Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Test.
Hi Teresa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is ever evolving as all of our stories are, but the one thing that has remained constant is my love for fashion, but more specifically my love for style.
Growing up, I remember making even the most random of things seem like something extraordinary. My version of dress up consisted of taking bathroom towels and turning them into extravagant gowns and commanding headpieces (back when my imagination used to run wild). When I was in middle school my best friend at the time introduced me to Goodwill and that’s when my love for thrifting was discovered.
Over the years I’ve had time to really train my eye and develop it as a personal stylist. Where most people see trash and used up goods, I see possibilities- and believe it or not, you’d be surprised at the number of things that get donated with tags still on them.
As my love for thrifting and style evolved, I started thinking of a way to bridge the two together especially with the rise of sustainable fashion and people being more conscious of the afterlife of garments and where they go once their owner no longer has a need for them. I took it upon myself to come up with a solution and started creating style boxes. I would source and curate a style box for clients based on their personal style, wardrobe needs, goals and aspirations while also showing them the beauty in giving secondhand pieces a new life.
A few other things that I have done over the years are styling for Austin Woman Magazine and a few of their Cover Woman. I have also partnered with a local real estate group by the name of Schmitz & Smith Group to host annual fashion show fundraisers where I help with the run of show and styling of the models. I also volunteer with Dress for Success Austin for fun workshops and events.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anything worth having does not come easy so no, it has not been a smooth road.
I’m a mom of two so wearing all the hats all at once is often a thing. I don’t really believe in the word balance and I’ve come to accept that at times there will be areas of my life that may be feeling a bit dull or getting less attention. Unfortunately, I think the only remedy for this is being self aware enough to notice when things start to slip and re-evaluate and intentionally shift gears. I also think it’s important for them to see their mom making her dreams come true, that way they can see what’s possible for them.
Another struggle that pops into my head is imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Constantly wondering, “am I capable?” “can I really do this?” I know many ambitious people face these struggles too, but you never really know how big these feelings are until you face them yourself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a personal stylist and the founder of Style with Teresa, where I help women use personal style as a tool for confidence, self-expression, and reconnecting with who they are.
I specialize in helping women who are in a season of change; whether their body, career, lifestyle, relationships, or priorities have shifted, and suddenly the wardrobe that used to work for them doesn’t quite feel like them anymore. My approach goes beyond simply telling someone what looks good on them. I help women understand their personal style, get intentional about what they own, and create outfits that feel authentic to the woman they are becoming.
I’m known for bringing together modern, vintage, thrifted, and unexpected pieces in a way that feels elevated but still completely attainable. I love showing women that great style doesn’t require a massive wardrobe or an unlimited budget. Sometimes the most transformative piece is already hanging in your closet—you just need to see it differently.
What I’m most proud of is the shift I’ve seen in women when styling becomes about more than clothes. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a woman put on an outfit and suddenly carry herself differently. She feels more like herself. She takes up a little more space. She starts seeing possibilities again. That transformation is what keeps me so passionate about this work.
What sets me apart is that I don’t believe personal style should be about following rules, dressing for your age, hiding your body, or trying to look like everyone else. I’m much more interested in helping women understand why they’re drawn to certain things and giving them the tools and confidence to develop a style that is uniquely theirs.
Ultimately, I’m not just helping women get dressed. I’m helping them close the gap between the life they’re living and the way they see themselves, and giving them permission to take up space in both.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m a Podcast girlie at my core and a little woowoo when it comes to the stars and the moon. I usually start my week off with a deep dive into the CHANI app to see how the stars are aligning and how they might impact the week ahead. To keep me attuned with my body and hormones I like to use Stardust, it helps me align my busy days and task accordingly. Podcast I listen to on repeat vary from entrepreneurship to pop culture but here are a few; “She’s so Lucky” by Les Alfred, “Baby, This is KeKe Palmer” (my girl knows how to give a good interview) “AWF the Record” with Jeannette and Mona and the woowoo in me loves a good weekly breakdown with “Astrolotea” with Aliza Kelly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stylewithteresa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylewith_teresa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stylewithteresa
