Today marks six years since I started Styling You.
My business looked nothing like it does today – I didn’t even know that blogging was (or could be) a thing.
What I knew was that I wanted to help women feel more confident in their personal style because I was convinced if they were able to do that then they’d be able to take on whatever the day threw at them.
My first paying personal styling client was a business woman and a friend. Let’s call her Sue … because that’s her real name đ .
Sue was a mum, had a high-pressured job and a high profile within the business community. She had also fought cancer and kicked it to the kerb. Her body had changed but her fierce determination to shine in all aspects of her life hadn’t.
She didn’t have time to stress about what she was going to wear each day. Her wardrobe just had to work for her. She had to be able to open her wardrobe, reach in and grab an outfit that made her feel fabulously confident.
I’ll always been incredibly grateful for Sue.
Grateful that she was happy to take a chance on me and my fledgling business. Grateful that she showed me early on that I was on the right track in my belief that what we choose to wear is about more than just the clothes we pull on.
I stopped working one-on-one with clients two and a half years ago. Today my aim with Styling You is to help women across Australia (and beyond) get that feeling that comes with style confidence.
And this month (yes, I can say that now that it’s July!) the next step in that aim will be released. My book Unlock Your Style will be in store July 29 (pre-order here).
In the next few weeks I’ll release more news on how and when you can join in celebrating its release – plus stay tuned for a special giveaway.
Today, I wanted to share with you the news that I’ve chosen to support Dress for Success Brisbane as my charity of choice at all my book events and here on the blog.
Why Dress for Success?
It is a global organisation that successfully works locally to help disadvantaged women find jobs and remain in them. The Brisbane office opened just a month before Styling You opened for business.
Since then it has helped more than 2000 women. Dress for Success offers a high quality outfit to every client and interview coaching to present well to a potential employer.
We want to ensure that every client leaves her appointment with Dress for Success Brisbane, knowing she will look great and present at her best at her upcoming job interviews.
To me, this aim represents the ultimate in empowering women to create an independent life for themselves and if I can in a small way help to achieve that then I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
All women deserve to feel confident every day.
Agreed?
Comments 51
I can’t believe it’s finally here, Nikki – how exciting!
I remember working in HR in Brisbane about 4 years ago, attending a presentation on Dress for Success, and hearing some first-hand stories of how this organisation had helped ladies who’d suffered through terrible circumstances. It’s such an important support system for so many women beginning (or returning) to work after some really difficult situations, and I’m thrilled you’ve chosen to work with them.
xox
Thanks Katy – such a great organisation x
Happy 6th Birthday Styling You!
Oh Tanya, thanks so much. I don’t know how I made that final leap. There were a number of things happening in my workplace and the first of the redundancies in media had started. It all combined and I just did it. Good luck with your next move x
What a great charity to align with. I can’t wait to read your book. Congratulations on 6 years. I love your wisdom too and how you happily share it with other bloggers. I became obsessed with your blog when I had Magdalene last year in February. I was so eager to read all of your posts and you motivated me to get out of my mumsy rut that we occasionally find ourselves getting into once we become mums. Your blog and name are never far from my lips when I talk about blogging. Be super proud of what you have achieved Nikki and that you have such a positive influence on everyone around you. x
Oh Bec, that’s just so beautiful to hear. Thanks so much. I am proud – not every day – but most days and I can’t wait to see what the next 6 years bring.
I cannot wait to get my hands on this book! Lauren from SAHM I am.
Thanks so much Lauren!
Hi Nikki, happy anniversary to Styling You. Here’s to the next 6!
Thanks so much Fran! I should have a gathering of the blog followers who were first clients!
Sounds like a great idea. I have hardly worn a polo shirt since and feel so much better for it. Xx
Hi Nikki, just sitting here thinking what a small world it is. I have been a subscriber to your blog for a while now, follow you on instagram & facebook & ‘Sue’ is my sister!! Love your work & huge congratulations on your book.
The world is a golf ball Robby! Thanks for following and having a wonderful sister.
Happy 6th Birthday to Styling You! You’ve been an inspiration to me for a few years now and I can’t thank you enough for the space you’ve created here, the friendship and support you’ve given me and the belief you’ve instilled in me. I hope the Champagne will be flowing in the coming weeks…and years! Cheers to you and SY! x
Thanks so much Sonia – love your work x
Yay, happy 6th birthday! Congrats! As a fairly new reader it was interesting to learn of some of your early history! Can’t wait to read the book and great choice of charity!
Oh thanks for finding my blog and have a background read. I’m glad that I documented it along the way!
Oh thanks for finding my blog and have a background read. I’m glad that I documented it along the way!
Happy 6th birthday! For some reason I’m picturing a race car figure 8 cake… đ
I think I’ve done the number six under the sea cake before!
What an amazing ride Nikki, and I’m so inspired by what you do. You’ve chosen a fantastic charity to support too xx
Thanks so much Chrissie xx
Congratulations Nikki and what a great charity you’ve chosen! I love reading your blog each day. Your advice and reviews have helped me gain the confidence to try/wear things that i would never have before I found you. I can’t wait to get my hands on your book when it’s released. Cheers to you xx
Thanks so much Michelle, that means a lot x
Nikki, the affinity of this charity to you and your business is obvious. Please let us know how we can assist them too!
I will Johanne … I’m sure there will be many ways. There is an affiliate in Sydney too.
Nikki, the affinity of this charity to you and your business is obvious. Please let us know how we can assist them too!
Congratulations Nikki, I hope you’re celebrating – what a big day for you in more ways than one! You continually inspire me, and when I look good (and get compliments!) I feel more confident. Thankyou xx looking forward to reading your book!
Not yet but after I meet my new niece tonight (another reason to celebrate!). And thanks for sharing how you feel – confidence is key!
I think it’s great to link with a charity that you and your business have a connection to, so please let us know what we can do to contribute as well.
I am guilty of buying far too many clothes, but I reduce my guilt by givi
Thanks – I will. I’m sure that I’ll be able to create many links between my readers and this organisation.
agreed! always good to empower other women … good on you nikki!
you’ve worked hard! … now time to reap some rewards … you deserve it!
thankyou for leading for inspiring others … here’s to you! m:)X
Thanks so much Merilyn. Don’t think you ever stop but a reflection now and then is good!
Congrats Nikki on 6 years of your fabulous business. It is fantastic for both you and everyone that comes here that it has been able to evolve into such a great community. What a great idea to support such a worthwhile charity that really aligns with what you do here every day! Here is to many more exciting years!
Thanks so much Kelly and thanks for being a very loyal member of this community and former client x
Thanks so much Kelly and thanks for being a very loyal member of this community and former client x
What a fabulous charity and I for one am so glad Sue took a chance on you too Nikki,you do a wonderful job and I thank you x
Sending you today’s big hug Lisa and a huge thank-you for being such a loyal member of the SY community x
Thank you Nikki ,very much appreciated today Xx
Fabulous to re-read your journey and to hear about the next phase. Love what you do and I really credit your advice and style in helping me dress in my 40s. So excited to get my hands on that book. Well done on your fabulous blog.
Thanks so much Linda – I love hearing these stories x
Happy anniversary to you and your blog. Dressed for Success is a great organisation. It seems to be a perfect match with your business – all about empowering women and creating confidence.
Thanks Kathryn – that’s my thoughts too.
A fabulous charity Nikki, a perfect choice. Congratulations on all you have achieved to date and will continue to achieve in the future. I am so happy for you. V x
Thanks so much Vicki x
Good on you Nikki. And it’s great to see a successful woman giving back to the community. It is an important thing to do, may others follow your lead. Congratulations on your hard work
Thanks Lisa. I’ve also given back in business. To people in my industry and to charities – I just hadn’t made a connection since moving to Brisbane from the Coast this year.
This post made me a bit teary. Congratulations on your anniversary Nikki and thankyou for being such a wonderful inspiration and guide. Every time I receive a compliment about my outfit or someone says I’m stylish, I know that I have you to thank. Your business is about so much more than clothing though. It’s about self esteem and confidence and joy. Thanks for being a favourite part of my everyday. Here’s to the next six years and more success to come.
Oh Michelle, you were one of my special clients too. I actually used to use a section of an email you sent me after our session when I did some speaking gigs. I’m so glad that it impacted on you in a greater way x
Hi Nikki,
Yes. Totally agreed! Every woman deserves to feel confident. Dress for Success does fantastic work – it’s very hard to break into employment without a decent outfit.
I remember my first ‘investment buy’ of a well cut suit years ago. It made such a difference in my confidence levels at the time.
Are you doing any events here in Sydney for your book launch?
I’m with you … so hard to break into employment without looking the part. And yes will be doing events in Sydney – as soon as details are confirmed I’ll have them on the blog. Would love to meet you.