Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Infante
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story! If you had asked my 18-year-old self whether I would be a personal stylist in San Antonio talking about sustainable style, I might have hesitated. Back then my dream was simple, after climbing the corporate ladder, I wanted to open a chic clothing boutique. However, life had other, more colorful plans for me.
Creativity has always been a part of my life, from experimenting with my Easy-Bake oven recipes to dancing ballet and playing the cello. Yet, as the eldest of two children, I followed the traditional path expected of me: college. I moved to San Antonio for university, majored in accounting, and landed a dream corporate job.
My corporate career at a Fortune 100 company taught me a valuable lesson: success requires presence, not just competence. Climbing the corporate ladder meant walking the talk and dressing for the part: “Dress for the job you want, and not the job you have.” Dressing for the job I wanted boosted my confidence and earned me a seat at the table where decisions were being made, and my voice was heard. My professional wardrobe became my armor.
Growing up, my mother taught me the art of smart shopping, recognizing quality and blending high-end with budget finds. We could not afford off the rack professional attire, so we had skirts made by a seamstress. This was my first lesson in the power of tailored clothing. As a personal stylist, I share this with my clients: investing in tailored clothes not only ensures a better fit but also saves money by extending wearability.
Fast forward ten years, and my savvy shopping evolved into a collection of clothes. My wake-up call came when I faced my overfilled closet after multiple moves. Seeing clothes with tags and barely worn items led me to ask myself some tough questions: “When is a good deal not a good deal? What void was I trying to fill? How did I become so caught up in the cycle of consumption?” It was a turning point that pushed me to rethink my relationship with fashion.
Today, I help women avoid that same cycle. My work empowers them to shop mindfully, prioritize quality, and embrace sustainable style.
I began researching the environmental impact of the fashion industry, the psychology of shopping behavior, and sustainable fashion. That journey led me to create Circular Fashion Connection—a business dedicated to helping others align their style with their values.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Leaving the security of a corporate career into the world of entrepreneurship was like diving into uncharted waters. Marketing, sales, social media, and securing funding were all new hurdles. Thankfully, San Antonio’s entrepreneurial community provided resources like San Antonio Startup Week and Geekdom’s Boot Camp, which helped me refine my pitch and connect with like-minded professionals.
I’ve also invested heavily in my expertise, with stylist and color certifications from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and the International Image Institute. Finding a sustainable fashion community has also been invaluable for building knowledge and connections. I have attended conferences like The Sustainable Fashion Forum, and I walked away so inspired by the speakers, entrepreneurs, and designers who attended. These experiences taught me resilience and the power of collaboration.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As Diane von Furstenberg once said, “Style is something each of us already has; all we need to do is find it.” This belief guides my approach as a personal stylist and color analyst in San Antonio. I believe every woman is deserving of style. At Circular Fashion Connection, I empower women to rediscover their style and confidence through personalized color and styling sessions. Research shows that how we dress affects not only how others perceive us but also how we see ourselves. What we wear speaks volumes and I teach women to OWN that conversation.
In the age of fast fashion and social media driven consumption, I have developed an approach to sustainable style that is both practical and transformative. My Circular Formula includes seasonal color analysis, personalized styling sessions, and strategic closet audits. My goal is simple: to equip women with the tools and knowledge to present the best version of themselves. Every client is unique, and I customize my approach to meet them wherever they are on their journey.
One of my most fulfilling roles has been as a volunteer stylist for Dress for Success San Antonio, where I’ve styled over 100 women of all shapes and sizes. I’ve witnessed firsthand how confidence transforms posture and presence. It is a powerful reminder of why I do what I do.
Resources and Recommendations: If you are ready to learn more about sustainable fashion, I recommend:
• Listen to The Sustainable Fashion Forum Podcast: An excellent resource for learning about the intersection of fashion and sustainability.
• Connect with Remake: A global advocacy organization promoting fair pay and climate justice within the fashion industry. Become a Remake Ambassador like me!
• Local San Antonio Entrepreneurial Resources: Organizations like Geekdom and events like SA Startup Week are great for connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Any big plans?
Circular Fashion Connection is entering an exciting new chapter! In 2025, I will host color and style workshops while collaborating with local organizations to promote sustainability through community events.
As the designer Vivienne Westwood said, “Buy less, choose well, make it last”. Every woman who embraces sustainable style becomes part of a larger movement. Together, we are not just transforming closets – we are creating ripple effects that can extend to families, workplaces, and communities. This is how change happens – one wardrobe, one woman, one intentional choice at a time.
Ready to discover your Style?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.circularfashionconnection.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circularfashionconnection?igsh=MTJjMzFsZzdyOTF0cQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circularfashionconnection/
Image Credits
Melissa Raelynn Photography
