Meet Kirstie Marie Bunge | Founder of GlamChicMama Fashion Blog & Styling

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kirstie Marie Bunge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kirstie Marie, what is the most important factor behind your success?
One word, Family. GlamChicMama wouldn’t happen because of my family. Family is a big priority in my life, from my parents to my brother to my husband and now my daughter. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without their support, advice, and love guiding me. My fashion blog & styling business mainly focuses on helping women, especially mothers who lost their ways when it comes to fashion.Being a full time mom & wife, I lost my passion when I became a new mom. After the pregnancy I wore sweatpants, hoodies, plain shirts everyday, and it grew more and more depressing to see myself in the mirror. It took a long while to feel good in my skin again and to love what I wore. My husband specifically was my main supporter when it came to the passions that I’ve had. He motivated me to do what I love because as he repeats “Try doing something that you’ll enjoy for the rest of your life,” thus GlamChicMama happened. I wanted to help those mothers that lost their ways too and help light their spark to feel great about themselves again by giving easy styling tips & quick go-to outfit ideas. I wanted to be that cheerleader that mothers needed when they are too busy prioritizing not only their family, work life and home duties but themselves. GlamChicMama Blog & Styling is a start up and provided so much motivation for not only mothers but many women in the Cleveland community. Especially with the new community events I just started up called Big Thrift Energy and clothing swaps with other Cleveland influencers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
GlamChicMama was mainly focused to help mothers who lost their creative touch. I keep repeating to myself and those mothers around me, ” Who says mothers can’t be fashionable too?”. I highly believe in this statement because after having my daughter, there was a moment in time where I was content on the “lazy look” everyday. I lost my interest in myself and lost myself in the process. A few months later after comparing myself to social media, I knew I could do and be more. I started reading more and thrifting more to enhance my styling skill. Later to realize, I wasn’t the only ones suffering. There are so many mothers out there having a hard time feeling good in what they wear too. Thus, GlamChicMama was born. It was very hard getting the word out but I highly believe in networking and putting in the hard work. I celebrated the launch for my fashion blog last January 2024 and the word slowly grew. I, then started Big Thrift Energy events to help not only mothers but everyone to look bougie in a budget. Looking elegant doesn’t mean expensive. Especially being a mother on a budget, thrifting helped a long way so it made me spread my knowledge to those in my events. I want to help mothers and women love themselves again through fashion. I continued to network and it landed me, two styling jobs for two different fashion shows & now the new inaugural face of Michigan Fashion Week as their brand ambassador.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I swear by the Flats, and most people know, whenever I take my visitors to the Flats, I always recommend Sora for food and drinks. I love Sora so much that I should have a membership there because I’m there way too often. But other than Sora, I love taking my friends to the night life at Good Night John Boy, Inferno, Glamper CLE (when its open, Lost CLE, and the farm to have a great night. I still live for the night, till 12am that is (I’m still a mom that needs some hours of sleep and lost tolerance to loads of alcohol haha) For great beer & a big pretzel appetizer though, I highly suggest the Beerhead. Plus, the Cleveland sign is always a crowd favorite especially in Edgewater Park. Plus, you can’t go wrong watching a sport game in downtown. Browns tailgates are always a crowd pleaser, Cavs have the best arena for views, and grab the delicious hot dogs and beer at the Guardians game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest shoutout that I could ever give is to my loving husband. The work and dedication he does for our family, really is motivating. He supported me through all my hardships and changes when it comes to my dreams and careers. I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my career without his sacrifices and motivation. Without him, I wouldn’t have my beautiful daughter, they are the main reason for GlamChicMama. He was the reason that I finally graduated my Bachelors, while being a first time mom at the same time. Now that I have my Bachelors, more opportunities and ideas came to my life that I can finally pursue.

Instagram: @glamchicmama

Image Credits
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