pediatric cancer organization’s annual fashion show in which I style several looks for pediatric patients that are featured in the show. It’s an amazing experience and I love doing it…it allows me to give back to the community while using the gift God has given to me.

Tell us about your social media presence. Do you use it in your line of work? Why or why not, is it important in your day-to-day responsibilities, platform or career?

I am present on social media…sometimes I can be more present (I’m working on that!). Social media is important, especially to entrepreneurs such as myself. It’s free advertising for your business! However, you do have to be engaged with your followers to build your business and platforms.

Which public figures, role models and or historical figure shaped your goals as a child and in adulthood? Any that embodies your personal values?

I’m not sure I looked up to anyone as a child, but as an adult, there are a few celebrities on my list. Oprah, because she just inspires me to be the best version of myself. Tamera Mowery-Housely, and Janelle Monae because they both seem very genuine and are true to who they are. They don’t allow fame to take away from their values. I believe you should always be true to yourself no matter where life takes you, don’t forget to remain humble.

What does it mean to you to be a millennial? How do you share that with others in your life, those you meet and with your peers?

Being a millennial has been such a trending topic. I don’t really see myself as a millennial. I have been labeled all my life and although others may label me as a millennial, I don’t see that. I see young women and men, that are ready to step away from the “norm” and change the way society says we have to live and work. We are challenging ourselves to show our parents and others before us that God has given us all special gifts and talents- we’re just tapping into those gifts to bring more to the world. We’re walking in purpose- that’s what life is about.

Learn More about Charity and C. LewStyles, click HERE.

Follow Millennials to Watch on IG HERE.