Sara Jezreel Ghaffari
Sara Jezreel Ghaffari
Fashion Stylist
San Francisco, CA
www.saraghaffari.com
Instagram Jezreel17
Pinterest sjghaffari17
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a Fashion Stylist that loves creating beautiful/handsome, wearable outfits for both Men’s and Women’s. I was most recently an in-house stylist for a very large retailer and was responsible for selecting all outfits for the brand’s campaign shoots, social media, e-comm, print ads, etc. as well as all outfits for mannequins used across their international fleet of stores.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
When I was still in high-school, I got a job at a Gap store. I stayed with the company for 16 years, working my way up, learning all aspects of the retail business. Once I transitioned from buying/merchandising into visual merchandising, I found my passion for styling. I was able to turn that passion into a full-time role, and the position of Global Head of Styling was eventually created for me. Now that I have left Gap Inc., I am embarking on my freelance styling career!
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
I can’t really speak to what others may lack, but I do think I bring a unique level of understanding of the psychology of a customer to a role, and a business mindset due to my background in merchandising.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now I am working on diversifying my portfolio via test shoots and freelance gigs and trying to find a full-time position in Europe.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My personal style is kind of glitter + grit; most often feminine but try never to take myself too seriously. So far, my professional style has been a mix of sophistication + wit. I have an uncommon passion for working with menswear. I love mixing prints and colors. I am most often drawn to juxtapositions of ideas or aesthetics. I am a jewelry addict and vintage enthusiast. I especially love mixing pieces that belonged to my mom with whatever current pieces I am wearing.
I believe all of this is evidenced on my Instagram.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Interior styling.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The fact that I don’t have a visa to work in the UK or Europe!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Help me find the perfect job, one in which I could travel or move to Europe, where I could be inspired by and learn from the people I work with, and where I can contribute to beautiful imagery through styling.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I’m not quite sure how to answer this because I think you learn things when you’re meant to learn them. As someone once said “you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.” Actually, now I’m realizing I wish I had learned that phrase a bit sooner!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I enjoy watching how other stylists work and learning their method of thinking. I am “self-taught” in the sense that my previous job didn’t exist before me. I created my own process for selecting outfits, etc. so learning about another stylist’s process is always very interesting to me.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am looking for freelance opportunities and am willing to travel. I love working with people I can learn from while still being able to spread my wings and put my creative stamp on things. I am really open to anything at this point! It’s the start of a new adventure for me and I am excited to see what’s out there.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Hmmm, I think any job that would allow me to travel would be amazing, ideally to Europe. I would love to work with designer labels since I have been in the outlet sector for so long.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
I am still figuring out my pricing structure….stay tuned.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
E-mail works great for me. In your e-mail, I would love to know the aesthetic direction of the shoot, the budget, and any other pertinent info.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Keeping my eyes & mind open for inspiration from anywhere!
This member profile was originally published in April 2017.