Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Simmons.
Hi Erin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised between extremes: the rugged isolation of a sheep ranch in the Idaho backcountry and the indulgent summers I spent with my dad in Los Angeles. One world taught me how to survive; the other taught me how to shine. That tension—between grit and glamour, resourcefulness and self-expression—is the thread that runs through everything I do.
Even though fashion has always been my first love, I took what I thought was the “responsible” path: I earned a psychology degree and spent over a decade in social work. But five years ago, after losing my dad to cancer, coming out as queer, parenting a toddler while working full time from home, and navigating the chaos of the pandemic, I came apart. I left my job, sold my house, and convinced my husband to move with me from Washington State to Austin.
Since then, I’ve rebuilt my life as the person I’ve always been. Today, I work for myself as a holistic style coach, clothing designer, and model. I help people overcome the emotional blocks that keep them from dressing the way they truly want to, and I design one-of-a-kind pieces from reclaimed materials that celebrate femininity, individuality, and identity.
At the core of it all, I believe style is self-awareness made visible. It should reflect who you are and who you’re becoming—not just what’s trending.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Switching careers is never easy, and breaking into fashion—especially as a self-taught designer—comes with its own set of challenges. I’ve been sewing for 25 years, but I’m still learning as I go, often the hard way. Building awareness for both of my brands has taken time and persistence. But the biggest hurdle by far has been pushing past imposter syndrome and learning to trust that I belong here.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a holistic style coach, sustainable fashion designer, and model. I help people align their personal expression with who they are—and who they’re becoming—by addressing the emotional blocks that often hold them back from dressing the way they truly want to. My background in psychology and social work gives me a unique lens into identity, self-expression, and personal transformation, which deeply informs how I support clients in curating wardrobes that feel authentic and empowering.
As a sustainable designer, I specialize in creating one-of-a-kind garments from reclaimed and vintage materials. My design work is rooted in the belief that fashion can be expressive, refined, and ethical—beautiful clothes shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet. I focus on craftsmanship, intentionality, and storytelling through fabric, often creating pieces that honor femininity, individuality, and personal history.
In addition to my work with clients, I also designed and launched The Local Maker Directory, a curated resource spotlighting wearable art and emerging makers in and around the Austin area. It’s a project born from my passion for uplifting creative voices and building a more connected, sustainable fashion community.
What sets me apart is the way I blend psychology, my ten years in social work helping people overcome barriers, sustainability, and the art of self-presentation. I don’t just help people look good—I coach them through the internal shifts needed to be seen and grounded in their identity. I’m most proud of the transformation I’ve undergone myself, and the way I now get to help others express their truth through what they wear.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I owe so much of my success to the people who’ve walked this path with me. My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader—accepting and encouraging me to be fully myself. My late father may not have understood all my eccentricities, but his love and awe were always felt. I learned to sew from a kind neighbor who welcomed me into her sewing room and shared her skills with joy. My friends have been a constant source of strength, reminding me I’m worthy and capable, especially when I forget. And most of all, my husband Peter deserves endless credit—he makes my goals a priority, shows up 100% even when I don’t, and wears every hat from tech support to emotional anchor.
Pricing:
- Style Coaching Packages range $200- $1400
- Custom Designed Garments $100- $1000
- Modeling $30 an hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://erinsimmonsstyling.com
- Instagram: @erinsimmonsstyling @ophelialorrain
- Youtube: @erinsimmonsstyling
Image Credits
Niles Davis @farewellroughrider
