I caught up with Justin while in NYC for a photo shoot. Now a rockin ex-financial professional turned photographer, stylist, and men’s fashion guru, the 27 year old sat down with CAPITOL STANDARD to talk about the pressures of Wall Street and the freedom he’s found in his new career in photography and fashion.

Name: Justin Bridges
Occupation: Financial Analyst turned Photographer/ Fashion writer
Current City: Harlem, NY
Relationship status: In a Relationship
Age: 27

Why in the world would you leave Wall Street for fashion and photography?

I finished my two year analyst program at Goldman Sachs and went in search of other finance jobs in a tough job market. After numerous false starts, I decided to listen to my heart and do what I love. I always liked taking pictures. I needed a hobby to get away from everything – school, work, — so when I got my tax return I decided to buy a professional camera. The rest is history.”

How did you get your start in styling and men’s fashion?

Styling is more-so people asking me what to wear. People started asking me to put their wardrobe together as well as take photos of them. I just took that idea and ran with it. Then it just blew up. I started writing about fashion and doing more editorial shoots. I’ve gone from project to project.”

What’s your favorite thing about your newfound career in photography and styling?

My favorite part about photography is capturing an emotion and freezing it in time. I also love making people look and feel beautiful. I love finding the beauty in things that might not seem beautiful to society. I love being able to put together a look that I would want to wear but could never pull off. I love the creativity behind it; taking an idea and bringing it to life.”

If you’re doing what you love, what do you do for fun now?

I guess when you’re driving your own career and it’s something you really cherish, there’s no real separation. You get addicted to it. I work 24/7. I love the work I do now and watching this seed grow. This is work and fun for me.”

What are your goals for this empire you’re well on your way to building?

I’ve already started interviewing major brands and designers such as: Lands End, Idol Radec, Korto Momolu, and Billy Reid. I want to build a fashion empire that remains unique and dedicated to the client. I always want to have that mom and pop feel no matter how large it grows. Eventually, I want to try my hand at design. Above all, I just want to make my mark in the fashion world.”

Follow Justin on Twitter and on JustinBridges.com.

Featured photo by Justin Bridges.

Ursula Lauriston Avatar

Ursula Lauriston is the Founder & Chief Digital Strategist at CAPITOL STANDARD. A dynamic speaker and syndicated writer, she's been featured in Business Insider, Huffington Post, The Vault, Washington Post, and more.