We were lucky to catch up with Beth King recently and have shared our conversation below.

Beth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I was just talking about this with my husband the other day. Growing up, I always wanted the nice, brand name clothes and shoes that all of the other kids were wearing at school. My family wasn’t poor, but they also couldn’t always afford to purchase these items for me. My parents told me that if I wanted these things, I had to work for them. This resulted in me working two jobs throughout most of high school and college to be able to go shopping for higher-end clothes. I’m now realizing that “hustle” has always been in me, and that I was always willing to work two jobs to be able to create the life I wanted. Nothing has changed!

Beth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember. As I have recently been reflecting on my path and how I got here, I have memories as a child of watching movies like Clueless over and over again not for the story, but for the fashion. The problem was, coming from a middle class family living in the Midwest, those wardrobes seemed so far out of reach for me.
When it was coming up on time to go to college, I wanted to major in Fashion Merchandising. I’m not sure I even knew what that entailed or what the career path looked like. I was redirected and earned my bachelors degree in Marketing Management, and went on to get my MBA. I didn’t have much direction coming out of college, and took a job buying for a manufacturing company because I enjoyed shopping. Turns out, I loved Purchasing. Being in corporate also brought out the potential in me. I was a high-performer, and climbed through the ranks until I got into senior leadership and realized this was not the world I wanted to live in.
Something had been bothering me for a few years. Becoming a mother and being in a career that wasn’t meant for me put my life into auto-pilot. I knew there had to be more.
I had followed color analysis most of my life. When I was around four years old, I remember going to my grandmother’s house and reading the book “Color Me Beautiful” many times. Knowing I was likely an “Autumn”, I chose wearing clothing in my colors throughout my life. When Pinterest came on the scene, you better believe I was pinning all of the color analysis things.
I knew I wanted to start a business, but I didn’t know what that would look like. I overcame my fears and started an Instagram account in the summer of 2023 posting outfit photos that no one saw. I was praying no one from work would find my account. A stylist I followed for a while on Instagram was advertising her color analysis training program, and I just knew I had to sign up. I loved every moment of the program, and decided to start a business offering color analysis to start. I knew that color analysis was only a piece of the personal style puzzle, and I thought it would be a great way to venture into entrepreneurship.
After getting my own colors done and implementing all of the advice I received, I discovered the value and confidence that comes with knowing your best colors, and determined this would be such an amazing service to offer! I work with women and men to determine their best color palette by evaluating their undertone, eye color, and natural hair color. Once we know their palette, we discuss options for clothing, makeup and hair to optimize their natural beauty.
What sets me apart is the 1:1 customer service I provide, and the way in which I facilitate the service. I am a resource to my clients after their appointment is over. I also travel, doing pop up events at boutiques and going into client’s homes for 1:1 appointments and parties. I have worked with women from all over the country through my virtual analysis option.
I am currently working to build on the success I have had in 2024 by moving into personal shopping and personal styling. I am proud to have embodied the person I want to help my clients become this year. Lead Through Style was founded with a mission to help others step into their personal power through the tool of style. Personal style is an outer reflection of our inner selves. Through the highs and lows of this journey so far, I am so happy I made the leap to start this business. I cannot wait to connect with future clients and to help them become the best version of themselves!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

In the beginning, I was consumed with the fear of putting myself out there. I was scared of what people would think; especially having still been in corporate. I didn’t want my business to affect my professional reputation. As friends, family and co-workers began to learn about my business and locate my social media, I learned that 99% of people are so supportive. I also realized that I’m not for everyone, and that is okay. Putting myself out there only strengthened my friendships and relationships because it enabled me to finally show up as my most authentic self. Life is so much better this way! I am still working on showing up on social media, but I have come so far from where I was a year ago!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I have read so many books. One I need to go back and read is “10x is Easier than 2x”. I am intentional about listening to podcasts or books when I am getting ready in the mornings and on my commute. Something I did that is making a big difference is I invested in myself and hired a coach. This wasn’t cheap, but I feel it holds me accountable to doing more. My coach also has a large library of masterclasses I like to watch. They always seem to address whatever struggles I am going through at that time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leadthroughstyle.com
• Instagram: @leadthroughstyle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lead-Through-Style/61564643537402/