Erin Hodgkinson

Styling Specialist

Service Member's Branch - Air Force

Service Member's Status - Retiree - 25 years

What has been your military spouse career/entrepreneur journey so far?

I made the intentional decision to be at home with my children during their formative school years (be stationed overseas), while also prioritizing the opportunity to travel as a family. During that time, I was committed to developing my career in fashion styling by pursuing industry certifications and operating a small women's clothing boutique. Upon returning to the U.S., I leaped back into my field working as a fashion stylist for HSN's live broadcasts. After another relocation, I shifted to remote work for greater flexibility and began working for Stitch Fix.

Tell us about yourself.

Erin Hodgkinson here! I have four children and the cutest grandbaby! I love exploring the world and anything to do with saltwater.

Tell us about a "typical" day in your professional life.

On a typical day at work I will be testing pilot programs for Stitch Fix as well as creating content for the company's social streams. I am on the Styling Incubator Team so we spend a lot of time on innovation.

If you've been stationed overseas, how did this affect your career and or business?

LOL see above…

What has been your biggest military spouse career struggle and how did you overcome it?

PCSing to new locations every 1-4 years.

How does your career path differ from what you imagined for yourself?

I would not have it any other way! Raising a family while being able to pursue a career was always my hope.

How did military life (PCSing, deployments, trainings, etc) factor into your career decisions?

PCSing meant constant pivoting.

If you and/or your spouse have transitioned from active duty to your current status, what resource or tool did you find to be the most helpful?

My husband did a fellowship through SOTF which was a great resource and full of experienced mentors.

Final word: what are your top tips for other military spouses about navigating a career within the military lifestyle?

Navigate your career by continuing education (even when time is limited, take small steps) in your area of expertise (or a field you are interested in), be brave enough to jump in and go for a job that you think you may not be qualified for, explore something new that excites you.

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