Marvin Osifo is a fashion & celebrity stylist and founder of Face Fashion, which provides a platform for unique designers to gain access to the demanding fashion retail market.
1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
In 2006 I founded a fashion events company called Face Fashion. It was created as a unique platform to showcase new and emerging Australian designers.
Over the course of twelve years we successfully put on dozens of runway shows for our wonderful designers, across Sydney & Melbourne, and partnered with wonderful companies such as Microsoft, Blackberry, Davroe and so many more. We were also humbled to have Face Fashion highlighted in a special segment on SBS.
I have since started my own men’s personal and celebrity styling business, and have already had an established list of clients, including athletes, music artists and TV personalities, who I have ongoing work with.
On the side of my styling business, I also have brand partnerships with hotels, car companies such as Alfa Romeo and Porsche as well as clothing and accessory brands. I’m also an Australian lifestyle and style Influencer.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Upon awakening I first spend some quality time with my family. I then juggle a healthy breakfast whilst I check my emails and social channels, before heading off around Sydney (or interstate and occasionally overseas) to see clients or to work with the companies I partner with. I’m often doing photo shoots and working with photographers and videographers to create content for my celebrity clients and also myself. I try to finish up my day at a reasonable time when I’m working locally, as prioritising family time is really important to me.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Absolutely. In fact, I’m almost always working remotely as I have a constant stream of clients and brands to visit. Ioffer a very personalised service and try to go to my clients rather than have them come to me, in order to work in with their busy schedules. I thrive on working to a flexible schedule, and I always joke that a 9-5 job would be the death of me.
4)What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
Like many people I have a tendency to work too hard and not take enough breaks. I rarely take a holiday! Yet since the birth of my son I have made it a priority to share some quality time in the morning with him and my wife, and be home for dinner as much as possible so I am as present I can be with them. I also try to get to the gym 4-5 days a week. I often work on weekends but when I can I spend any free days with my family doing something fun, usually outdoors.
5)What do you think are some of the best habits or routines that you’ve developed over the years to help you achieve success in your life?
Getting to the gym regularly helps me a lot mentally. It feels good to burn off any pent-up stress and also take care of my body at the same time. I also try to eat a very balanced diet and recently I have been mostly eating plant-based, which has made me feel fantastic.
I no longer drink coffee and I rarely touch alcohol. I believe that good health, mind and body, will always reflect in your day-to-day efficiency.
6) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?
Admittedly I’ve put reading on the back burner for too long, but I always remember one book about the ‘30 second elevator pitch’ which helped me in my early days to have the confidence to talk about my business and ‘sell myself’.
7) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
Naturally I’m a very organised person, so I multitask as a second nature. You’ll often find me sending emails and on calls simultaneously whilst in transit from one location to another. I’m also an early riser and don’t sleep in so that also helps.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
I like to aim high, so I would say Richard Branson. I’ve always really admired him and his relaxed attitude towards work and life.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
I think it’s a fine line because when you’re young, or relatively young, I think you should really push your boundaries and work as hard as possible if you have that passion burning inside.
Once you have a partner and children you have to slow down and be present with them because you don’t get a second chance to create those memories. Regardless of our life stage, we ultimately should all rest more, connect more and have lots more fun! That’s the real-life goal.
