A little bit about me.. I am an ordinary girl from Mississippi, passionate about all things fashion, business, and travel. I’ve moved around from Mississippi, NYC, Austin, and Atlanta but I’m a Southern girl at heart (you’ll definitely know once you hear me talk!). After attending Mississippi State and the University of Texas, I found myself with a Masters in Accounting and very confused. Basically, I got into auditing, hated it, and found myself using my business skills in the area I have always loved – fashion!
I opened a boutique storefront in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, GA. It was a franchise of L.A. Green boutique, if you ever visited me! It was the most amazing experience, taught me SO many lessons about life, managing employees, and small business. My store was open almost 3 years before COVID swept in and I realized this wasn’t God’s plan for me anymore.
Fast forward to now! I created my own jewelry line called Carlyle Collection(Carlyle is my middle name!) while exploring my creative outlets during the pandemic. My inspiration behind it is to bring luxury designer looks at affordable prices to girls like me, who want those styles but can’t afford designer prices.
While growing this small business, I also have started working as a social media influencer sharing everything I am passionate about – helping others with style ideas, fashion finds, and travel recommendations. My background in modeling and owning a boutique has made the transition to the influencer side of things pretty natural.
My overall goal in starting this mckenziegillespie blog is to inspire others to get out of their comfort zone, whether that be trying new styles or experiencing new beautiful places. Ever since taking my first leap outside my comfort zone, moving to NYC for a summer internship, I’ve been addicted to traveling and experiencing new things. Any growth I’ve experienced has always come through putting myself in new, scary situations and I want others to also experience what getting outside of your comfort zone can do in your life! I long to inspire others to experience new things, enjoy the ups and downs of life, and go out there and see the beautiful world God has given us!
