What does it take to be a mother, wife, teacher and start a tech styling platform on the side? Ask the very driven and beautiful, Courtney Miarka. Perhaps the modern day, SuperWoman! Read the interview below: {SS}: Can you tell us a bit about your background? What is your full time job? (Do you want to introduce the company) if not, just focus on being a Teacher and your interest in style, fashion etc.{CM}: My professional background is in elementary education. I am currently a first grade teacher (who does not wear sweater sets or ugly sweaters to school, might I add!) and co-owner of The Styled Life, an online styling system for personal wardrobe stylists and members.I grew up loving style and fashion, and have held a position in fashion/retail right alongside teaching ever since I was 16. I have worked for various large retailers as a sales associate, personal shopper, and, most recently, owned my own wardrobe styling business. Out of this love for helping and styling others, came the desire to share this passion with other men and women who have a similar talent. My passion led to the launch of The Styled Life, which is the source for professional wardrobe stylists to grow, maintain, and cultivate their business through class leading software, education and expertise.
The Styled Life also frees its members of struggling with what to wear. By cataloging your closet – (literally) photographing your entire closet, you can have your entire wardrobe at your fingertips. Making outfits, knowing exactly what you have on your phone, tablet, etc… will free you from looking in your closet and laying out outfits. Packing for a trip, getting ready for a date, going out with friends and planning what you wear everyday is as simple as clicking and dragging. You could actually never buy another piece of clothing and never wear the same thing twice. Finally, tons of professional wardrobe stylists are available to dress you at anytime for any event. 
{SS}: Best part about your job? {CM}: I love that The Styled Life has allowed me to mesh the best of both worlds. Not only do I get to meet others who have a talent and passion for styling men and women, but I also get to teach and guide them on how to own their own successful styling business using the software of The Styled Life. I also get to help others look amazing and free them from worrying about what to wear, by bringing together stylists and members all in one place.
{SS}: YOUR secret to work / life balance? {CM}: I believe that everyone's method for making it work is different. I have read a ton of articles on this topic ever since I decided to take the plunge into the entrepreneurial world. Some experts say making time to exercise everyday is the most important, others say "turning off" and "disconnecting" from your phone or computer at a certain time helps, but the one tip that pops up time and again is merely waking up earlier.
The most successful people make the most of their day before some of our alarms have even gone off. That being said, I'm the exact opposite- a total night owl and typically do the majority of my work after my family has gone to bed. So I truly believe it is whatever works for you.
Still want to know my secret? Strong coffee. Kidding…well, almost kidding.
- I believe in daily acts of gratitude, because without reminders of what you already have, you can never appreciate what you want to become.
- A digital calendar, like the one on your phone or Google calendar, to keep all involved parties in the loop of future meetings and schedules.
- Setting specific work hours and/or days and sticking to them. This helps make sure that you are separating work and life, which is always a struggle.
- And lastly, being present. Get rid of outside distractions while working, and put away the phone and email while spending time with friends and family. Investing in both your work life and personal life always pays off.
{SS}: Do you have a favorite style or fashion App? {CM}: My go to app before The Styled Life used to be Polyvore; I would spend countless hours searching for the exact item that I already had in my closet. Now with my Styled Life account, I already have all of my closet items at my fingertips to plan out outfits that I want to wear or just create outfit inspirations. For more outfit inspiration I look to Pinterest. I can spend hours pinning and searching my boards. I used to cut out pages and pictures from magazines (InStyle, Harper's Bazaar, Lucky, Marie Claire, Vogue) for my fashion look books. I remember my friends teasing me about my own "Style Scrapbook", yet they all wanted to use it as a reference!
{SS}: Who inspires your style? Favorite Style Icon?{CM}: My original style inspiration came from my Mom. She believes in always putting your best self forward. My mom never left the house without makeup on and looking perfectly put together. Even a trip to the grocery store was still an event to be dressed for. As far as celebrity icons, I love Olivia Palermo's style and the way she pairs items.{SS}: In regards to your personal style, do you have a signature accessory? 
{CM}: I always wear glasses. I'm not totally blind without them, but might as well be. I own about 8 different pairs and like to switch them up depending on my outfit, just like anyone else might change their earrings or add a statement necklace. I get asked all the time where I buy my glasses. My favorite sites to order from are Classic Specs, Bonlook and in-store at SEE. (Ask for Dana at the Birmingham store, she rocks!) SS}: Style Archetype? {CM}: Professional Chic! 
{SS}: Your Styleshack winter product picks?
Thigh High Wedge Boot {Zieben-Mare}
Beaded Fold Over Clutch {Marlee's}
Iris Purple Statement Necklace {Pound Jewelry}
{SS}: Must have item for winter wardrobe?
{CM}: This winter is all about the statement coat. Since it promises to be harsher than last year here in Michigan, prepare yourself for the frigid temps while still keeping your style on display. A statement coat is a fun and functional way to update your wardrobe this winter season.
{SS}: Favorite Blog you love to read? {CM}: Right now I'm reading entrepeneur.com and youngentrepeneur.com .{SS}: Favorite local restaurants?{CM}: The Bird and the Bread and Griffin Claw right now as new Birmingham residents with a young child. Both places are walkable and family friendly.{SS}: Currently listening to…{CM}: BPM on Sirius radio and Christmas tunes. Dance music is my morning auditory caffeine (and typically the only time I listen to musk is when I’m in my car)
{SS}: Words to Live by?
{CM}: Do everything with passion, for it is in that passion that you will find the courage and excitement to press on.
