Confidence in Progress
The Path to Authenticity
Fun fact about me: I’ve done 14 seasons of NYFW and six seasons of NY Bridal Week as a wardrobe dresser/stylist. Since my corporate fashion career spanned many years, people often forget—or some newer folks in my network just don’t know—that I was deeply immersed in the field for a while. Post-undergrad, my world revolved around fashion. I lived what I called the “slashie” life: stylist, personal shopper, contributor, all while grinding through my 9-5. Eventually, I left corporate (for the first time) to pursue fashion full time. Even then, I was still a slashie—just all in on fashion: school for styling, personal shopper, contributing writer, and working retail as a style consultant was my norm.
Although it was A LOT (every day was unpredictable and exhausting), it was incredibly rewarding, affirming, and creative. Fashion gave me a platform to tell my story. Looking back, I realize that although it took me some time to fully embrace my authenticity and confidence, they were being molded early on by my experiences in the fashion industry.
Grunt internships, toxic work environments, and moments of creative freedom all shaped my ability to express myself. At the time, I put immense pressure on myself to hit lofty goals in a saturated industry. I focused so much on the end goal of making my mark in the fashion world, I missed the importance of the journey. Now, years later, I embrace the journey knowing the lessons I've learned along the way have carried me to this point. My confidence and ability to create my lane and show up authentically are daily reminders of how far I’ve come.
During a recent interview with Naana Badu-Pettigrew, we explored the importance of authenticity in corporate spaces. It reminded me that embracing who we are isn’t just about our style or profession—it’s about owning our voice in every space we occupy. Confidence is built over time. It’s not something that suddenly arrives. Each day, whether in corporate or non-corporate spaces, I choose to show up as myself—some days it’s easy, other days it’s challenging. But at my core, I know who I am, and I lead with that.
Confidence and authenticity are journeys, not destinations. There’s no single moment when it all comes together—it’s about making the conscious choice to show up as yourself, no matter the environment. While I’m still evolving, my foundation is solid, and each day, I embrace the opportunity to be me, fully. That’s where the real confidence lies.
Get Into These Reminders…
💻 Watch the full interview “Corporate Authenticity: Is It Possible?” on Live w/ Naana
🌐 Want to book me for an interview? Ready for a consult? Or just want to chat? View my scheduling page and grab some time - let’s connect!
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