Daphne Sumner
Daphne Sumner, also known as Daphne Marie, is a Midlife Styleficiando™ and founder of The Chic Glamma, where she empowers women 40 and older to refine their confidence through personal style. Drawing from her own experiences navigating marriage, separation, and identity shifts, Daphne developed the Outside/In Method, a style strategy that starts with the external—closet curation, wardrobe choices, and visual branding—and works inward to build confidence without pressure or reinvention. Her approach emphasizes authenticity, intentionality, and elegance, helping women align their outward appearance with who they are becoming.
With over 13 years of experience in the style industry, Daphne’s journey began as a plus-size model, which naturally transitioned into a career in styling. She has held diverse roles in administrative support, sales, and artist management in the entertainment industry, which provided her with a strong foundation in business, client relations, and creative direction. Today, she works closely with clients through one-on-one consultations, guiding them in personal style strategy, closet therapy, and confidence-building. Her expertise also extends to advising entrepreneurs on branding, packaging, and promotional strategies, helping businesses stand out in competitive markets.
Daphne holds an associate's degree in business management from Kerr Business College and multiple professional certifications in styling for both men and women, customer service, and notary services. Through her work, she demonstrates that style is more than clothing—it is a tool for clarity, presence, and self-expression. Whether guiding introverted women through midlife transitions or helping entrepreneurs refine their visual brand, Daphne’s mission is to show that midlife is not about starting over but about editing, aligning, and thriving with quiet confidence.
• Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate
• Certified Men’s Stylist
• Certified Personal Stylist
• Kerr Business College - A.S.
• Breast Cancer Awareness
• Suicide Awareness
• Domestic Violence and Domestic Abuse Advocacy
• Premature Babies and NICU Support
What do you attribute your success to?
I would probably attribute my success to my dad, Gary, and my kids. My dad taught me hustle early in my age as a kid - that foundation has been everything. And then my kids, because if they weren't here, I don't know, ain't no telling what I'd be doing right now. They keep me grounded, even though they're all adults now, but they really do keep me grounded. My granddaughter who spent four and a half months in NICU came home a month before my dad died, so she's been my little rock. She smiles all the time and has just been so important to me through everything.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is don't give up. Time waits on no one, but it's never too late. I'm really learning that now as I'm rebranding after 50 and after a divorce. I'm letting go of everything that was tied to that and just redoing my whole life. That advice has meant so much to me during this transition.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would definitely say education is key. For me, when I got started, it was just a natural thing that I got into - I didn't take any courses or anything at first - but once I got into it, I did start taking courses. So get some type of education, definitely. And then just put yourself around other people that do what you're looking to do for the mentoring. Even beyond the fashion industry, you need a business mentor too, not just a fashion industry person. You need somebody who knows business, because a lot of people don't know business or don't understand business, no matter what industry they're in. That business knowledge is just as important as the creative side.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I've faced have been grief - I lost my mama six months after my daddy, and that's been a big thing to work through. Finances have been challenging too, just financing my business. You eat what you kill, so when those times are slow, you've got to maneuver accordingly. And then sometimes even just finding my client, finding my audience can be difficult. As for opportunities, I've met several celebrity stylists and actually have continued to have a relationship with them. I've styled some celebrities, though I never wanted to be a celebrity stylist because it's overrated. But just being in certain rooms with people who have become clients that are powerhouses in their industry - those networking opportunities have been incredible.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Loyalty is my biggest value - that's number one for me. Consistency is another really important one. And just showing up for yourself, which is very, very important. Commitment is also key. These values guide everything I do in both my work and personal life, especially now as I'm going through this rebranding process and really focusing on myself.
Locations
The Chic Glamma
North Augusta, SC 29860