Today we’d like to introduce you to Markita Van De Riet.

Hi Markita, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

When I entered my 40s, I found myself stuck in a never-ending cycle: get the kids ready, work, pick them up, make dinner, shuffle them to activities, homework, showers, bed—then repeat. It was the same routine, day after day, until one night, during my usual Netflix binge with a glass of wine, I broke down in tears wondering what happened to me?

I felt completely lost. I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life feeling isolated, unhappy, and uncomfortable in my own skin. In that moment, I made a life-changing decision—I called a friend who was a personal trainer and asked for help. That one step opened the door to a series of transformations, but the biggest change came when I realized how much my mindset and how I got dressed in the morning impacted my entire day.

Dressing without intention, while feeling inwardly frustrated, made me look scattered on the outside. I knew I had to change. So, I started by going through my closet and letting go of clothes that no longer fit who I was today. Every night, I made it a ritual to carefully choose my outfit for the next day. It was a small change, but it made a world of difference. And soon, people began noticing and complimenting my style.

I later learned my friends were also struggling to find their style amidst busy lives and fluctuating self-image. That’s when I decided to do something about it. Late last year, I launched My Style Speaks to help women rediscover their personal style using what they already have in their closet.

So many of us are held back by limiting beliefs about what we can and can’t wear—whether due to what others have told us, fluctuating weight, or just the chaos of our schedules. I wanted to create a space where women could express their frustrations and find resources to help them navigate the process of developing personal “style standards” and “style rules” that work for them.

On Instagram and Facebook @mystylespeaks2, I share tips and encouragement on how to incorporate items already in our closets into stylish, confident outfits. I also lead a bi-weekly church connect group, specifically focused on style and reconnecting, because I believe we are all fearfully and wonderfully made, created to represent God’s unique design.

So, I ask you—are you showing up as your authentic self, or are you dressing to meet others’ expectations? I’m here to help you find the answer.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

The journey has had its challenges, as is the case with any new venture. Through my work with many women, I’ve discovered that clothing often carries deep emotions—whether tied to joyful memories of who they once were or lingering reminders of an identity imposed on them that no longer reflects who they are today. While they can easily recognize the chaos of an overflowing closet, the real challenge lies in letting go of pieces that no longer align with the person they are becoming. It can be challenging to help these women embrace the clothes they have, but it starts with seeing themselves as beautiful and worthy of taking the time to rediscover their style.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

I help women overcome fashion insecurities by rediscovering the treasures already in their closets. A closet is like a fingerprint—a reflection of individuality and personal history.

I’m passionate about empowering others through conversations and workshops about image and its connection to personal style. For young adults, I offer engaging discussions on social etiquette and how it shapes first impressions. For women, I explore why you matter—delving into the profound impact your self-image has, both on how others perceive you and how you see yourself.

I’m excited to collaborate with small groups, classes, or even individuals to create meaningful experiences tailored to their needs. I’m also eager to partner with experts in life coaching, beauty, lifestyle, or other fields related to self-image.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?

For those starting out, really hone in on your target audience. One way to do that is to get as much feedback as possible as to what your “ideal client” needs or is looking for within the realm of your business. I started out thinking I understood my “ideal client,” not realizing I wasn’t even scratching the surface due to the depth of what they really needed.

Pricing:

• $50 an hour, 2-hour minimum – Style Coaching Session
• $100/hour, 4-hour minimum – Closet Organization
• 1 hour free consulting

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mystylespeaks.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mystylespeaks2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mystylespeaks2/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markita-van-de-riet
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/mystylespeaks2/

Image Credits

Lisa Zader, Captured by the Lens Photography