Pink heels, strutted purposefully across the hallway; Halima’s presence commanding attention. Halima could be described as a heavyset, full-bodied woman. Her pastel pink ruffled skirt was cinched at the waist by the tiniest of belts accentuating her ‘curves in the right place’ a subject of both fond and spiteful comments, depending on the audience.
The old Halima of before would have been clad in drab oversized clothes, in her bid to blend into the background as much as possible. Noiseless, less visible, opinionless, fading into the lacklustre walls of the meeting rooms; reluctant to share her views and less inclined to put herself up for more prominent tasks. She felt stuck in a rut until she attended a seminar a few years ago that breathed a new lease of life into her.
Today she chose to wear her signature lion head broach, pinned delicately a few inches below her collar bone, symbolizing strength, courage and dignity. ‘You are all that and more,’ she muttered to herself with bated breaths; walking towards the board room for an important negotiation meeting with one of her most challenging vendors. Hoping the more she repeated this to herself, the more believable it would be.
Fiery emails had been exchanged the past couple of days between both parties, neither of them willing to make any concessions. Today marked D-Day and Halima was ready, all guns blazing. With a deep breath, she pushed open the door. ‘It’s showtime.’
Your Personal Brand
“Enclothed cognition” is a psychological phenomenon that describes how clothing affects the wearers’ mental and emotional process and can impact how we feel about ourselves and how we perform. Your brand is a reflection of your personal and professional identity. It is a way of presenting yourself to the world and telling people what you stand for without actually saying it. Here are a few tips from Forbes Magazine on how to build your personal brand:
- Pick your version of the power suit: Choose an attire that empowers you and reflects your individuality.
- Consistency is key: Once you have found your style, stick with it to reinforce your brand image.
- Be yourself: Embody authenticity. Be unapologetically yourself and wear your style with confidence.
Never underestimate the power of clothing. Intentional dressing can boost your self-confidence and enhance your performance. Remember, your unique blend of perspectives, thoughts, and experiences culminate in the extraordinary individual that is you. Embrace your authenticity wholeheartedly.
“International Women’s Day may be celebrated on March 8th each year, but the reality is, you deserve celebration every single day. Celebrate YOU all year round. Revel in your accomplishments, embrace your failures as opportunities for growth, and cherish every victory, big or small. Your unique experiences and perspectives are invaluable.
Again I say, celebrate YOU! Toot your own horn proudly, because if you don’t, who will?”
Be kind to one another.
Kind regards,
Yosola