When we were casting for our Tinted Moisturizer Blurred Matte photoshoot, we wanted to use real women who inspired us. Meet Karolyn, a fashion stylist with 15 years of experience, effortlessly blending West Coast ease with New York edge while balancing her passions for fashion, fitness, and food.
Karolyn: The Stylist Who Blends Fashion, Fitness, and Flavor
When you think of a fashion stylist, images of sleek, high-energy, fashion-week frenzy often come to mind. But for Karolyn, the world of styling is more than just what’s on the surface—it’s about crafting experiences, stories, and, above all, living a life that reflects her personal passions. With a career spanning 15 years, a deep connection to both coasts, and a balanced, wellness-driven lifestyle, Karolyn is the perfect blend of style, substance, and heart.
From California Roots to the Pulse of NY
"I’ve always been drawn to how fashion can tell a story and make people feel," she shares, sitting in her effortlessly chic NYC apartment (where the West Coast meets the East). While she may have been born in sunny SoCal, it's New York City that captures her creative soul. "LA will always be home," she says with a smile, "but New York is my scene." And anyone who’s seen her work or followed her through the years can understand why.
Karolyn's career began the way many do: as an assistant, learning from the best and paying her dues. But what sets her apart isn’t just the technical skill she honed over years of hard work—it’s her ability to bring an unmistakable energy to every shoot, runway show, or editorial project she touches. Her versatility is her secret weapon; she can seamlessly switch between the laid-back cool of LA style and the bold sophistication of NY. Whether she’s styling for an editorial, working with celebrities, or collaborating with brands, her looks always feel fresh, dynamic, and personal.
A Balanced Life: Fitness, Dogs, and Her Substack
But Karolyn is more than just a stylist—she's an example of the modern woman's ability to bring her work into alignment with what she loves. "I take my fitness regimen very seriously," she responds, and it's easy to see that she's gotten the ideal balance of work, health, and play. Her regimen is a combination of hiking, hot yoga, reformer pilates, walking, and an occasional game of tennis—a great combination to keep her body and mind in top condition. Fitness is not just a question of staying in shape for Karolyn; it's how she keeps her feet on the ground in a business that sometimes appears to be spinning out of control.
Fitness isn’t her only personal passion. Karolyn is also a devoted dog mom to two rescue dogs, and it’s clear they’re as much a part of her creative process as her work. "They keep me grounded, and honestly, they keep me laughing," she says. Whether she's taking her dogs for long walks through her Brooklyn neighborhood or spending a quiet evening cooking at home, they’re always by her side.
And speaking of cooking—Karolyn’s culinary passion is no secret. Recently, she started a Substack dedicated to her love of food, where she shares her personal recipes with her growing community. Karolyn Pho Cooks is a natural extension of her creative energy. "Cooking is a creative outlet for me," she explains. "Just like styling, it’s about experimenting with ingredients, flavors, and creating something beautiful." Her recipes range from simple, feel-good meals to more elevated dishes, always reflecting her love for healthy living and seasonal ingredients. With her Substack, Karolyn is building a space where her audience can not only get delicious recipes but also feel inspired to make food that nourishes both the body and the soul.
A Stylist Who Truly Understands the Power of Personal Style
What makes Karolyn’s styling so unique is her ability to connect with her clients on a deeper level. "It’s about more than just the clothes," she says. "It’s about finding what makes someone feel confident, powerful, and comfortable in their own skin." Whether working with a high-profile celebrity or a brand new face, Karolyn’s approach is deeply personal. She knows that true style comes from within, and her work isn’t just about creating a look—it’s about telling a story that resonates with both the wearer and the audience.
It's that philosophy that's allowed Karolyn to remain in the game for so long. She does editorial shoots, red carpet styling, and behind-the-scenes work for fashion companies. She's had such long-term success because the truth is, she's not following trends—she's making them. She knows the ins and outs of the fashion industry and can make every project feel fresh, inspiring, and real.
Looking Ahead: More Than Just Style
So, what’s next for Karolyn? As someone who has spent over a decade in the fashion industry, she’s constantly evolving, always seeking new opportunities to push her creative boundaries. In the immediate future, we can expect more collaborative projects, including styling for major editorial spreads, celebrity appearances, and, of course, more delicious recipes on her Substack. "I want to continue to inspire people to live their best lives, whether that’s through fashion, food, or fitness," Karolyn says, smiling at the thought of the future.
For now, she's content in her Brooklyn sanctuary, balancing her crazy work life with cooking, dog-walking, and soaking up the energy of both coasts. Karolyn's story is a reminder that the most fulfilling kind of success is one that is lived to the fullest—celebrating the beautiful intersections of career, passion, and personal fulfillment.
So whether she's doing the behind-the-scenes glam job of dressing up a show or sharing a shot of her most recent cooking adventure, Karolyn Pho is one to keep an eye on, a creative force of nature who's redefining what it's like to lead a meaningful, stylish life.