How many identities do you both have? (please list them)

I have so many and they are constantly changing, but I’ll give my top four.

1. Journalist/Words Lady – I have been a journalist for over 12 years now, and I have been SO lucky to be able to specialize in everything that I am passionate about; design, lifestyle, fashion, food and entertainment. I was an editor and stylist for 10 years and then moved into freelance work, where I now write for digital platforms such as Broadsheet and Habitus Living. I also do copywriting, small projects, blogging and so on. It’s always changing!

2. Stylist Of Everything - I have also been styling for 12 years. My first styling job was a home/interiors photoshoot and from there I was lucky enough to also move straight into fashion. Now, I produce photoshoots, style them, work on campaigns, flat lays, collaborations, TV commercials, advertisements and more. I style everything from food to homes and fashion. This week I’m styling a fashion shoot for The West Australian and next week I’m styling a complete home for an architect, so it’s always changing.

3. Chatter Box – I talk all the time. It’s just my thing haha. I’ve had to MC quite a few events, as well as jump in front of the camera and present, talk at schools and so on. I think people immediately regret handing me a microphone.

4. Fool – What you see is what you get. My family and friends will be the first to tell you that I’m a bit of a fool behind the scenes. I’m the first to send a silly meme in a group chat or suggest that we have a fancy dress party. I think I have a very strong inner child.

We all know you as a Stylist & Journalist, but what don’t we know about Clare Ryan?

Haha, I’m such an honest person that I think you probably know most things about me from just looking at my Instagram.

Socially - I’m shocking at remembering names. I am at the beach every day, rain, hail or shine. I love cheese so much that once, I nearly cut a friend’s wedding cake made from wheels of cheese because I thought it was there for guests. I love action/thriller movies where the world is always under threat by global warming, a virus, dinosaurs or aliens haha.

Work wise - When I was doing work experience at Cosmopolitan Magazine, I spilt 12 coffees over myself in the middle of Pitt Street in the CBD, when I was doing the morning coffee run. I recently worked with the Westin Perth to design their staff uniforms. I did the interiors for May Street Larder. I love taking photos and a challenge. I’m obsessed with Pinterest and will sit there for hours searching for photos that inspire me. I also have a “styling claw” what comes out in every shoot, my hand does this weird claw like action.

What has been the biggest life lesson you have learnt so far?

Oh, wow, I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning life lessons.

So far I’ve learnt to just be true to who you are, and that change is an amazing thing.

What do you do to “switch off”?

Exercise plays a big part in my “zoning out” time, but I’ve learnt over the years that I need the exercise to be challenging, so my mind doesn’t wander. I go through fazes, I’ll swim, I’ll play netball, I’ll run or join a gym.

I’ve been loving the LA Fit classes for over a year now and they are great – as soon as my mind starts to wander in the class, I end up doing the wrong move and get caught out by the instructor. Let’s just say that my name gets called out quite a bit haha.

I also put my phone down at night and I don’t check emails 24 hours a day. Lately I’ve been limiting how often I check my emails over the weekend.

What do you believe your secret to success is, in balancing your passions and pursuits?

Harding work. So hard. At one stage I was freelancing and working full time, so I was working seven days a week. Also, being honest and doing it for me - not for anyone else or to impress anyone.

I worked for a company for over 10 years that had a bit of a “reputation” within the industry, but I stayed there because I loved my job and I was working there for me, to push myself and my limits. Yes, there were horrible times, but it challenged me and I’m so much better for it.

What advice would you give to other women out there who are too afraid to start their own business?

Will you regret not trying? If you try, give it everything you can, what do you have to lose? At least you know you tried. Be open to change, if it doesn’t go the way you had “set” in your mind then that’s ok, maybe the new direction is where you’re meant to go. Things all work out in the end, just sit back and let it happen.

Clare Ryan

Journalist | Stylist | PRODUCER | WORDSMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY LOVER | CURATOR | STUDENT OF LIFE