How I Discovered My Unique Approach as a Personal Stylist

Picture this: your personal stylist is rapid-fire explaining colour theory while simultaneously pulling twelve different tops from the rack, explaining why your body shape needs this specific silhouette, and detailing the psychology behind pattern mixing. Your eyes glaze over. Your brain shuts down. You nod politely, but inside you're thinking, "I just wanted to know what to wear to work on Monday."

That was me in my early days as a personal stylist. And honestly? It wasn’t working for me or my clients.

The Over-Sharing Phase: When More Felt Like Better

When I started my business, I carried this overwhelming need to prove my worth through sheer volume of information. Every wardrobe edit became a masterclass. Every colour analysis turned into a dissertation. I genuinely believed that cramming as much knowledge as possible into each session would demonstrate value and justify my clients' investment.

The guilt was real. I loved what I did so much that I couldn't help but share everything I knew. If someone was paying for my expertise, shouldn't they get all of it? This thinking led me down a path of information overload that left both my clients and me feeling exhausted rather than empowered.

The Wake-Up Call: When Clients Started Looking Overwhelmed

The turning point came during what should have been a straightforward wardrobe edit session. As I explained the intricacies of undertones while simultaneously demonstrating proper fit techniques, I noticed something that stopped me mid-sentence. My client had that deer-in-headlights look. Her questions weren't clarifying—they were coming from a place of complete confusion.

She'd come to me for support, and I was drowning her in details she didn't need or want. Several more clients displayed similar reactions, and I realized my approach was creating the exact opposite of what I intended. Instead of confidence, I was fostering overwhelm. Instead of clarity, I was adding confusion.

This wasn't what I wanted for my clients. More importantly, it wasn't sustainable for me as a personal stylist who genuinely cared about creating positive transformations.

The Shift: Discovering the Power of Individual Connection

The breakthrough came when I started focusing less on what I thought clients needed to know and more on what they actually needed for their specific situation. I began to lean into what I realized was my natural strength: seeing people as individuals and providing exactly the tools each person needed for where they were in their journey.

Some clients needed confidence in shopping techniques. Others required help with wardrobe editing basics. Many just wanted to understand which colours made them feel vibrant. The magic happened when I matched my expertise to their specific needs rather than delivering a one-size-fits-all information dump.

This shift didn't just change my client sessions—it revolutionized my entire approach to personal styling and image consulting.

My Inside-Out Philosophy: Style That Reflects Your True Self

What emerged from this evolution is what I now call my inside-out approach to personal style. Rather than starting with trends or rules about what someone "should" wear, I begin with the foundation: who they are, where they're going, and what they want their presence to communicate.

This approach starts with our Style Foundations program, where we explore colour analysis, silhouette determination, style personality, and lifestyle needs. But here's the difference: we do it through the lens of their individual identity and goals, not generic fashion rules.

My process ensures that every wardrobe choice aligns with who my client truly is—and who they're becoming.

A Client Story: From Fashion Victim to Style Confident

One client story perfectly illustrates why this approach works. Rachel (not her real name) came to me completely frustrated with her wardrobe. She'd been falling into the classic trap of seeing styles on other women and thinking she should wear those exact pieces. She'd buy them, bring them home, and they'd sit unworn in her closet, creating guilt and financial stress.

When we started working together, I took her through the Style Foundations process first. We dug into the disconnect between what she admired on others and what she actually loved for herself. We uncovered the stories she'd been telling herself about what her style "should" be versus what felt authentically her.

The transformation wasn't just about finding the right clothes—it was about giving her permission to dress for herself rather than some imaginary style judge. She learned to make clothing decisions from a place of self-knowledge rather than external pressure, which ultimately saved her money and dramatically increased her confidence.

The Lasting Impact: Tools That Grow With You

The beautiful thing about this refined approach is that it creates lasting change. When clients understand the foundations of their personal style—their colours, silhouettes, and style personality—they have tools they can use for life. Whether they're shopping alone, going through a life transition, or simply evolving their look, these foundational elements remain consistent guides.

This is why my Master Your Style course focuses on education and empowerment rather than temporary makeovers. It's an investment in long-term confidence, not just a short-term wardrobe fix.

The Question That Changes Everything

Here's what I've learned after years of personal styling and countless wardrobe edits: the most important question isn't "What should I wear?" It's "What story do I want my clothes to tell about who I am and who I'm becoming?"

Your wardrobe is one of the most powerful tools you have for non-verbal communication. Every morning, you're choosing how to present yourself to the world. When those choices align with your authentic self, something magical happens—you show up with presence, confidence, and ease.

Ready to Discover Your Unique Style Story?

If you're tired of closet confusion and ready to develop a personal style that truly reflects who you are, I'd love to help you discover your own inside-out transformation. Our Style Foundations consultation is the perfect starting point for anyone ready to move beyond fashion frustration toward authentic, confident style choices.

Book your Style Foundations consultation today and start building a wardrobe that supports the amazing person you're becoming.