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

Lady, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’ve always had an eye for style; I learned fashion styling through hands-on experience by dressing myself; studying trends; experimenting with looks; and helping friends refine their wardrobes. Over time I paid close attention to what people wear and to pieces I see in stores; I naturally start styling in my head—thinking this could have been paired better with that or this would work if it were longer. I take the good ideas, add my own tweaks, and turn them into something original. I also paid attention to what worked on different body types; how to elevate affordable pieces; and how to make style feel personal and powerful.

Lady, 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?

My name is Lady Laa, and I am the owner of The Lady Effect. I am also an insurance professional and a real estate agent, but my passion has always been fashion and styling. My love for fashion started with my mother, who dressed me in thoughtful ways that made me notice the power of details. Over time, I developed my own eye for style and began experimenting, studying trends, and helping those around me elevate their wardrobes.

One of the earliest experiences that shaped me was working at Wet Seal, a women’s fashion store. Every week, women would come in searching for outfits for special occasions, and while it wasn’t part of my role to style them, I went beyond just suggesting clothes. Many times, customers would say, “That wouldn’t fit me” or “I could never wear that.” I always encouraged them to try, and it was rewarding to see them fall in love with pieces they never would have chosen on their own. That experience confirmed how much I enjoyed helping women step out of their comfort zones and discover new sides of themselves through fashion.

Through The Lady Effect, I now provide personal styling services and creative fashion direction. I help women discover their signature look, elevate everyday wardrobes, and prepare for special occasions. My approach mixes luxury with accessible fashion, showing clients that they can look and feel confident without needing a closet full of designer labels. I aim to create style that feels both attainable and transformative.

What sets me apart is my ability to see potential in both people and pieces. I’m most proud that my work empowers women to embrace their uniqueness and walk with confidence, whether it’s through one-on-one styling or inspiration I share online.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

For me, my most influential resource isn’t a book or a video; it’s my relationship with God. I reference the Bible constantly, and I take all my challenges, questions, and decisions to Him. I view Him as my ultimate business partner; whether I’m feeling hopeful or doubtful, His Word encourages and comforts me. It’s through Him that I find direction, creativity, and clarity. He provides the resources I need, opens doors, and causes the right people to favor me or present opportunities.

While I do read and learn from business books and industry content, the principles I live by: patience, discernment, creativity, integrity, and vision are rooted in Scripture. I also find inspiration from testimonies of other faith-driven entrepreneurs who share how they align their work with God’s guidance. Ultimately, my philosophy is that faith and strategy go hand in hand; God gives the ideas and the vision, and I bring action, discipline, and execution.

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

When it came to funding my business, I pretty much had to invest in myself. I had to believe in my vision and my skills enough to put my own money toward equipment, stock, and the pieces I style clients with. I approached it as an investment that would pay off one day, even without a big investor backing me. It wasn’t always easy, and I didn’t have external funding, but I trusted in my abilities and in the grace of God to sustain me along the way. Every piece I purchased, every tool I invested in, was a step toward building the business I wanted. Looking back, I’m proud that I took ownership of my growth and committed to making my vision a reality through faith, resourcefulness, and determination.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladylaa1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lady-awuku-4b9b0b8b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ladylaa?si=N9jq6eTiwGaw2iWD
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladylaa__?_t=ZT-8zot5KLPICM&_r=1