Risa Kostis: Fashion, Wedding & Media Stylist + Founder of The Rescue Kit Co

Risa Kostis stands at the intersection of style expertise, entrepreneurial acumen, and unwavering resilience. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, she is the founder of Risa Kostis Creative (formerly RISTYLE Consulting) and the co-founder and CEO of The Rescue Kit Co, a pioneering venture specializing in fashion emergency kits for brides and beyond. With a career spanning over two decades in the fashion and beauty industries, Risa has garnered international recognition for her innovative approach to styling and her ability to transform clients’ images.

Risa’s journey into fashion began against a backdrop of personal challenge. At the age of 17, she survived a severe car accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury, memory loss, and extensive facial injuries requiring multiple surgeries. Despite these obstacles, Risa turned adversity into motivation, discovering a passion for skincare and makeup as she embarked on her path to recovery. Her determination led her to cosmetology school in Boston, where she honed her skills while working at a prestigious salon on Newbury Street.

Launching her career in bridal hair and makeup at just 21 years old, Risa’s expertise soon caught the attention of a fashion designer client, propelling her into the world of high fashion in a role reminiscent of the iconic fashion movie, “The Devil Wears Prada”. This experience immersed her in all aspects of the fashion industry and provided invaluable insights into the workings of a startup company, despite its eventual closure. Undeterred, Risa relocated to New York City, where she delved into fashion PR from 2008 to 2010, further expanding her knowledge and network within the industry.

After completing her degree at Arizona State University in 2012, Risa founded her eponymous styling company in 2014. Initially offering a broad spectrum of services from closet transformations to editorial and private styling, her business evolved into a sought-after destination for clients seeking personalized fashion expertise. Over time, Risa’s focus narrowed to specialize in private and celebrity styling, day-of-dressing for brides, and global shopping and sourcing.

One pivotal moment in Risa’s career crystallized her commitment to solving fashion dilemmas on the fly. While assisting a bride on her wedding day, Risa improvised a dress repair using her professional styling kit, sparking the idea for The Rescue Kit Co. Founded on the principles of preparedness and problem-solving, the company quickly gained acclaim for its tailored solutions and has since expanded its reach to luxury wedding venues and resorts across Arizona, California, and Colorado.

Today, Risa balances her roles as a successful business owner and celebrity wardrobe stylist, leveraging her expertise to empower clients and elevate their special moments. Her clientele includes prominent figures from sports, entertainment, and business spheres, underscoring her ability to blend individualized style with a deep understanding of her clients’ needs and aspirations.