Heather Chee, Founder of Stylized Threads, on Using Personal Style as a Tool for Confidence and Empowerment

Heather Chee is the founder of Stylized Threads, a personal styling business built on the belief that fashion is more than clothing. It is a powerful tool for confidence, identity, and self expression. With a decade of experience in New York working with Fortune 500 companies in styling and product development, Heather brings both technical expertise and emotional intelligence to every client she serves.

Through a personalized, high end approach to styling, she helps ambitious founders and professionals align their wardrobe with who they truly are, making getting dressed effortless, intentional, and empowering.

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

Hi, I’m Heather Chee, a personal stylist who believes in the transformative power of dressing well. At age three, I underwent a major lower back fusion—a challenge that showed me how deeply our self-image shapes the confidence we carry into the world. I discovered early on that fashion could be a tool for empowerment, helping me feel strong, confident, and truly myself.

I founded Stylized Threads to share that same experience with others. My goal is to create a personalized, high-end approach to styling—whether it’s refreshing your wardrobe, preparing for a special event, or curating a closet that reflects who you truly are. For me, style is more than clothes—it’s a way to step into your power every day.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

When I first started Stylized Threads, my approach was simple: I got my website up and showed up everywhere I could—attending every local networking event, introducing myself to anyone who would listen, and planting seeds wherever I went. It was exciting and full of hope, but I soon realized that to truly make an impact, I needed to get more intentional. I had to really understand who I was serving, where these amazing people were, and how I could build genuine connections and collaborations that mattered. That shift—from just showing up to being purposeful—allowed me to create experiences that truly help my clients feel confident, seen, and empowered in the clothes they wear.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I’ve always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. Even while I was growing a backbone and learning the ropes in the fast-paced New York fashion scene, I distinctly remember walking into Barnes & Noble, picking up How to Start a Business for Dummies, and quietly starting to put my dreams on paper. I knew I wanted to create something of my own, but I also knew I needed the experience and knowledge to make it happen. A decade later, after building a strong foundation in the industry and gaining invaluable experience, I finally took the leap—turning that long-held dream into Stylized Threads.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of in building Stylized Threads isn’t just the high-profile clients I’ve had the honor of working with—from mom CEOs to on-stage speakers and TV personalities—but the meaningful impact I’ve been able to make every day. I’ve always wanted to be known not just for helping clients look and feel their best, but for using style as a way to empower and uplift others.

Twice a year, I host styling classes for the residents of Laura’s House, a local Orange County nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence. These classes go beyond clothes—they’re about confidence, self-expression, and reclaiming personal power. Each attendee receives one-on-one time with me, where I help them select and style outfits that are appropriate for their fresh start in life. I work with the community to collect gently used clothing donations, which are given to attendees free of charge, so every woman leaves feeling strong, confident, and ready to step into her next chapter. Seeing these transformations—both in my clients and in the community—reminds me every day why I started this work and the incredible power fashion can have.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I just recently joined the group, and I’m so excited to see what unfolds! I’m challenging myself to be fully present and to step into new opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone. I love being surrounded by so many inspiring women who are passionate, driven, and supportive—it’s energizing and motivating, and I can’t wait to see how we all grow together.

What did you do before starting your own business?

My journey to founding Stylized Threads started with a decade-long career in New York City, working with Fortune 500 companies in styling and product development. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and thrived in the fast-paced fashion world—traveling to factories, overseeing production, and mastering fabrics, drapes, and garment construction.

Now, I bring all that technical expertise and strategic know-how directly to my clients. Stylized Threads is about making style effortless, fun, and empowering.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

As I climbed the corporate ladder, I realized something was missing—I wasn’t able to connect with people in a meaningful way or make the personal impact I longed for. I wanted to help people feel confident in their own skin, to see the power and joy that comes from wearing clothes that truly fit and reflect who they are. So, I took a leap of faith: I left a comfortable city, a secure job, and a steady salary to follow my passion for helping clients look and feel their absolute best. Every day since, I’ve seen how transformative it can be when someone steps into clothing that makes them feel confident, empowered, and unapologetically themselves—and that’s what keeps me inspired.

Who are your customers?

We serve ambitious, hardworking founders and professionals who’ve achieved career success but realized their wardrobe isn’t keeping up. Our clients juggle demanding careers, family life, and everything in between—and they want getting dressed to be effortless, stylish, and confidence-boosting. We help them reclaim time, express who they are through their clothes, and show up every day as their bold, authentic selves.

What's your favorite business tool?

My favorite business tool has been my CRM system. When I first started Stylized Threads, it became the backbone of how I built my business and my client experience. It’s more than just a way to stay organized—it allows me to remember the little details that make each client feel truly seen, from their style preferences to past outfits and special notes. Having this system in place has been a game-changer, helping me deliver a thoughtful, personalized experience every time and ensuring that every client feels cared for, valued, and empowered through their style journey.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice for aspiring Entreprenistas is simple: just go for it. Fear is always going to be there—it’s part of the process—but you can’t let it stop you from starting. I’ve learned that your ideas and your vision are worth sharing, and the world—and your future clients—won’t benefit from them if you hold back. Take the leap, trust yourself, and remember that every misstep, every challenge, and every small win is part of building something meaningful. You’ve got this, and your clients deserve what only you can offer.

From working with high profile clients to hosting styling classes for survivors of domestic violence at Laura’s House, Heather Chee has built Stylized Threads around meaningful impact. Her work extends beyond aesthetics, focusing on confidence, empowerment, and helping women step fully into their next chapter.

If you are a woman founder building a purpose driven business and looking to surround yourself with ambitious, supportive leaders, Entreprenista connects you with the relationships and opportunities that help you grow with clarity and confidence. Learn more about joining Entreprenista League.