Salem Moussallam

Salem Moussallam is a fashion stylist from Toronto, Canada and is best known for his creativity, professionalism and extreme attention to detail.

Salem, who has been a fixture in the fashion world for over a decade, has worked with some of the biggest editorial, fashion and celebrity brands and personalities. He has dressed celebrities such as Serinda Swan, Bella Thorne, GiGi Hadid, Paula Abdul, Carmen Carrera, Gia Gunn and Lady Gaga.

Salem began his career as a model, where he worked successfully for major fashion brands such as: Lacoste, Abercrombie and Fitch, Diesel and Manolo Blanik. He was also the stylist for major fashion magazines such as Life and Fashion Magazine, Dressed to Kill Magazine and Spade Magazine.

Today, Salem Moussallam runs his own independent styling business, where he provides his clients with personal shopping, fashion consulting, wardrobe consulting, and closet cleanouts.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

I worked in fashion for a long time. There is a lot of creativity. The creativity can never stop but we all need to pay our bills at the end of the day. I wanted to create something nice in fashion. To give back to the community. To make luxury accessible to all.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

First thing I do when I wake up is to go to my boxing class. I train 5 days a week. The workouts help me to have the right mindset for the day. Then I go to my office. You see, when you have a small business, you need to be ready to work everyday. 24/7. Sometimes things can go down pretty fast if you don’t communicate or do everything properly.

How do you bring ideas to life?

You bring it by pushing forward. You need to push forward everyday. No matter what. And make your ideas a reality.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I am not a very «trend» guy. I love when I see unique styles. I love colors. I love something different.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

To have my workouts during the week. They are so good!! Can’t live without them.

What advice would you give your younger self?

It might sound basic but to never give up on whatever you wanna do. Do not give up on your dreams, do not give up on your relationships with people, do not give up on your hard work. There is a spotlight for everyone in this world. You just need to find yours. And make sure it’s the right one.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Logos are basic!!

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Communication! Communication is a key. It is so important to follow up with people and make sure you are on the same page.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Value your employees. Treat them with kindness and respect. Recognize their talents and abilities, nurture them and help them grow.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

To find the right people to help you with your business. You see, there are many people in this world. So many of them want to be in fashion. So little of them are ready to work hard. And there are even less of them who are right fit for your company.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Invest in sneakers and sell them.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

At the spa. It’s priceless. Having such a crazy graphic! And the hours that I work now as a small business. This moment of silence and relaxation is priceless!

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Google Calendar.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Phil Knight: Shoe Dog A Memoir by the Creator of Nike. The reason why is he was a hustler who failed many time before he became a success with his brand

What is your favorite quote?

Work it!

Key Learnings:

• Persistence
• Teamwork
• Dedication
• Passion