Meet Pamela Bussi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pamela Bussi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pamela, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Body language tells the story before a single word is spoken. As a personal stylist, my first job isn’t to style — it’s to read the room. I met my clients in the personal stylist area. There are a chair and table.

When I meet a new client, I pay attention to the cues that guide how we begin our journey together.
Are their arms crossed tightly across their chest.
Are they sitting or standing.
Is their smile natural and relaxed, or a little stiff.

Some clients love shopping, others dread it. Both are completely normal — and both shape my approach.

I connect first, ask questions, listen carefully.
I laugh, smile, help them feel at ease.

A bottle of water.
A coffee card.
A bundle of beauty goodies.
Small gestures that say, you matter.

I use their name often. Names are important.

And then, the magic starts. I start to see what they may not see. The colors that make their eyes light up. The tones that make their skin glow. I comment on what’s working. I tell the truth when something isn’t. I give real feedback, wrapped in kindness and partnership.

Styling clothing and a look isn’t about forcing a trend. It’s about collaboration, comfort, and confidence. It’s about meeting someone where they are — and helping them step into who they want to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My success in personal styling isn’t measured by perfectly tailored trousers or the right shade of lipstick. It’s measured by the energy in the room — the spark that turns shopping into an experience. For me, my magic begins the moment I step into Nordstrom. When those doors swing open, it’s game on, baby.

Because styling isn’t about the clothes.
It’s about how the clothes make you feel.

And feelings start long before a client tries on a single outfit. A personalized beauty bag on the table. A coffee card. A chilled bottle of water.

The little things say:
I see you.
You matter.
You are worth this moment.

Styling is not a transaction. It’s hospitality, caring, questions and active listening. Empathy. When a woman feels safe, emotionally, physically, and personally, she becomes open to possibilities. We laugh, have fun, playing dress-up.

There will be laughter, sometimes tears. There will be jokes about the jeans that give negative butt lift and the blouse that looks like it escaped grandma’s closet. I pull different pieces. Some pieces are intentionally out of their comfort zone, the low cut, the little skirt. All for fun. I know you are not going to wear that top with your boobs coming out. It’s about fun. Plenty of clothing in the room that will work. Never too many pieces, no need to overwhelm.

Women deserve beauty today, not when menopause passes, not when you lose ten pounds, not when life gets easier, but today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Spokane in autumn is the best. Parks, nightlife and walking my neighborhood. Let’s start in my neighborhood. Browne’s Addition is historic. One of Spokane’s oldest neighborhoods with unique vegetation. The streets are lined with grand 19th-century mansions and massive old trees that turn fiery red, The MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture) is about regional history, culture, and often inspiring exhibitions. My favorite pizza is Pacific Pizza, a must stop with the locals.

I live a short distance to downtown. A 10 minute walk and we are in the heart of the city. I was first to Spokane 51 years ago for the World’s Fair. Many of the structures downtown in Riverfront Park are from this event. The clock tower is perfect for photos. The falls, towering pines, SkyRide over the falls, large basalt rock formations, the Centennial path. Downtown is filled with lights, the walkways that link the downtown buildings. Wine tasting downtown is fun. Great vineyards in Walla Walla Washington, not too far from Spokane. My favorite wine tasting is at Barrister Winery with great wines and a fun atmosphere. Emma Rue’s is a dessert, cocktail bar with jazz music on Thursday’s downtown.

Then to the south, Manito Park, Duncan Garden, the fall colors all over the floor of the park. Flowers still hanging on. The Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden is still gorgeous with maples showing off.

I enjoy nature and being outside, which comes from my farm and ranch days. I like the river, the falls and the restaurants that are along the river. Anthony’s is a favorite. The perfect view of the falls. Clinkerdagger’s in the old flour mill has a stunning river view. Steam Plant restaurant and brew pub is a favorite. The building is restored with the original steam plant fixtures from years ago. Tour the building with a beer in hand and then a great dinner.

The Fox Theater is home to the Spokane Symphony and a gorgeous art deco masterpiece. Bing Crosby Theater has great concerts, comedy, indie films. The Garland movie theatre is a fun blast into the past.

If the Spokane Chiefs Hockey has a home game, this is a must, Loud, active, electric, lots of energy, families enjoying their local team,

Go Zags! I love college sports. Good luck getting a ticket though, the games have been sold out for years.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success as a personal stylist didn’t begin with fashion. It started with dress up at my grandmother’s home. Her clothing she wore on a daily basis, her shoes, jewelry. She took photos of us in her clothing, modeling and having so much fun. My grandmother was a week every summer that I looked forward to. Not a long time was spent with my grandmother, because I was expected to be on the family farm.

In the dirt, the dust, and the wide-open skies of Montana. I was a farm and ranch girl long before I was a woman with an eye for style. Back then, my world wasn’t about fabrics. Who remembers the first polyester, oh my, it was awful. My life was about chores, animals, weather, and work that never waited for you to feel ready.

On the ranch, I was given responsibility far beyond my age. I drove tractors before my feet could fully reach the pedals. Remember the phone books and catalogs. I hauled feed, stacked bales, fed my animals and helped make decisions with limited information. There was no pausing for fear, no option to shrink from the moment. You used what you had, trusted your instincts, and did your best. And if it didn’t work? You learned. Quickly. I learned how to curse from my father.

Today, as a personal stylist, people often assume my confidence came from experience in retail or years of fashion knowledge. Yes, those mattered. But my foundation was laid by two parents who believed in the power of independence — who taught me that the world doesn’t hand you permission or certainty. You find it. You create it.

The power of family—a father who said, “You can do it,” and meant it. The grandmother that said, “You are pretty”.
The power of parenting—not smoothing the path.
The power of not overprotecting.
The power of making mistakes.

Styling is not just clothing. It’s understanding people. It’s reading body language. It’s seeing potential and daring them to see it too.

Website: https://linktr.ee/PamelaBussi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SoCaliPamela

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelabussi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamelaBussi

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MontanaCowgirltoCitifiedChic

Image Credits
Pamela Bussi