WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
Nature adventures with women friends, late-night dance parties, surfing in warm waters, shooting hoops with the guys, kismet connections, home-cooked meals while records play, snuggling with my fluffy dog Gunnar, brunch dates with my sweetheart, a tidy home, a curated closet, making a bouquet of flowers from the garden, traveling to new places without an agenda, really good massages, really fabulous shoes!
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE WORK THAT YOU DO IN THE WORLD AT THIS TIME?
I encourage clients to liberate their personal style from the limitations of their former selves so they can fully inhabit their power. My goal is that they have a streamlined closet where every outfit reflects their signature style. I also created a physical space in Portland, Oregon for people to come together to develop or share ideas and make magic happen.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM A HARD TIME IN YOUR LIFE?
Life is short, but life is also long. My mother died of cancer when I was 11 and since then I’ve lost several others close to me, including my father way too young. At 13 I started my first business and surrounded myself with nurturing older women once I was living on my own. My tendency has been to “live life to the fullest” in their honor. Now, as I approach the age my mom was when she died, I’m wondering what life could look like if I live longer than she did. I really need to start putting money away for retirement! A long life could be very interesting. What does it look like to relax into that idea? A longer life certainly would take the pressure out of the day-to-day. So I’m trying to lean in to this idea that there is time. I’m not sure if I will change much. But what I do know is that I want to be true and honest with myself and others. I want to show up. I want to be present and potent. I don’t want to waist one moment people-pleasing or not standing up for what I believe in. I want to “do me” forever and support others to be 100% themselves too. Maybe this is what turning 40 is all about.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO?
My clients. They are making a positive impact. I want to support them so that they can focus on what matters most. When a passionate change-maker says to me, “I wasted so much time worried about what to wear to my TEDTalk,” I’m like, “PLEASE let me assist you!”
The designers. Most independent designers and small boutique owners are giving back to their communities. They are doing everything they can to support the local economy and they are also striving to be sustainable and unique in this modern world.
Beauty. If I can help someone feel more lit, emboldened and alive, that is good for our world. That is inspiring connections. That is creating energy. We do not have to look like a supermodel to feel hot. We don’t have to spend a million dollars to feel fashionable. Our look should be in harmony with our inner world. That look is beautiful because we as individuals are innately beautiful.
HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN THINGS FALL APART?
To be honest, it usually starts with a glass of wine. Then I look at my calendar to see when my next massage appointment is (I go twice a month to keep myself grounded and in my body). Lately, I’ve been working out twice a week with a personal trainer which helps me feel strong. And I dance twice a week to have a break from my thoughts while keeping my brain fit learning choreography. I ask more of my assistant; she is amazing. And I try to create some space to be by myself. I’m very sensitive to other people and their needs so when things fall apart I usually need more quiet time to recharge. This leads to major FOMO sometimes, but it’s important.
HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE WHEN THINGS COME TOGETHER IN A BEAUTIFUL WAY?
To be honest, it usually starts with a glass of bubbly… or a happy dance! Then I try to acknowledge everyone involved. It’s important to celebrate successes, and I do so for others, but in my own mind, I’m often on to the next thing.
WHAT ARE SOME RESOURCES OR SOME WISDOM THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
I love listening to the UnStyled podcast on the plane. UnStyled is hosted by Refinery29 Global Editor-in-Chief & Co-founder, Christene Barberich, and she always has interesting women on.
Here are our recommended products for your fashion emergencies and more. Use this link to schedule a free phone consult about my personal styling services.
Keep a list of your favorite songs on your phone to sing in the shower or in the car so that when you are invited to karaoke and you do decide to go, you’ll be ready.
Always RSVP and if you’re a YES, show up, even if you can only stay for a few minutes. It will be worth it.
