Meet Melanie Bauer: LA Mama and Fashion Stylist

“All roads lead you to where you are meant to be, and I feel like I had a series of freeways pushing me here.”

WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHAT LED YOU TO THIS CAREER?

I am a wardrobe stylist and costume designer. After many years of working in several different aspects of the entertainment and fashion industry (acting, casting, and assisting), I realized my passion lies in wardrobe. I remember a moment when I was costume designing that I realized had I never trained to act, I wouldn't visualize a script the way I do. And if I had never worked in casting, I wouldn't understand the nuances of all of the different actors that crossed my path. If I hadn't been a mom, I would have way less patience for dressing tweens at that time. All roads lead you to where you are meant to be and I feel like I had a series of freeways pushing me here.

WHAT ARE THE NAMES AND AGES OF YOUR CHILDREN?

Gerti, who’s 4.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT THUS FAR?

Building a wardrobe department from scratch while costume designing over 25 series in a two year time period.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF BEING A MOTHER?

Watching your tiny human express empathy or get excited over the smallest thing.

AND WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING?

The lack of time to myself.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SOMEONE NEW TO YOUR INDUSTRY?

Assist as many different types of stylists as possible. Learn different aspects of the industry. You may think you want to style editorial but end up loving commercials. Ask for help, ask for advice, and take it!

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR A NEW MOTHER?

Don't compare yourself to other moms. Take help when people offer it and ask for it if you need it.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU? DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS COMING UP?

I’m just waiting for the industry to open back up.

Follow Melanie at @melanie.bauer.style