Who is Helping You Keep Your Self Image In Check?
Last night, I had the great pleasure to visit with my friend, Kim Crumpler, award winning Style Coach and Owner of Uniquely Savvy based in Seattle. Kim runs her business with one of my favorite life flavors, she uses authenticity in people to help them build confidence in themselves through wardrobe selection. Kim is here in San Diego to attend a Buffini and Company seminar. That’s another thing I love about her. She consistently works on herself and personal development reaching further to know herself on a deeper level and to push herself.
So, Kim and I have communicated via email and phone but we hadn’t seen each other in over a year. I drive to Rancho Santa Fe to pick her up last night and she opens my car door and the first things she says, “Oh my gosh, YOU are so cute”. A super nice greeting wouldn’t you say? Now, I’d been out working since 7:00am that morning. I doubt I really looked super cute. I’m telling you this because this is about Kim and her approach to people and life not because of how I looked. She’s infectious. She’s energetic. She makes people feel good just being around her. Next, I check her out. She IS totally cute. You see, she had had a conversation with me on the phone about how she was likely underdressed. Right, Kim. (This girl hasn’t been underdressed a day in her life). Ok, yes, maybe I’m rambling a bit so I’ll get to the point. Here’s a woman who a) looks great all the time b) automatically makes people feel good about themselves and c) sells a personal service in which she helps people look and feel their personal best and d) invests money in her own personal development so that she can continue to grow and be the best she can be. Who in their right mind wouldn’t want to hire her?
So, why am I choosing to write about this today? Throughout my travels since leaving my corporate job, I’ve met hundreds of moms facing self image issues. When we have babies, for some reason, something in our self esteem tool box gets derailed. It’s an interesting dilemma that I see over and over again in really strong women. I wanted to write about it because if this resonates with you, I want you to know it’s sooooo common. Also, I want you to reach out to Kim or people like Kim that can help because you don’t have to suffer through these crappy feelings alone. Your mojo hasn’t left you, it’s just sitting on the shelf patiently waiting for you to flip the on switch to rock and roll mode again. So, don’t wait too long.
In closing, I have to share a fun little story from last night with you. I’m having a glass of wine with Kim and she leaves for the ladies room. I realize she’s been gone a long time and I start to worry a bit then it comes to me….ahhh, I bet she’s shopping =-) Sure, enough, she comes back with a fabulous new jacket purchased on her way back from the ladies room. Something only a professional shopper could do. She swears she NEVER shops on the spur of the moment like that….and I teasingly swear that I don’t believe her =-)
Kim, shop for me anytime on your way back from the girls room, girlfriend.
4 Responses to “Who is Helping You Keep Your Self Image In Check?”
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Angie,
This post does resonate for me. I have been wrestling with this for about a year or so. Being a work from home mom, it is tempting to put my appearance lower on my priority list because “no one is even going to see me today” Right? Yet, I know that I just feel the difference when I am a bit put together rather than working at home in my sweats or PJ’s. In fact, one thing that I recently committed to was to start getting my hair cut every two months. Before I had children, and we had two full-time incomes, I would get my hair cut and colored regularly (for a pretty penny I might add.) Once the girls came along, and I was home full-time I had a hard time justifying the expense. And although I still can’t justify the high-end salon prices, I have done my research and found a wonderful stylist who cuts and colors for a fraction of what I used to pay. So instead of going without, and letting my looks slide (which does impact my overall confidence), I have found a way to have both a great hair style on a reasonable budget. I agree this topic is one that many mothers wrestle with. Thanks for starting the discussion.
Amy On Twitter @amymiyamoto
You are so right about putting ourselves last….I’ve found some inexpensive help through http://www.missussmartypants.com. Good for casual wear and keeping up with trends. For $30/year, she sends out a weekly style tip sheet and a shopping guide based on your body type. She also is a big believer in taking care of yourself and looking better makes you feel better.
I LOVE your story about Kim – she sounds like a wonderful person to have as a friend!
Carol
Hey Amy, First, congratulations on your great Twitter follower status…200 followers…AMAZING! I recently spoke with Amy Deming at http://www.milphworld.com. Her business is all about moms who revert to the sweat pant world and then realize they need to find themselves beautiful again. Self image and self esteem have always come up in discussions I’ve had with my clients and fellow working moms. It’s so tied to our confidence levels which really drive everything about us. I’m so glad you’ve found a happy medium that works for you. Thanks for sharing with the readers that you can have an in between solution that gives you what you need and doesn’t cost a fortune. Now, Amy, go get another 200 followers!
Hey Carol, I’m so glad you’re reading and commenting on http://www.sixfiguremomsclub.com. Carol is a founding member of Six Figure Moms Club in San Diego who recently relocated to the Bay area. We miss her. She is an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your resource for staying fresh and up to date with your wardrobe! I highly recommend getting in touch with Kim as you return to the workforce. She really is fantastic at what she does. Although I’ve been searching, I haven’t found anyone else with her talent! Take care of yourself. I’ve been following your twits and you sound wonderful and happy!