Fawn Cheng, mom, fashion stylist and image consultant to the top CEOs and executives, has been defending closets and wardrobes across the nation from out-of-date despair with a flair and magic that makes her clients feel fabulous, cultivated and ready to take on the world. She has styled Ms. Arizona USA and has worked backstage with Natalie Cole as well as local socialites that participate in Oscar Night America and Fight Night.
We had fun with this interview and I hope you enjoy reading it!
KM: Tell us about you and your (brand, cause, item, book) –
My philosophy on style and beauty stems from my absolute love for capturing that which is wonderfully unique about each individual. I grew up an only child of divorced parents, a Chinese father and a Mexican mother. Growing up with both cultures meant that I bounced back and forth between extreme differences in traditions and ideologies. Not quite able to exclusively identify with either world, I often felt confused and uncomfortable about being unlike everyone around me. Eventually, though, this struggle planted a seed of awareness that those differences are what gives a person his or her unique “thumbprint”. This eventually led me to what I now call “Style DNA”, a person’s one-of-a-kind blue print, from unique physical features to personality traits and tastes, to lifestyle needs. All of this serves as the canvas for expressing fabulous beauty and style.
KM: How do you find time to “do it all”?
I don’t always find time to do it all because I tend to want to do everything! I love being active, learning new things, taking on new challenges, and because I am very visual, I am easily distracted by pretty, shiny objects. The truth is, work and life balance is tough. I used to get disappointed in myself when I couldn’t complete everything on my list, but I’ve learned to give myself a break. When things are hectic, I remind myself that life is much more fun (and relaxed!) when I am fully present in each moment and trust that the world won’t fall apart when things don’t go precisely as planned. Sometimes perfection means being messy and imperfect.
KM: Describe each of your children in one sentence.
Cortez, my 13 year-old competitive bowler (carries a 235 average!) is self-managed (with his moral compass, he’s always had a strong sense of right and wrong), insightful (in that he looks beneath the surface in a given situation), gracious (he is polite, caring, and recognizes goodness in others) and competitive (he’s the youngest scratch player on tour).
KM: What would you tell your 17 year old self if you could?
Ha! It’s what I remind my adult self too:
Get quiet. Go inside. And love yourself despite, and especially because of, your imperfections. Having an okay-ness with who you are and every little good and seemingly bad thing you come wrapped up in is the first step in becoming and expressing beauty.
KM: What would your kids say is your “catch phrase”? My mother’s is “This is true!” She must say it 100 days a day. LOL!
Not sure I have a catch phrase but the one thing everyone tells me is that I purse my lips in a pout when I am focused or thinking. My son, ex-husband, and girlfriends all imitate me to a tee, it’s hilarious. What’s more is that many tell me I’m rubbing off on them because they catch themselves doing it too; must be a useful habit!
KM: Describe yourself in only 3 words.
Loving, expressive, driven
KM: It is 9 pm on a typical weekday evening. Where are you and what are you doing?
I’m a morning person and generally out of bed before 5am, so I’m almost home (from an event or activity) and looking to wind down.
Spending focused time with my son was a big goal of mine when I left the business world. So on the weeks that I have him, it’s all about homework, bowling practice, dinner, and then one on one time. On the weeks that I don’t have him, I avoid email or outlets that will pump my adrenalin and keep me up all night working or thinking (imagine pursed lips all night—not good for wrinkle management).
KM: Please share your favorite kid-friendly, mom-approved recipe!
Our favorite summertime snack is frozen grapes—sweet, crunchy, and healthy.
KM: What would you tell every new mother if given the chance?
Especially for girls: Beauty is a process of becoming, loving, and expressing exactly who you are. From this springboards confidence, standards, and an understanding of others.
KM: Share your best make up/ beauty trick!
Pinky nude lips look great on everyone. My fave lip is softly lined, colored, and topped on the pouty part of the top and bottom with Lustreglass by MAC in Love Nectar or Pinkarat.
I also love to exfoliate with home-made scrubs of brown sugar, sweet almond or olive oil, and my favorite essential oil for a bit of fragrance.
KM: What is the one fashion accessory that every woman should own?
Boots because they go with everything and can be worn all year around with shorts, dresses, jeans, etc. For maximum use, find a pair in your optimal shaft height so it’s slimming on your calves.
It has been a while since I have conducted an interview and I really enjoyed it. Guess I need to get back to it! You can find out even more about Fawn at
Her YouTube account, Fawn Cheng Personal Stylist on Facebook or @FawnCheng on Twitter!
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