STYLISA FoundHers December: How Fashion Stylist Lara Grayson Built a Career on Authenticity, Curiosity and Joy

Some careers unfold quietly; others loop, expand and return in ways that feel almost poetic.

Lara Grayson’s journey sits firmly in the latter. From her early styling days at Fabulous Magazine to a freelance career shaped by courage and experimentation, and now a full-circle return to the very place that helped her fall in love with fashion, Lara’s story is one of instinct, hard work and human warmth. Whether she’s creating content with her beloved neighbours, Josie and Charlie, styling for editorial shoots or stepping into a Burberry fitting room for a dream collaboration, she carries an authenticity that is completely genuine.

In this month’s STYLISA FoundHers interview, Lara talks openly about the realities of juggling styling, social media and creative projects, and how her digital presence, especially her TikTok styling content, has connected her with a wider audience who appreciate both her skill and her personality.

Lara Grayson - style, instinct and full-circle energy.

Let’s begin at the start. What first drew you to fashion styling after your background at Fabulous magazine, and how did it shape your career path?

I’ve always loved clothes and dressing up. My grandparents were a big influence on me growing up. I loved that my grandpa was always so suave and my grandma had some great jewellery pieces.  I started styling whilst at Fabulous Magazine and knew this was what I loved and enjoyed the most about the job - coming up with themes and trends and really having fun with clothes which ultimately, is the dream. 

Working at a magazine was always my dream job. I watched a lot of The Hills and seeing Lauren Conrad working at Teen Vogue, was definitely something that I aspired to. I got a placement year working at Fabulous Magazine during university and started assisting the team on shoots in the UK and abroad. I was fascinated by the whole process, especially shoots and styling. This was where I learnt everything I know, from working with PR's and getting samples for shoots to planning a trip abroad. 

You mentioned you’ve recently started a new role at Fabulous – congratulations. Can you tell me a bit about what the role actually involves and why it felt like the right move for you at this stage of your career?

I’ve started a new role back at Fabulous Magazine which is definitely a full circle moment for me as I left eight years ago. My new role is Senior Fashion Content Creator. I never thought I would be going back to full time work as I love freelance life so much but I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and it is also my dream job. When opportunities present themselves I think you always have to give them a chance if they feel right for you. The role is what it says - everything to do with content across all digital and social channels. 

How are you planning to balance your new role with your freelance/styling/content work, because you’ve built such a strong independent brand?

I’ll still be continuing with social media as this is a major part of my new role, but it’s taking a back seat along with styling, which I actually don’t mind as I’m still getting to style myself for content. I’m going all in with this new role, so it would depend on what freelance projects came up.

Having worked across editorial, commercial, celebrity, and still-life styling, what differences have you noticed in the creative process and client interaction within each area?

I think coming from an editorial background you very much have a complete creative outlet, especially for editorial. Moving into more celebrity and commercial styling, you have to ensure that the client is happy, they are getting what they need and we're achieving the right kind of looks for the project. Of course you can still have your opinion from an expert background, but I’ve learnt that it’s way more organised and the client usually has a specific look in mind as compared to editorial shoots. 

Your TikTok (@laraemmastylist) has resonated widely with styling tips and behind-the-scenes content. What inspired you to share your work and personality with a digital audience, and what has the feedback been like?

If someone said to me years ago I would be posting video content and talking to camera on socials, I would have never believed it. I think there is a confidence element to it, and also getting to the point where this is my life and this is what I’m sharing. Also being a stylist, has made it easier to pivot into social media and share my daily outfits, which I love doing but it is definitely a process, and nowadays it kind of goes hand in hand with the job. Having a social media following is a bonus, but a must-have tool for your personal brand. 

When it comes to being freelance, in charge of your own brand, and how you want the industry to sees you, it’s important to have a strong social media presence. But don’t get me wrong it’s hard work. I’m still working on it and feel like I’ve got a long way to go, but I would say showing your personality online is great and means you can have a bit more fun with it. 

Celebrity styling comes with its own challenges and expectations. Can you share a moment or project that you found especially rewarding, or revealing about the craft?

With celebrity styling you have a brief to follow but you also need to ensure that the talent is happy and also aligning with their brand and what they want to present as their own brand image. Sometimes it’s tricky if you are in the middle of the client and the celebrity, because you need to work with what both parties want. It definitely comes with challenges but sometimes I feel like I thrive under pressure. It can be as rewarding as it is stressful at times. I think on every shoot or project I’ve worked on, it all makes sense when you see the final shots or imagery. 

You’ve recently worked on a Burberry campaign, which has been a highlights for you. What made it so special? Was it the team, the brand, the creative, or just one of those “this is why I do this” moments?

Burberry was actually social media content with my neighbours, Josie and Charlie, which I can’t quite still believe. An amazing experience and a dream of mine to be working with luxury brands so I’ve now ticked that off the list. I got to to go into their head office and try some outfits on, which was most definitely the highlight of my year and a pinch me moment. And just to think it came about from videos of me knocking on my neighbours door!   

Lara in her Burberry era (accompanied by her lovely neighbours). Confident, composed and completely in her stride.

Still-life and commercial work requires a different eye. What do you love most about styling inanimate items, and how does that influence your broader approach to creativity?

I did a lot of still life shoots when I was working at Fabulous Magazine first time round, and I absolutely loved this part of the job. Coming up with different concepts and ways we could shoot accessories or Jewellery that was more exciting and innovative than the last time. Still-life styling is also very intricate and there’s a lot more that goes into it, but it really does bring out a different side of your creativity, which I love. I don’t really do any still life shoots now however I do still love to take some pictures of a new handbag or accessory item. 

Fashion is seasonal and fast-moving. How do you stay relevant and inspired across changing trends, while staying true to your unique style?

As I get older, I definitely think I’m developing more of my own personal style and don’t follow trends as much. When I was younger and obviously working at a fashion magazine, I would be trying our different trends every week, which was pretty fun. Now I try to stick to a signature style that feels authentic to me, as well as comfortable and also styling my outfits with items that mean something to me. I wear a lot of my grandpas clothing from shirts and blazers to suits and I absolutely love it. I think it’s really important to stay true to yourself rather than trying out trends of the moment because what they say is true. Style never goes out of fashion. 

As a freelancer, building and managing client relationships is key. How should a stylist balance creative vision with client needs and expectations?

Balancing creative vision with client needs and expectations can be challenging but I would say as long as you are all on the same page from the beginning of the project and there are good communication skills then it’s sure to go smoothly. Being freelance, really taught me the value of relationships with people, networking and keeping in touch with clients. 

Balancing a social media presence, creative projects, and a personal life can be intense. How do you maintain balance and ensure your work remains joyful?

I think being freelance it’s easier to balance and juggle different things as opposed to working full time, whilst juggling side projects or social media hustles. I think I thrived on this though, as I was either doing nothing or I was doing 100 things at once and trying to work out the priorities. I always had something to do whether it was prepping for a shoot, doing returns, sourcing items, filming or editing a video, the list goes on… but I did always ensure that I took time out for myself, a yoga class or a coffee moment, and also having things to look forward to. At the end of the day I love my job and what I do, so even if I’ve got a really manic week and I’m already thinking about how tired I'm going to be, it really helps that work always feels like fun to me.

Now that you’ve added the Fabulous role into the mix, what does balance look like in real life? Are there any non-negotiables you’ve had to put in place so you can keep creating content and still say yes to the styling projects you love?

I can say that I absolutely love this job so even though it’s busy with events and content and shoots, I’m really enjoying it, I do definitely try and have the weekends to relax and do the things I enjoy, like going to the gym.  I’m not doing any freelance projects as I’m really focusing on this job and even though that’s not styling other people, I get to style myself even more which I love. I am still making time to create content with my lovely neighbours though which I love.

Your warmth and authenticity shine in both styling and content creation. How do you ensure your personal voice comes across even in high-pressure or client-led assignments?

I think for social media now and the industry, it’s important to have a voice and also show your personality. Gone are the days of not showing who you truly are online because you were embarrassed. I think authenticity is now key. You can’t go wrong with being your true self, especially on jobs, as people will not only remember your work ethic but also how you interact with others on a shoot or job. 

Your TikTok videos with Josie and Charlie have become a real fan favourite. How did that friendship develop, and what inspired you to bring them into your content in such a lovely and natural way?

It all started really simply. They used to take my parcels in for me when I wasn’t home, and whenever I went to collect them they’d always comment on what I was wearing. We just naturally became friends. They’d wave at me through the window when I left the house and say things like “we loved your coat today,” and it always made me smile. I actually had the idea about six months before I filmed the first video, but one day I was getting ready for a wedding and thought, let me just get their reaction on camera. That was the start of it. I think people love the videos because they’re relatable and a bit unexpected, becoming friends with an 80-year-old couple you’re not related to isn’t something you see every day. It resonates with people who’ve lost loved ones too, which I really understand. I honestly have so much love for them, and my motto is always that if we’ve laughed and had a good time filming, that’s all that matters. They absolutely love the whole thing.

Lara with her neighbours Josie and Charlie, who’ve become everyone’s favourites.

You said it resonates with people who’ve lost loved ones?

Lots of people tell me that Josie and Charlie remind them of their grandparents, which really resonates with me. Having lost my grandparents, I know only too well that having a bond like this is very special. 

For future stylists launching their career today, what foundational skills or advice would you give them based on your decade of experience?

I think for future stylists it’s a completely different industry out there now with social media taking precedence over magazines, which was how a lot of people got into the industry back in the day. I think being passionate and hard working always goes a long way and networking is key. I feel like at the beginning of my career, I never understood this as much, but every person you meet, make sure that you keep in touch with them or check in. You never know what job they will eventually be doing or how your paths will eventually end up crossing again. Also experience is key, assist a stylist, get experience at a brand or working at LFW, the opportunities are everywhere. 

Finally, what’s next for Lara Emma Grayson as a stylist and creator? Are there new directions you’re dreaming of perhaps long-form content, collaborations, or mentoring?

I’m always thinking about what is next. I never feel like it’s enough and am always striving for more. However I’ve learnt that even if you dream and manifest things do happen but it just takes time. My goal and aim is to continue to grow my personal brand combined with styling and social media working with brands and companies on more collaborative projects whilst staying authentic and true to myself,  being an expert stylist at events or even a tv show would be a dream of mine. I would also love to be involved with vintage or second hand clothing predominantly worn by a loved one, as I mentioned I wear a lot of my grandparents clothing and feel like there could be an idea pending around this. 

A massive thank you to Lara Grayson, for being the December Female FoundHer and becoming a part of the STYLISA FoundHers community. If you’re interested in finding out more about her work:

Explore Lara's Website: www.laraemmastylist.com 

Follow Lara (and Josie & Charlie) on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laraemmastylist

Connect with Lara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laragraysonstylist/