SLUG Style: Isabelle Butler

Up-and-coming model Isabelle Butler uses her craft to connect to the art and culture around her. Meeting creatives and artists around Salt Lake has given her an outlet to explore and grow her style. Butler hopes her outgoing personality and confidence rubs off on her growing following. 

Every month, SLUG Style features a distinct member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, SLUG Style is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.

What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character — anything.

I deeply believe in the phrase “You are who you surround yourself with.” In the same way, my style is formed by the people who have impacted my life. Rather than each of my outfits feeling like entirely my own creation, they feel like homages to special individuals who have influenced me in one way or another.

Why was modeling your earliest career goal? How have your ambitions changed since you first started working toward that goal?

As a tall young girl, you are told one of two things if you have anything to say about your height. It’s either, “You’d be great in [insert sport here],” or “Oh, but you could model!” I went ahead and decided to enforce the stereotype and try both.

Modeling is an incredibly glamorized job and industry; it’s natural to be drawn to things that appear beautiful and luxurious, as many of us are. The more I immerse myself in it, the more I want to impact and change the industry and promote individuality and comfortability in one’s own body and self. I recognize that the industry has come a long way in its definition of beauty, but I see it falling back into its troubled bones often. If I could help even one person’s confidence in themselves through my work, I’d be incredibly proud. 

What are your interests or hobbies? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?

I’ve had a sampling of various hobbies over the years and keep a mental list of ones I have yet to try but am excited to. My earliest interest was in creative makeup, and I amassed quite the cosmetic collection by middle school. This no doubt played a part in why I feel so strongly about self-expression and individualism and it continues to be an outlet for me.

Since moving to Salt Lake City, I have been missing a passion of mine – connecting through hosting. I am still finding my social footing here, but I look forward to the day when I facilitate the beginning of a new friendship in this place. 

What are some of your greatest accomplishments in your career? What are some of your biggest dreams you hope to achieve? 

I’m still early in my career, but my greatest accomplishment has been meeting so many incredible creatives and being able to contribute to the community through my own ideas and skills. My biggest dream is to leave a lasting positive footprint in the spaces I enter and make beauty feel attainable and universal.

Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with fewer elements of your style?

I truly admire those who are, or who I perceive as, “always on.” For some, harmonious outfits come naturally and without second thought. I seem to always be at war with my closet, ravaging my drawers until I’m satisfied with my ensemble. More likely than not, you’ll catch me lounging in athletic or athleisure wear after a workout, but I’m known to pull out the stops once in a while.

How does your work in the concert industry overlap with your broader career goals? How does it help you to connect with the creative community?

I am fortunate to have endlessly encouraging coworkers and supervisors who express curiosity and support in the work I do outside of concerts. Through my job, I feel more connected to the arts and events in Salt Lake City, 

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be? 

Generous – Describing myself as generous comes off as egotistical, I know. It’s not a title I’m ready to proclaim yet, but rather something I strive to be and recognize as a wonderful trait that the dearest people to me have.

Goal-oriented – Goal setting is crucial in motivating myself to create a life that brings fulfillment.

Proactive – I recognize and cherish the help I receive, but that alone doesn’t take anyone over the finish line. To own my successes and be proud of my work, I try to be the catalyst of events in my life, instead of idly letting other factors make the decisions.

Why is mental health so important to you? What has gone into your personal wellness journey?

I’ve lived with chronic depression since I was little; it is present every day, and each day’s balance to live happily and healthily looks different. I used to find it hard to be open about this personal struggle, but I’m blessed to be part of a generation that leads a growing movement of destigmatizing mental health. The more you talk about it, the easier it becomes to get yourself and others life-saving help and support. 

I’m on a constant path of self-betterment, with a recent focus on physical capability, although personal wellness should be rounded, with many categories needing attention. For me, this looks like daily movement, reading, weekly outings and pushing my comfort zone. 

How has your personal style evolved over time?

My personal style has evolved in tandem with my social circle. I find that as I am more choosy with my friends, I opt toward spending time with artsy and confident people, which reflects in the way I dress. I find immense creative inspiration from those I love.

If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Take time to explore yourself and the things you enjoy; the need for you to conform is imaginary, and you will be loved as you are.

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