Courtney Geree
We’re excited to have our friend Courtney Geree with us for this week’s Dreamos Round Table! Courtney’s a wardrobe stylist with AMAX Creative Agency based in Nashville, TN.
With an eclectic clientele, Courtney can be found working on sets of editorial magazines, music videos, photoshoots, and brand content. With a unique approach and keen eye for styling, she’s been sought out by influential brands and artists like Uncommon James, NFocus Magazine, Marcus King Band and Sheryl Crow.
Courtney’s faith, high level work ethic, and positive mentality is what lifts the atmosphere of each set and every shoot she steps foot on. We know you’ll be encouraged and inspired as you hear more from her heart, story, and pursuit.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
My dream is to revamp the idea of a wardrobe stylist who isn't just someone picking out clothing, but is a source of creativity for artists, models, and brands.
To me, fashion and styling is an extension of someone’s personality. It allows me to show you who someone is visually, while bringing out their confidence and reflecting more of who they truly are. It excites me to see creative growth in my client’s style, and also when their self-esteem evolves throughout the process.
I also plan to use what I’ve learned modeling, styling, creative directing + working behind the scenes in social media and on the business side of running a brand ( I work as Asst. Manager/stylist at Alexis + Bolt, local Nashville boutique) to fulfill another dream in creating and curating my own brand of clothing.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
Firstly, I went to college for Occupational Therapy and became a pediatric Occupational Therapist. I worked in pediatric clinics, home health, and a school system for 4.5 years helping kids with various disabilities achieve their goals.
This was both challenging and rewarding, but I always felt in my heart I was meant for something more creative. I wanted to work in the creative industry because of my love for music. I learned SO much about hard work through this season of my life. I took the leap of faith almost 3 years ago (in June), when I picked up everything and moved from Lexington, KY to Nashville, TN. I never looked back.
I started in music PR while collaborating and styling with artist friends in order to build my styling portfolio. Eventually, after lots of free photoshoots, persistence, and determination, I landed with AMAX Creative Agency. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many different types of artists, models, and brands through this journey.
Even though there’s so much organization and long hours that go into my job, when I genuinely connect with the artist and team, and see the final product, I am reminded why I continue to work as hard as I can to build upon my dreams.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
Everything I’m able to do, and have already accomplished, is because of my Creator. Faith is imperative to my current success, and has allowed me to do things I never thought possible. My trust in God makes taking those terrifying but much needed leaps of faith in my career easier. I know I can come to Him when feeling any anxious or negative thoughts and He will instantly lift the weight I was feeling.
If you’re a believer, you know we’re all on our own personal journey with God. When things get difficult and challenges arise, we have comfort in knowing that God already knows the plans He has in store for us. We can achieve anything we imagine in realizing that.
I believe in the power of loving others and treating others with respect. In return, that love and respect shines through during my styling and creative ventures. I think as long as you have those things in mind, and are passionate about what you want to achieve, people will see that in you and want to continue working with you.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
I am definitely a dreamer first, but I do have a practical side when it comes to setting goals and getting tasks completed.
At the beginning of the year I like to create a vision board. I’m a visual learner and doer, so it helps to reflect on where I’m at and what my goals are with close friends. We cut and paste from stacks and stacks of magazines. The visual reminder stays in my styling studio all year. It helps me remember why I do what I do, and it constantly encourages me when manifesting my future.
Creating a schedule and being as organized as possible is essential to reaching goals. Again, I am a visual person, so I have a dry-erase board for scheduling along with my Google calendar. I feel the act of physically writing things down helps me the most, and I often journal my ideas in a little notebook labeled “dreams”.
Lastly, I like to spend time with God a few minutes every day (First thing in the morning and before bed are best). Something about spending time alone with Him (Without a phone, Instagram, emails, or Netflix as distractions) are so good for my soul. It helps me reset every day and clears my mind. My relationship with Him is most important and should be the reason I keep going and striving towards my goals in life.
What encouragement would you give someone who’s going after their dream?
Life is ever changing, so focus on the goal in mind rather than the path to get to it. For example, this year with Covid, there has been a lot of uncertainty. So many creatives like myself have had to figure out different ways to express ourselves and pivot to adjust to the new normal.
There will be lots of different challenges and circumstances along the way that you cannot control. But, if you stay true to who you are, work hard, and keep your faith in the forefront, you can achieve so many amazing things.
My grandfather always said, “If it were easy, then everyone would have it.” That phrase has stuck with me. It’s helped me overcome the harder times and appreciate the support I have around me. Staying positive and practicing prayer has always helped me in bringing the good into my life.