This summer, the Dingman Center will be conducting interviews with the 12 student startups who are participating in our virtual Terp Startup summer accelerator. Participating student entrepreneurs received a stipend up to $5,000 that would enable them to work exclusively on their startups over eight weeks in the summer.

Wanderlust Wardrobe

Founder: Lucy Bedewi ’20, Marketing

DC: Tell us about your startup. What problem are you solving and for whom?

Bedewi: Shopping is confusing. Styling yourself and dressing well is an art. Every single day we are flooded with ads telling us what to wear, where to shop, what’s in style and that we have to buy all of it. Through Wanderlust Wardrobe, I help people discover what to wear through easy and accessible fashion styling resources. By using a combination of face to face styling, video chatting and texting, everyone is now able to find confidence in their wardrobe every single day.

DC: How did you first come up with your idea?

Bedewi: Before becoming a stylist, I worked retail for 4 years. I saw a huge issue in how people were being persuaded to purchase certain garments. As a sales associate, I was told to push the items in the front and the items on sale. I wanted to become a stylist to truly help people discover what clothing items they love and feel confident in, regardless of the store or brand name.

DC: What are some major milestones you’ve achieved so far?

Bedewi: My business model is unique in a sense that I offer styling services one on one through FaceTime and through text messages. This allows an innovative pricing model that truly makes styling accessible to all. My biggest milestones were creating my website, automating processes for easy scheduling and developing a consistent client base.

DC: What drives you to keep going?

Bedewi: I love what I do. When someone starts working with me, typically he/she feels deflated, confused and frustrated. On the flip side, they’re ready for change. After working with someone and helping them define and refine their image, it’s like a light goes off within them. They feel better about themselves and approach the daily activities of their day with more confidence. In some cases it even leads to them getting a promotion or finding a significant other.

DC: How do you feel about working in a cohort with fellow student entrepreneurs?

Bedewi: Working in a cohort has been an extremely positive experience. During this pandemic, I have been working on my business in my room for long hours each day. It can get lonely sometimes. Having a group of like minded students to bounce ideas off of and even just talk about life has given me the motivation to push forward. Everyone is very passionate about their idea and it inspires me every single morning.

DC: What are you hoping to achieve during Terp Startup this summer?

Bedewi: I am ready to grow. I finally feel like I am at a place where I am confident in my services and processes surrounding working with clients. My time in the accelerator will be used towards marketing my styling business and forming strategic partnerships with boutiques and fashion influencers. My goal is to become a full time fashion stylist and bring confidence to as many people as possible. I see the impact that a great outfit has on a person and everyone deserves to feel that level of radiance.