BEHIND THE VEIL with Hilary - Online Stylist

Provide your NAME and a brief summary of your career journey with GRACE so far!?

Hilary Meilandt. Started as a customer service and production assistant in 2016. I then progressed into the Production Coordinator role a year later. Whilst in this role I also helped out in our Gold Coast showroom and attended our Australia concierge events as a stylist. I was then relocated overseas to take over the Showroom Manager's position. I am now currently working remotely as an Online Stylist.?

Tell us about your favourite memory at GRACE?

After 5 years it is very hard to choose just one. However, I would have to say my sushi (AKA snooshie) lunch dates with my production girls back in HQ were always the best days of the week!?

What inspires you about coming to work at GRACE??

Hands down the amazing group of people that work here are what inspire me every day.?

What is your favourite GRACE gown??

I am a die-hard Coco fan!?

If you could describe yourself in 3 words or less, what would they be??

Ambitious, Creative and Friendly.?

What's your favourite holiday destination??

It has always been Scotland!?

What's one thing most people don't know about you??

I am a twin.?

What trend do you hope makes a comeback??

Plaid / Tweed sets.?

What's one song you have completely memorized??

Anything and everything by Sara Bareilles.?

Do you have any advice for brides-to-be??

I would say that you shouldn't expect to have that hallmark moment you see in the movies where you're overcome with emotion and have this overwhelming feeling that you've found your gown. I think that a lot of brides put pressure on a gown to make them cry happy tears - but the gown can still be 'the one' even if you don't cry! The majority of my brides don't shed a single tear during their appointment but still leave on cloud nine after finding the perfect gown for them. You'll know if you've found your gown when you can envision walking down the aisle to your partner in it. Your gown should ideally make you feel like the best version of yourself and make you feel like you never want to take it off!?

What do you consider your secret weapon at work??

This will be a corny answer, but I would have to say coffee, comfy shoes and a smile. Our days can be long with back-to-back appointments and the energy in the showroom is always at such a great high of excitement, so being on your best form to match that energy is essential!??

As a stylist, what is your top trick to make a sale??

I don't think that there is a 'one size fits all' approach to bridal styling. I think the best 'trick' we have is to listen and engage with our brides at their core. I can advise so much just based off someone's body shape, but what really matters most is the person wearing the gown and what they want from their special day. Therefore, listening and engaging with the bride as much as possible is the best thing you can do! Once someone is relaxed and at ease (because it can be daunting and intimidating to try on gowns) styling them becomes more natural, easy and fun!??

What is your favourite thing about working in our showroom location??

The beautiful space we have! It's quite rare to get a showroom nestled in the middle of such a busy and bustling city, with tall buildings all around. However, our all-glass front and roof allow for such beautiful, natural light and ambience. It's incredible! It's even beautiful in moody weather when you can watch the rainfall on the roof.??

How do you unwind after work??

I make and design my own shoes outside of work, so I usually head home and work on my latest pair to unwind. I always find I am most creative after being around such beautiful gowns all day.?

What virtues do you admire most in the people you work with??

I think I admire everyone's individuality and authenticity. We are all such different people from different walks of life, yet we all come together to create such a happy and harmonious work team. It's unlike any team I've been a part of and I couldn't ask for anything more. They are all such beautiful people inside and out and make going to work every day such a joy.?