We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daphne Marie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Daphne , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Fashion was never in my life plan. As a kid I always thought I would be a lawyer. When I started college that was still my goal. I had my first son in college at 21 and then my second son came along at 24. I was ready for a change so I relocated from PA to GA. I started getting involved with artist management. Then I worked in the TV industry as an Administrative Assistant for almost 10 years. Got married, started our own entertainment company doing artist development, management and promotions. I decide to recruit aspiring models for the promotions team. In the course of that I got involved in 2 organizations whose mission statements aligned with my values. One was a body positivity organization. I think this is where my knack for fashion started showing up. We were doing promotional photo shoots and having to create our own looks. People were loving my looks and started coming to me to help them with theirs. I started doing some research from there. I took a stylist workshop with celebrity stylist Olori Swank and started my business from there. I recently got divorced and have been on my healing journey. On this journey one of my “aha” moments was the fact that stuff triggers my anxiety. I want less stuff and more money, travel, and peace of mind. So I have been transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle. I’m getting rid of a lot of clothes, shoes and accessories that do not align with my current lifestyle. I’m also an ambivert but more of an introvert. I can 100% relate to not wanting to start conversations, not wanting to be around crowds etc. Through my process I noticed that my wardrobe (the things I wear when I do attend events) always receives some type of compliment. So I have transitioned from just working with clients for events/photoshoots and actually coaching them on how to curate a conversational wardrobe through my Y.O.U. method.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The best way I can describe the stage of life I’m currently experiencing is a middle-aged introverted Glamma, parenting adult children, healing from past trauma while navigating perimenopause on a journey to a softer life.
I provide style coaching to introverted entrepreneurs that teaches them how to curate a conversational wardrobe through my Y.O.U method. This method builds confidence, and assists in overcoming social anxiety while also showcasing your personality. Believe it or not Introverts have personality too.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am currently in a time of pivoting. I’ve had to unlearn depending on someone else to help with business. I do everything myself. I had to find a way where my business aligns with who I am currently and not who I was, while leaving space for who I’m becoming. When the business mirrors who you are in most aspects and follows your journey it makes it easier. For example I’m an introvert, so my business caters to introverts because I understand them. I’m a stylist who has rebranded her business multiple times, so I work with entrepreneurs. I prefer not being the one to walk up to others and start conversations so I’ve learned how to use things from my wardrobe to draw compliments from others and then carry the conversation from there.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Starting as a personal stylist wasn’t extremely expensive for me. I am not sure how other stylist began. I know some went to fashion school, did internships, etc. I didn’t do any of that. I was/am a natural. I have invested in myself by taking workshops, getting certified, etc. I have used my own money mostly but sometimes I have had things gifted to me. When someone would ask what I wanted for my birthday or Christmas I would send a link to a course versus a pair of shoes or a pocketbook.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.linktr.ee/thechicglamma
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blendntrendzbydaphne

Image Credits

MUSICATED Visuals, Kreed Photography, Antonio Duane Jones