Episode 8 of Never Stop Dreaming BIGGIE featuring fashion powerhouse Andrea Serrano

“It was all a dream…” but what if your biggest risk became your greatest reward?

In this week’s episode of Never Stop Dreaming BIGGIE, I’m sitting down with fashion entrepreneur Andrea Serrano, who has spent 30 years proving that passion and profit can work hand in hand. From styling Janet Jackson and Prince in New York to building multiple successful businesses in Charleston, Andrea shares the real story behind turning creative talent into sustainable income.

The Risk That Changes Everything

Too many entrepreneurs stay stuck in the “someday” cycle because they’re terrified of taking the leap. They watch others succeed while they play it safe, collecting inspiration but never taking action. The result? Years pass, dreams fade, and regret sets in.

Andrea understands this struggle intimately. She’s watched countless creative professionals with incredible talent remain stuck because they’re afraid to bet on themselves. The fashion industry is notoriously difficult to break into, let alone build a sustainable career in, yet she’s done it repeatedly across different markets and economic cycles.

My Journey With Andrea: Witnessing Authentic Success

I’ve known Andrea for over 20 years, and I’ve watched her navigate every kind of business challenge imaginable. When she and her husband Gus opened Bazaar, one of Charleston’s coolest boutiques, I was immediately drawn to their vision. The store was everything I wanted to spend my money on – unique pieces, incredible energy, and a shopping experience unlike anything else in the city.

But then 2008 hit. The economic crash forced them to close the store they’d poured their hearts into. I watched Andrea face this devastating loss with grace and determination. Instead of giving up on entrepreneurship, she used it as a stepping stone to her next chapter. That resilience and ability to pivot has been the secret to her sustained success.

What strikes me most about Andrea is how she’s never lost sight of her core values while building profitable businesses. She’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice your integrity or passion to make money.

The SERRANO Framework: From Passion to Profit

Based on our conversation, I’ve identified Andrea’s approach to building a sustainable creative business – what I call the SERRANO Framework:

S – Start Where You Are Andrea didn’t wait for perfect conditions. She started assisting other stylists in New York, learning the industry from the ground up. Even when pregnant with her second child, she was on set working with Army Wives, building skills and connections.

E – Embrace Community Over Competition Andrea’s “Think Tank” mastermind with powerhouse women like Shaniequa Washington, JuJu, Erin Kienzle, and Nikki Wood proves the power of collaboration. As she says, “Everybody needs a mastermind. I cannot stress that enough when you’re in this entrepreneurial business.”

R – Risk With Purpose “I don’t wanna be in my 60s saying, ‘I wish I would have done this. I wish I would have done that.’ I’d rather take the risk, maybe fail, learn some really big lessons.” Andrea’s willingness to take calculated risks has opened doors that staying safe never could.

R – Reinvent When Necessary When one dream had to end, Andrea made room for the next. From boutique owner to costume shopper to freelance stylist to content creator – she’s constantly evolved while staying true to her core strengths.

A – Amplify Others’ Missions Andrea doesn’t just style people; she brings communities together to amplify brand missions. Her work with organizations like My Sister’s House and Warrior Surf Foundation shows how giving back can be built into your business model.

N – Navigate With Your Inner Voice “I really listened to myself. I feel like we’re all guided and there’s always signs… But it’s a matter of listening to that inner voice and seeing the signs.”

O – Own Your Driver’s Seat “I love being in the driver’s seat,” Andrea says. Taking control of her career path and business decisions has been crucial to her success and satisfaction.

Making It Happen: Your Action Plan

Ready to start turning your passion into profit? Here’s how to implement Andrea’s approach:

First, identify your transferable skills. Andrea’s eye for style translates across editorial shoots, commercial campaigns, event production, and content creation. What core abilities do you have that could serve multiple markets?

Second, build your support network now. Don’t wait until you’re struggling to find your mastermind group. Look for others in complementary businesses who share your values and ambition.

Third, start saying yes to opportunities that stretch you. Andrea’s willingness to work on different types of projects – from celebrity styling to local fashion shows – built a diverse skill set and network that serves her to this day.

Community Spotlight: The Power of Connection

Andrea’s success story illustrates why community matters so much in entrepreneurship. Her Think Tank provides objective feedback, celebrates wins, and offers support during challenges. This kind of authentic connection is exactly what we’re building in The Brighter Side Society and Like Minded Charleston.

When entrepreneurs try to go it alone, they miss out on the accountability, perspective, and opportunities that come from being part of a supportive community. Andrea’s story shows how collaboration amplifies individual success.

The Real Talk About Creative Entrepreneurship

Let’s be honest about the challenges you’ll face turning passion into profit. You’ll have seasons where money is tight while you’re building your reputation. You’ll face rejection and projects that don’t pan out. Some ventures, like Andrea’s boutique, might need to end before you’re ready.

But here’s what Andrea taught me: these setbacks aren’t failures – they’re redirections. Every experience builds skills, connections, and resilience you’ll need for your next opportunity. The key is staying in motion and remaining open to how your passion might evolve.

The biggest mistake creative entrepreneurs make is giving up too soon. They expect overnight success and abandon ship when reality doesn’t match their timeline. Andrea’s 30-year journey proves that sustainable success comes from consistent effort, strategic pivots, and unwavering belief in your value.

Your Challenge This Week

Choose one skill you have that could be monetized in a different way than you’re currently using it. Reach out to three people in your network to explore how you might collaborate or serve their needs differently. Take one concrete action toward diversifying how you apply your talents.

Share your results in our Never Stop Dreaming BIGGIE community and support others who are taking this same leap.

Building Your Creative Empire

Andrea’s journey from celebrity stylist to Charleston entrepreneur proves that geographic location doesn’t limit your potential – your mindset does. She’s built a thriving business by staying true to her values, embracing community, and constantly evolving her service offerings.

In The Brighter Side Society, we’re seeing members apply these same principles across industries. They’re turning their expertise into multiple revenue streams, building supportive networks, and creating businesses that align with their values. The framework works when you work the framework.

The Truth About Turning Dreams Into Reality

Here’s what I know after watching Andrea’s journey and working with hundreds of entrepreneurs: your biggest dreams require your biggest risks. Playing it safe guarantees you’ll stay exactly where you are. Taking calculated risks based on your strengths and values creates the possibility of extraordinary outcomes.

Andrea didn’t become successful by accident. She made strategic choices, built valuable relationships, and never stopped investing in her growth. Most importantly, she refused to let fear make her decisions.

Your passion has value. Your skills can solve problems for people who will pay for solutions. The question isn’t whether you can turn your dreams into reality – it’s whether you’ll take the first step.

Ready to turn your creative passion into a profitable business? Join The Brighter Side Society, where ambitious women learn the building blocks for making anything big happen in life. Learn more at sipindipity.com.

Listen to Never Stop Dreaming BIGGIE every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with Angel Holmes on Instagram @angelpholmes and join our community @neverstopdreamingbiggie.