Inspiring & Influencing: Turning Passion into Profit

Nov 10, 2020 at 11:18 am by RMGadmin


 

BY PAIGE ATWELL

Brooke Webb knows a thing or two about running a business. In fact, she’s spent years building her own. You may know her as the influencer behind her lifestyle brand, KBStyled, but what you may not know is how it all got started.

Being a southern girl at heart, it should come as no surprise that Brooke found her way to Franklin. Born in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Brooke attended Clemson University before later moving with her now husband, Peter, to Newport Beach, California. Years later, they made the move to Phoenix, Arizona, where they had their two children, Reins and Addison. Eventually, they decided to make the move to Tennessee to be closer to family and have called Williamson County home ever since.

 

 

“Franklin reminds me a lot of where I grew up, so my roots run deep with southern tradition,” explained Brooke. “My personal style is influenced by the colorful cultures and rich history of our southern culture and my home style is influenced by southern hospitality, which we are known for here in the south.”

While style hasn’t always been her day job, it was without a doubt her passion. In 2014, Brooke was working in Human Resources for Bank of America by day, but by night, she was taking notes on what would soon become a booming industry.

 

 

“I quickly noticed how women on Instagram were inspiring and influencing other women by simply sharing their own personal style,” shared Brooke. “At the time, my best friend from college was running a successful food blog, so after speaking with her, I started dabbling in blogging by contributing a style post to her blog every other Friday. Brands started to take notice and were reaching out directly to my friend asking to collaborate with me. She encouraged me to start a blog of my own and even helped me get it off the ground by teaching me some of the ins and outs of blogging. So, in November of 2014, KBStyled was created and over the next few years became the brand/business that it is today.”

 

 

For four years, Brooke would spend her days working long hours at her corporate job, only to come home and spend the night creating content for her blog. Working until 2 a.m. eventually paid off, so much so that in 2018, after eleven years in corporate America, she and her husband decided it was time for her to pursue blogging full-time.

“It was a smooth transition and a welcomed one...after all, I was working both jobs for nearly four years and somehow managed to keep my
head above water and still keep my primary focus on my family,” said Brooke. “After much discussion with my husband, we realized that KBStyled was no longer just a hobby/passion project...it was a full-time business that enabled me to collaborate with so many incredible brands while making a really great income.”

 

 

Since then, Brooke has continued to grow her blog into a booming business. And with over 177,000 Instagram followers, she’s able to share and do things she’s passionate about not just on a local level, but with followers all around the world.

“KBStyled is truly a lifestyle brand and my hope is to encourage women of all ages and stages of life to style their lives beautifully,” said Brooke. “KBStyled readers will find a variety of content from personal style, to home decor, to entertaining ideas/tips, to recipes, travel, family content and so much more.”

 

 

To learn more about Brooke and KBStyled, visit her website kbstyled.com, or follow her on Instagram @kbstyled.

 

 

Style Q&A

YW: What essential items do you think every woman needs in her

closet and why?

BW: High waisted skinny jeans (love Good American Good Legs high waisted denim for a super flattering, curve hugging fit), a killer moto jacket (you can easily dress this up or down...pair with your favorite jeans or wear with a dress), a beautiful maxi dress (dresses are so feminine, timeless and effortless) and a great pair of statement earrings (statement earrings elevate your look)!

YW: What are some of your favorite fashion trends you’re seeing for fall this year?

BW: Knitwear...think long cardigans and comfy cozy sweaters. Floral prints (especially dresses and coats) and animal prints are still big this fall. Cozy, comfortable sets that can be worn at home and also worn out to run errands. Slouchy boots and combat boots are a footwear trend that I’m loving.

YW: What are some of your favorite places to shop at locally?

BW: Gin-o, Posh and Molly Green!

YW: Heading into the holidays this year, what style trends are you most excited about?

BW: I imagine we will be spending more time at home this year during the holidays, so I’d have to say I’m excited for all things cozy...cozy sets and sweaters.

YW: What are your top three style tips and why?

BW: 1. Don’t let the size of a piece of clothing determine whether or not you buy/wear it...not every piece of clothing is created equal. If you love the item...buy the size that fits you best- which may mean sizing up or down. 2. Always press or steam your clothes...you’ll look more polished and put together. 3. Less is more does not apply when wearing accessories...have fun with them! Layer them and when you think you have on one too many pieces...add another!