Our Story
At Southern Methodist University, an unlikely friendship was sparked between two women whose differences would become their greatest strength. Andrea had just arrived in the United States from Cape Town—a striking presence at six feet tall, athletic, academically driven, and quietly introverted, having graduated as valedictorian. Allison, by contrast, stood at 4'11", bursting with creativity and charisma—an extroverted spirit who found joy in screenwriting, sketching, and fashion rather than textbooks or treadmills. Where Andrea was disciplined and reserved, Allison was expressive and free-spirited. Yet somewhere between study sessions, campus life, and shared ambition, their bond formed instantly and never let go.
Over the years, their friendship became a powerful exchange of strengths. Andrea’s focus and encouragement inspired Allison to embrace her academic potential, eventually pursuing graduate studies, while Allison’s vibrant energy helped Andrea step into the spotlight—joining a sorority, leading communication teams at Mary Kay, Cooper Institute and The Bush Institute, and earning recognition through Leadership Dallas. Even their 11-inch height difference became symbolic of their dynamic partnership—Andrea reaching new heights, literally and figuratively, while Allison grounded their work with detail and artistry. After decades of collaboration on creative projects for friends and family, the two realized their shared magic deserved a stage of its own. And so, Elle Styling was born—a reflection of their journey, where contrast becomes harmony, and together, they truly shine.
Meet Our Team
Allison Okon
Owner & Stylist
Allison is a Dallas native with a global perspective shaped by living in New York, Chicago, and London—cities known for their influence on style, design, and culture. With an innate sense of creativity and a lifelong passion for aesthetics, she has spent decades helping others refine how they live and present themselves. Her approach is intuitive and highly personalized, combining a polished eye with a genuine ability to understand each client’s lifestyle and vision.
Her background is rooted in luxury retail and design. Allison served as a buyer for Tiffany & Co. in New York and Neiman Marcus in Dallas, developing a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and elevated taste. She also worked with renowned jeweler Hirsh London and later owned and operated a successful hospitality furnishings company, collaborating closely with interior designers and staying at the forefront of design trends. Early in her career, she styled clients for brands such as MaxMara, Anne Fontaine, and Anthropologie, refining her ability to create cohesive, sophisticated looks across both fashion and interiors.
Allison holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinema and a Master of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. This unique combination of creative training and interpersonal insight allows her to connect easily with clients, listen deeply, and translate their needs into spaces and personal style that feel authentic, confident, and effortlessly aligned.
Andrea Kirsten-Coleman
Director of Marketing & Stylist
Andrea has spent her career shaping stories on a global stage. For decades, she has worked in social impact communications across Africa and around the world, helping organizations, like Mary Kay, The Bush Institute and The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, articulate why their work matters. At its core, her work has always been about seeing the bigger picture, connecting the dots, editing to the essential, and bringing clarity and meaning to complex narratives.
Andrea grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, where storytelling takes a quieter form, expressed through space, texture, and the rhythm of everyday life. Homes feel layered and personal, shaped over time and generations, rather than designed all at once. That early influence, combined with a natural curiosity, travel, and global experience, shaped her instinct for curation and her appreciation for spaces that feel both intentional and effortless.
Her style is rooted in this heritage and experience, blending the relaxed elegance of Cape Town living with the structure, refinement and uniqueness of an Afro-British sensibility. Whether it’s adding beadwork from South African artisans or baskets from women weavers in Malawi, she infuses global creativity into all of her work.
Andrea sees each space as a narrative, something to be edited, refined, and brought into focus. It’s not just about how a room looks, but the story it conveys about the person who enjoys them.