Work life of Erica Hanks, Charlotte’s personal stylist

I can’t go shopping without panicking that I’ll never be able to wear a certain shirt more than once or with anything other than the pair of pants the girl in the store picks out for me.

But Erica Hanks? Erica Hanks just gets it.

She dresses some of the best looking people (from Panthers players to NASCAR drivers) in the city and helps shape their images. In addition, she’s an event stylist and commercial and editorial stylist. Here’s how she works.

Job title

Wardrobe stylist

Office location

Across my driveway, above the detached garage in south Charlotte.

How long is your commute?

12 steps or so to the office, but when we pull items for clients or if we go to their homes, we could be in SouthPark or NoDa, a location like NYC, or even up at the lake.

What do you do during your commute?

Make phone calls, listen to my iTunes, Spotify or Pandora.

Phone

iPhone. 6 plus.

Desk

It was a busy week. We were getting our Panther clients ready for their Super Bowl festivities as well as getting NASCAR clients ready for their upcoming season, as well as keeping track of NYFW invites that are currently coming in.

Computer

Gadgets you can’t live without

My flat iron, portable steamer and phone.

Do you listen to music while you work?

Absolutely. My team collaborates on our own seasonal tunes on Spotify, so we listen to that a lot. We are all different, so it’s fun to see what makes the cut!

What software are you a power user of?

ADP Mobile for my payroll and Square Up when clients want to pay by credit card.

What’s your favorite spot for a business lunch?

BrickTop’s. I order the artichoke dip, which I could eat all by myself. And the shoe string fries, I mean – need I say more?

Social media habits 

I am an early riser, but I get three kids ready for school every day, so I try to check my emails, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter before I get out the door.

To-do list manager

Ugh. I am such a pen and paper girl and write down my schedule in my planner. I’m hoping to jump into the 21st century soon with my iCal.

What everyday thing are you really good at?

Getting dressed. I mean…

What’s your one favorite thing about your job?

Getting to see my clients’ confidence grow in how they are dressed.

Male or female, it really makes a difference in your business and you walk a little taller and I just love that for them. They feel better, they love how they look, they are happy, and it shows to everyone else. It’s the best feeling!

Best time-saving shortcut or Charlotte life hack

Only go to the mall right when it opens or right before it closes. No lines and plenty of breathing room. And never go on a weekend.

Sleep routine

Usually alseep by 11, usually up between 4:30-6 a.m., depending on if I’m working out in the morning or getting kids up for school.

Where do you go around Charlotte to get away from the office?

With over 40 shops in Charlotte, it’s hard to get myself out of stylist mode wherever I go.

So I workout, which is something completely opposite of fashion, or go to Varji and Varji salon where I can relax for, like, 5 minutes while I get my hair or nails done.

What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

I skip breakfast. Womp. I eat a big lunch. I’m so European. Ha.

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

I always wanted to get into marketing but 100 years ago in college it really wasn’t a thing. But I guess neither was a stylist.

Best job advice you’ve received?

Always ask. The worst thing you’ll hear is “no.”

Last movie you watched (grade it on a A-F scale):

I have kids so, Alvin and the Chipmunks. I give it a C.

What’s one thing people don’t know about Charlotte that they should?

That Charlotte is evolving. In my world, fashion industry people outside of Charlotte lump us in with the Confederate flag and Party Down South.

It’s modern and artsy and edgy yet endearing and cozy and welcoming all at the same time. It’s fun to be the most knowledgeable fashion person in a group at NYFW, and yet oh my heavens to Betsy y’all, I’m from Charlotte, NC.

Is there anything else that we didn’t ask that you’d like to tell our readers?

I tell it like it is. I’m Colombian, and we don’t know any other way to say it.

What other Charlottean would you like to answer these questions?

Joey Hewell. He’s one of my favorite people in Charlotte.

Photo via Erica Hanks