Community Highlights: Meet Kendra Bissig of The Blonde Mom

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Bissig.

Hi Kendra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I attended Michigan State University, and graduated with a degree in Hospitality Business. Following graduation, I worked in event production and floral design in Washington, DC. When my husband and I decided to return to Michigan in 2011, I established my own event design firm, Haute, LLC. While working independently, I gave birth to my first daughter. Knowing the event industry schedules weren’t conducive to the work/life balance I desired, I stopped taking clients and channeled my energy into a local stay-at-home-mom’s club. The year I became President, my second daughter was born, followed by a postpartum depression diagnosis. I’d become so accustomed to putting myself last: caring for a toddler and newborn, managing a club of 100+ members, rallying around moms who were facing health and family crises. The weight of sadness and my own personal mental health struggles imprisoned me. Therapy and medication were healing, but the most critical component of my recovery was getting ready every day. Not just leggings and a messy bun- as mom culture glorifies- but actually showering, putting on makeup, and getting dressed. When I started making this change, my entire lift shifted. I felt happier, more controlled, productive, and confident. I started attending club events fully dressed and made up. As other moms took notice, I began receiving messages inquiring about my clothing. They’d ask questions about what I was wearing and where they could buy it. Sometimes they’d ask what to wear for certain events or photos. I started making flat lays in my living room and loaning items out from my own closet. Even if we weren’t the same size, I’d set handbags and jewelry on my porch for pickup. Dressing moms became a passion of mine because they were always putting themselves last, but wanted to feel great! As I spent more and more time helping women, I decided to form a DBA of my existing LLC- because really, this was just a hobby, or so I thought! Over the last eight years, not only has the Blonde Mom become my full time job, but I have had the incredible honor of working with over 400 women and men. I launched a trademark-pending service, “Style Dial”, and continue to facilitate happy dressing in every closet big or small. I speak at largely attended events about the power of getting dressed, and how to shop affordably and responsibly. I dress many news anchors, and have been interviewed a number of times on local news stations about various fashion topics. What once was a small dream has blossomed into a phenomenal opportunity to connect with my community and spread joy by way of clothing.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it also hasn’t been gravel either. I enjoy providing a service, because when something isn’t working, I can change it pretty easily.
My biggest challenges are accounting for every single piece that I pull for fitting clients- from start to finish. I have been on customer service phone calls for many hours locating missing items or arguing over damaged pieces. On the rare occasion, I have to absorb those costs.
I’ve also found that developing clear boundaries with clients and only working with people who are the right fit has benefited everyone involved. When I meet someone and we are not aligned with our styling goals, I know it almost immediately.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Blonde Mom?
The Blonde Mom was established in 2017 as boutique personal styling firm, providing the following services:
-Closet Audits
-Style Sessions with Flat Lays
-Personal Shopping and Fittings
-Style Dial – The first ever text-a-stylist digital service
-Mini Sessions – quick fire fittings with gifts 2x/year

I am known for offering affordable luxury shopping, supporting local shops, encouraging secondhand and consignment purchases, and elevated casual styling. I am also known for my fun and approachable social media presence.

I am proud that God has blessed me with a talent to bless others. Without any prior styling training, there’s no way I’d be in the position I am in today without His guidance and inspiration.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was colorful and outgoing! I didn’t like school, but I loved after school activities. I’ve never been an academic – my strong subjects were always electives. I always tried new things: band, track and field, basketball, cheerleading. I was the life of the party and thrived off of making people laugh.

Pricing:

• Hourly closet services rate: $150
• Fittings start at $495
• Style Dial: $25/month
• Retainer Options available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theblondemomstyle.com
• Instagram: @the_blondemom
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-bissig-4b512842