In Conversation with Gab Saper

Tell us about your background:

I moved to NYC after graduating with my fashion merchandising degree from UT in 2009. I started my career in media, working at large companies (Conde Nast, Hearst) and startups in account management and operations roles. In 2020, I joined a recruiting firm as head of operations and very quickly was asked by the founder to try my hand at recruiting, which I ended up loving.

While holding these corporate roles, I had a personal styling business on the side, which was my true passion. I'd been styling family and friends since I was a kid, and making it a real business was a dream – even if it was just a side hustle. In 2022, the stars aligned in a few areas of my life which made it possible for me to take my styling full time and it's been incredible.

From bringing order to a closet, to planning a full wardrobe overhaul to styling for a specific event — I work with my clients to meet their goals. When our work together is done, their wardrobes make them feel great, with minimal effort.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

People are the most important thing. You can work at the most prestigious institution or biggest name, but if the people around you don't create a good environment, you won't be happy.

Best career advice you've ever received?

There's no such thing as "the right" career or even career path. Your career will twist and turn in ways you never expected. Most people have at least 2 career switches in their life. Listen to the universe and see where life takes you without letting your ego get in the way.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Honesty, compassion, curiosity

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? 

Being laid off twice in a row. The first was an entire team being let go, the second was one in a series of layoffs by a company on its way to bankruptcy. Neither was my fault but the combination of the two made me feel so much pressure to get the perfect next job. That pressure made my job search so much more stressful, and frankly, less successful. I landed in a job that wasn't a good fit and it was a rocky few years.

What I've learned from this was that shit happens and most people don't care about it as much as you think. You need to choose jobs that feel right for you, not just because you think they'll look good on your resume or other people will approve of them.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

My Theory motorcycle jacket. I got it at a sample sale years ago, it was expensive for me at the time but I knew I'd get good use out of it. I've worn it with everything from leggings to a cocktail dress and it still looks good as new.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabsaper/

Website: wardrobeeditor.com

Instagram: @wardrobeeditor