When I first started out as a personal stylist, one of my biggest challenges wasn’t finding clients or learning the ropes—it was looking in the mirror. I had this idea in my head of what a personal stylist should look like. My mentors, the people I looked up to, were always impeccably dressed in power suits, with perfectly styled hair and makeup that seemed to be applied with the precision of an artist. They exuded confidence and seemed to fit the mold of what I thought a successful stylist should look like.

But here’s the thing: I didn’t fit that mold. Power suits weren’t my thing. I wasn’t comfortable with heavily stylized hair or a full face of makeup. My style was, and still is, natural, classic, and minimal. I loved the simplicity of clean lines, neutral colours, and a face that felt light and breathable. But for a long time, I worried that this wasn’t “enough” to be taken seriously as a stylist.

The Pressure to Conform
In the world of personal styling, there’s often an unspoken pressure to look a certain way. After all, as stylists, we’re in the business of appearances. We help people put their best foot forward, express themselves through their clothing, and build confidence in how they present themselves to the world. So it’s only natural to think that our appearance should align with what society expects a stylist to look like—polished, trendy, and on the cutting edge of fashion.

But the truth is, this mindset can be incredibly limiting. When we feel the need to conform to an external standard of beauty or style, we’re not just putting pressure on ourselves; we’re also potentially alienating the clients who would benefit most from our unique perspective and approach.

Finding My Style and My Clients
Over the years, I made peace with my style. I realized that I didn’t need to fit into the stereotypical image of a stylist to be successful. In fact, embracing my natural, classic look allowed me to attract clients who valued the same things I did: simplicity, practicality, and authenticity.

These clients weren’t looking for a stylist who would dress them in the latest trends or push them out of their comfort zone. They wanted someone who could help them build a wardrobe that worked for their everyday lives—pieces that were comfortable, versatile, and flattering. They wanted a system, not a makeover. They wanted to feel confident in their own skin, not like they were playing dress-up in someone else’s clothes.

Once I embraced my own style, I found that my perfect clients started finding me. They appreciated that I wasn’t trying to be someone I wasn’t. They trusted me because I was authentic, and they knew I could help them achieve a look that felt true to who they were.

Are You Holding Yourself Back?
If you’re a personal stylist—or aspiring to be one—you might be wondering if you need to change your appearance to succeed. Maybe you don’t feel like you fit the image of what a stylist “should” look like. Maybe you’re more comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt than in a designer dress. Maybe you prefer natural makeup to a bold lip. Or maybe you have your own unique style that doesn’t fit into any box.

If that’s the case, I have one piece of advice for you: Stop. Stop worrying about fitting into a mold that wasn’t made for you. Stop holding yourself back because you don’t think you look the part. You are perfect just as you are, and there are clients out there who need exactly what you have to offer.

Your Style, Your Brand
Your personal style is part of your brand. It’s what sets you apart from other stylists and makes you relatable to your ideal clients. If you try to be someone you’re not, you’ll attract clients who don’t resonate with your true self. But if you embrace your unique style, you’ll attract clients who appreciate and value you for who you are.

Consider this: Your perfect client is someone who is drawn to you because of your authenticity. They see natural, classic style and think, “That’s exactly what I’m looking for.” They want someone who understands their desire for simplicity, practicality, and elegance. They want someone who can help them build a wardrobe that reflects their own values and lifestyle, not someone else’s.

By being true to yourself, you’re not just finding your clients—you’re finding the clients who are the perfect match for you.

The Power of Authenticity
Authenticity is powerful. When you’re authentic, you create a connection with your clients that goes beyond clothing. They trust you because they know you’re not trying to sell them something that doesn’t align with their needs. They feel understood because you’re not just giving them a makeover—you’re helping them express who they truly are.

As a business coach to personal stylists, I’ve seen time and again how important it is to embrace your unique style. Your clients aren’t looking for a cookie-cutter stylist; they’re looking for someone who gets them, someone who can help them feel confident and beautiful in their own way.

You Are Enough
So if you’re feeling like you don’t look the part, remember this: You are enough just as you are. Your style is what makes you unique, and it’s exactly what your perfect clients are looking for. Don’t let the fear of not fitting in hold you back from sharing your gifts with the world.

The beauty of being a personal stylist is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your clients come to you because they see something in you that resonates with them. By being yourself—authentic, natural, and true—you’ll not only build a successful business, but you’ll also make a lasting impact on the lives of the people you serve.

​So go out there, embrace your style, and show the world that there’s no such thing as a “typical” stylist—just stylists who are perfectly themselves❣️