Christy's Farewell

This week, we are reflecting and reminiscing with our beloved colleague, Christy Walsh, celebrating more than a decade of styling together as she prepares to leave Wardrobe Therapy to focus more on her family. A Q&A with Elizabeth and Christy reminiscing through the years.

Do you remember visiting my home in German Village for your first interview in 2012?

Christy: I absolutely do! I was fresh from Abercrombie, wearing my navy and white, and you were wearing this amazing multi-cross statement necklace! I remember speaking to you about my passion for our shared industry and my immense desire to break into styling. I couldn’t believe this was an option as a career in our town (I STILL think it’s incredible)! I was so young and green that I did (still do) feel so honored that you saw something in me 🙂 I couldn’t believe it when you offered me the position!

Elizabeth: I remember thinking, “How am I going to afford this creative stylist?” I knew Christy was going to be a wonderful stylist and friend from the moment we met. Luckily for all of us, she was committed from the start and instantly rolled up her sleeves to do the work we love!

Best moments in the early years?

Christy: Our Capital Style photoshoots were always so dreamy to me! From pulling our looks to being on set and styling on-model in real-time. I even reveled in the not-so-glamorous task of steaming the garments! The shoot process was exciting and fulfilling–especially once we had the magazine in hand! One photoshoot that stands out is when we had the privilege of styling Mr. Jack Hanna and his beautiful wife, Susie, at the Columbus Zoo. His team was amused when we said our wardrobe vision for him, that there was no chance we would get him to change out of his infamous khakis, but we did! Right into a tux next to the penguins, but with his signature safari hat on top of his head (we had to keep a little sparkle of his amazing personality!)

The Columbus Blue Jackets Fashion Shows were always such a blast as well–everyone was amazing to work with, and the cause (benefitting Nationwide Children’s) was heartwarming.

The CCAD and Rowe Fashion Shows were always events I looked forward to! It was inspiring to be in the company of so many others who also love, live, and breathe fashion.

Elizabeth: I think all of the side hustle events we did pro-bono or for minimal pay to get Wardrobe Therapy’s name out were great and best moments for sure! They helped us put on our creative hats, made us hungry to share more, and were one of the joys of owning a small business. I will be forever grateful that Christy was my “ride-or-die” for so many years.

Most proud moments at Wardrobe Therapy:

Christy: Hands-down, my proudest moments are the day-to-day interactions I’ve had with my clients and the confidence that I’ve had the privilege of helping them know they had deep down all along, with a simple revival of their style. Hearing their testimonials and happiness has always been satisfying and heart-warming, but sometimes, for me, it was the immediate change in body language–watching them hold their head a little higher while looking in the mirror, smiles on their faces or just a twinkle in their eye that I realized soon into this that we weren’t just working with clothing here.

I’m also so proud of the lasting relationships I’ve developed with so many clients–some I’ve worked with my entire 12-year career at WT…others even eight to ten years. I’m honored they put their trust in me for so long! I’ve styled one client multiple times for a Today Show appearance, an interview with Oprah, job interviews, some first dates that led to marriages, lifestyle changes, and countless women post-baby as they navigated those changes. I’m forever grateful to have been part of it all.

Elizabeth: My most proud moments of Christy were watching her really develop a love for our clients, for our colleagues, and for the work that she did and taught. She became more like a sister to me, someone that I deeply respect and admire.

Are there any moments that you would like to forget?

Christy: Returns weren’t always my favorite (Ha!)

Also, Elizabeth, we used to scrapbook our Look Books!!! The brown papers that boarded the photographs we used to have to print out!! I don’t even think we used our phones then. We had digital cameras. Wow! I know there are some clients out there that still have their photo albums:).

I can remember a few clients in the early years who had been gifted our services rather than sought it out themselves. This type of client didn’t always prove to be ideal only because they didn’t truly understand the service in that fashion wasn’t at the forefront of their lives–it’s hard to appreciate what you don’t understand. We put so much of our passion into what we do, so for it to not be accepted was hard for me to cope with back then, especially when we were so used to such levels of positive feedback and immediate relationships. But I soon realized, with much of Elizabeth’s coaching, to turn it into a learning tool. In the end, it kept me grounded and humble in this job and industry.

Elizabeth: While owning a small business, so many people wear so many hats to build a brand. I had many days/nights that were incredibly long, and sometimes, I found myself wanting to give up. Through these times, I knew I had the privilege to work with Christy, who was there to push and cheerlead and just show up. For our clients and myself. I’m incredibly grateful for her loyalty, love, and inspiration for the past 12 years. I’m not sure if you’re ever really ready for a wonderful colleague to move on, but I’m so happy for Christy to have this time with her family. She knows that Wardrobe Therapy will always have a special place for her.

It has been my honor to be part of the Wardrobe Therapy team these last 12 years–I grew up here! I truly will hold this company and each of YOU–my dear clients, past and present, as well as my beloved colleagues and friends, in my heart as I step away from what has been my life, my passion, and my dedication for so long. Elizabeth, thank you for believing in me all those years ago; I am forever grateful for what you and Katie have done and for everything that Wardrobe Therapy has done for me.