We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalia Rutecki. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalia below.
Natalia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
When embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, the support of family and friends proved indispensable. The inspiration for my styling business originated from their encouragement and the realization that they valued my fashion advice. Their nudges pushed me to turn my passion into a professional career, given they witnessed my love for expressing myself through diverse outfits and accessories. Whenever they faced a fashion dilemma, they knew they could count on me.
In the early stages of my career, they became my initial clients, allowing me to showcase my styling skills. Their willingness to be styled and provide feedback contributed significantly to building my clientele. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement—I enhanced my services, and they gained a trusted source for fashion guidance.
When it came to shaping my business, I sought input from close friends, tapping into their insights for website development and service offerings. Valuing their opinions and welcoming constructive criticism became integral to refining my approach.
While I appreciate the importance of financial stability in a business, there’s a line I choose not to cross. I would never ask friends or family for monetary support. Charging for services rendered is one thing, but borrowing money from loved ones isn’t a practice I endorse. Banks are better suited for financial transactions; mixing personal relationships with money can be tricky.
What I treasure most from friends and family is their emotional support and encouragement. Even a simple like on Instagram means a lot. I’m immensely grateful for the unwavering support I’ve received from my incredible network of loved ones.
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?
Hey there! I’m Natalia Rutecki, the proud owner of Confidently Chic—a styling service designed to make you look and feel amazing for life’s special moments. My journey in this business stems from seeing fashion as a vibrant form of self-expression that brings me immense joy. I’ve made it my mission to share that joy by helping others discover their confidence through personalized styling. Whether it’s in-person shopping experiences, home wardrobe audits, or virtual styling packages with outfit links and vision boards, I tailor my services to meet your unique needs and location. My role is to listen, understand, and guide you to a level of confidence where holding your head high becomes second nature.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is convincing people that they deserve to feel amazing. It’s a journey, but when clients finally recognize the beauty that was there all along, it’s pure magic. That moment when they light up with the realization of their own beauty—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Before stepping into the world of styling, I spent my days as a teacher at a high school for emotionally disturbed children. Working with this challenging group was tough, yet incredibly fulfilling. I recognized the immense need for stability and compassion in their lives, and I was determined to provide that support. It was a reciprocal journey—I made a difference in their lives, and they made a profound impact on mine. However, as my own family expanded, I felt the calling to devote my time and attention to my growing children. Taking a break from teaching became a priority. When the time came to contemplate returning to work, I hesitated about going back to the school setting. Nevertheless, I knew I still wanted to make a positive impact in some way.
Listening to the advice that happiness stems from doing what you love, I ventured into styling—an area I was passionate about and where people sought my help. What started as fun sessions with friends turned into an emotional journey for many clients. Styling wasn’t just about the surface; it was about tapping into one’s inner confidence and believing in the worth of the investment. It’s about letting your beauty shine through from within.
Though I no longer guide young students in believing in themselves, my journey has taken a new path. Now, I help individuals recognize their potential and gain confidence through style and dress. It’s a different avenue, but the impact remains profound.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I crossed paths with my business partner, Kelly, many years ago while I was dating my now-husband. Kelly happened to be my sister-in-law’s best friend, and her infectious, bubbly personality won me over instantly. The idea of starting my own business had never crossed my mind until Kelly, in need of a career change, decided to pursue her passion for makeup. Her decision sparked something in me—I had always toyed with the idea of becoming a professional stylist, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to give it a fair shot. The prospect of working together was exhilarating, and her unwavering support eased the initial fears of venturing into entrepreneurship. We quickly became each other’s biggest fans, evolving from business partners to more like sisters.
Despite our similarities, we’re also quite different. Kelly is outgoing, bold, and hilarious, while I lean more towards being an introverted extrovert. I enjoy being social and making bold fashion choices but tend to keep my feelings close to my chest. Interestingly, our differences are what make us work so well together. She focuses on the makeup, I dive into the styling, and together, we create a harmonious balance that our clients appreciate. It’s this unique interaction that defines us as the dynamic duo in the world of styling and makeup.
Contact Info:
- Website: Confidentlychic.net
- Instagram: @confidentlychicc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confidentlychicc?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
@brielledphotos Brielle ducharme