Personal Stylist Clare Hyde answers your concerns about making a realistic career switch.
At the London College of Style, we love seeing our graduates go out into the world and do incredible things, and Clare Hyde is no exception!
Clare launched her brand, Hyde & Grace (https://www.hydeandgrace.co.uk/)
just nine months after starting her Personal Styling Advanced Diploma training with us in April 2024 . Her Mum sadly passed away in the summer of 2024 but inspired by the memory of her stylish Mum she picked up momentum in November 2024 and she’s already making her mark in the world of fashion and styling.
From collaborating with Bricks & Stitches at Spirit of Christmas and Burghley Horse Trials to working with Gunwharf Quays Outlet centre and building her own client base Clare’s progress has been nothing short of inspiring.
Alongside her flourishing styling business, Clare has been signed up with a model agency proving that confidence, creativity, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone truly have no age limit. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and passion, showing that it’s never too late to start again, follow your heart, and build something meaningful.
We caught up with Clare to talk about her journey, her advice for others thinking about changing career, and what it really takes to make your dream a reality.
Interview with Clare Hyde – Founder of Hyde & Grace
- Clare, you’ve achieved so much since we met you at LCS launching your styling business, Hyde & Grace. Can you tell us about your journey into personal styling and what inspired you to make this change?
“Following a fabulous career in retail I made the decision to step off the corporate ladder and embark on a new adventure in life. Since a young age I have always loved fashion, it’s in my blood so exploring how I could keep my passion alive, support other women to find their confidence was my driving force.”
- Many people feel it’s “too late” to change direction later in life. What would you say to someone who’s feeling stuck or nervous about taking that first step into a new career, especially one as creative as styling?
“As I have navigated myself through life I have come to realise it is so precious. Be brave and keep your eyes and mind open. Through my volunteering at Smartworks I have come to realise that fashion and clothes can be a force for good.”
- What were you doing before your training, and what would you say to anyone thinking about switching into the world of personal styling or colour analysis now?
“I had just left my role as Business Development Manager for Landsec, a role which I loved and to be honest was feeling I had lost my purpose. I started volunteering at Smartworks, a charity which supports women back into the workplace and quickly realised my passion and skills were valuable. I researched and LCS stood out for its professional approach, accredited courses and amazing qualified lectures. The world of Personal styling and colour analysis should never be underestimated – LCS give me the confidence and tools to share my skills”
- You’ve already collaborated with some exciting brands like Bricks & Stitches and Gunwharf Quays. How have these opportunities helped you grow your business and profile?
“It’s very exciting to work with both Bricks and Stitches and Gunwharf Quays as I have the wonderful opportunity to meet and engage with their customers. I have been very fortunate this year to work on some great events and look forward to building my collaborations with both brands and maybe …………… seek new opportunities.”
5. What’s been the biggest learning curve for you so far, and what advice would you give to new stylists just starting out?
“I suppose its finding my confidence in a world outside my corporate role. I felt I had temporarily lost my corporate cloak, my purpose and my network. My fellow students have and continue to be a fabulous support group so reach out to ex-students we are all here to help you along the way. Maybe we launch an alumni group?”
- Hyde & Grace has such a beautiful name. Can you tell us what inspired it?
“About 10 years ago we were returning from a fabulous holiday in France and I had finished my book. Inspired by the beautiful boutiques on Isle de Re my mind was lost in setting up my own business. Hyde is my married name, however so many women hide behind their clothes and are not confident to show the best version of themselves. Grace (ful) means having elegance and poise and I hope my clients leave a session with a new understanding of their own elegant style so that’s how HydeandGrace was born!”
- How has your training at the London College of Style helped shape your journey, both in terms of skills and confidence?
“The quality and content of the course were exceptional and helped shape, alongside my experience, the service I provide for my clients. Knowing I have graduated from LCS with a globally accredited certificate provides me with the confidence to build my business. Having the opportunity to dip back into the LCS learning platform is so valuable so I can continue to refresh my knowledge and keep up to date on new content. Knowing I have the support of the LCS community is just fabulous.”
- You’re clearly passionate about community and connecting with people locally. Why do you think that’s important in this industry, and how have you built your local presence?
“Throughout my career I have always focused on building my network .A key part of building your Personal Styling business is the empathy and connections you build with your clients and therefore personal recommendations. I have had great support from my local community supporting events and look to build a programme for next year. It’s important you embody your brand so I always ensure I step out looking good and feeling great with a pocket full of business cards.”
- Finally, what’s next for you and Hyde & Grace? What can we look forward to seeing in the year ahead?
“Next year is starting to look exciting for Hyde & Grace. I am already planning more collaborations and events with BricksandStitches and show casing Personal Styling at Gunwharf Quays in early Spring. Its early days in my modelling career but potentially there is something exciting happening so will definitely keep the LCS community updated. My volunteering at Smartworks is very important to me so that also takes priority in my diary. I am also planning to build my social media exposure, explore new collaborations and ensuring I am looking good and feeling great.”
Clare’s journey is a powerful reminder that reinvention is always possible. Her success story reflects the very essence of what we believe at the London College of Style, that creativity, confidence, and self-expression truly have no age limit.
If you’re inspired by Claire’s story and thinking about training in Personal Styling Advanced Diploma or Colour Analysis Advanced Diploma, discover our professional courses at londoncollegeofstyle.com.
