We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Soyka recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Nicole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?
I have so many incredible stories, but there’s one that really stands out because it perfectly captures the transformational power of this work.
I had a client who came to me during a really challenging time in her life. She was going through a major career transition and honestly told me she’d been struggling with confidence and feeling like she’d lost herself somewhere along the way. She mentioned that she would stand in front of her full closet every morning feeling frustrated and defeated, with absolutely nothing feeling right.
When we did her color analysis, she turned out to be a Deep Winter color palette – someone who could handle really rich, bold colors. But she’d been wearing a lot of muted, safe neutrals that were completely washing her out. The moment we draped her in her perfect deep emerald green, the transformation was instant. Her eyes just lit up, her skin looked radiant, and she actually gasped when she saw herself in the mirror.
But here’s the part that gives me chills – she told me later that discovering her colors gave her permission to step into her power in ways that went far beyond her wardrobe. She said it was like finally seeing herself clearly for the first time. She started wearing her bold colors to job interviews and networking events, and she told me she felt like people were really seeing her – the confident, authentic version of herself she’d been hiding.
Six months later, she sent me a message saying she’d gotten her dream job and credited part of her success to the confidence she felt when she knew she looked incredible. She said that knowing her colors had become this daily reminder to honor and celebrate herself exactly as she was.
What I love about this story is that it shows how color analysis becomes this gateway to self-love and authenticity. When you see yourself in your perfect colors, you can’t help but appreciate your natural beauty. And that self-appreciation radiates outward into every area of your life. That’s why this work fills my soul – it’s never really just about the colors. It’s about helping people fall in love with themselves again.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey really started with a moment of clarity about two years ago. I was working in corporate America, doing what I thought I ‘should’ be doing, but I felt this pull toward something more meaningful – something that would let me follow my passion while actually making a difference in people’s lives. Color analysis was really taking off, and I had this gut feeling that not only could I be good at it, but that it could be the vehicle for the kind of impact I wanted to have.
The foundation was already there, honestly. I’ve been drawn to creativity and fashion my whole life – I majored in Fashion Merchandising and even had an incredible internship with designer Tracey Reese in New York. My parents love to tell stories about me being the family stylist, picking out everyone’s outfits for special events. I was also obsessed with color – constantly convincing my mom to repaint my room, even painting my dresser drawers bright orange at one point!
Because of my fashion background, I was able to get officially certified in color analysis and personal styling pretty quickly, and I dove right in. Those early days were intense – I was juggling two jobs while building the business – but it became clear pretty fast that this was working. Within months, I was able to focus most of my energy on what I’d created.
What really drives me is this belief that our style is a reflection of our inner selves, and that the clothes we wear and colors we choose are powerful tools for transformation. I’ve seen firsthand how the right color palette or finding your authentic style can instantly build confidence. It creates this positive energy that ripples out into everything – how you carry yourself, how others respond to you, how you show up in the world.
On a personal level, I’ve struggled with self-worth and finding where I belonged throughout my life. It took time to find myself and feel confident in that person, regardless of what others thought. That experience fuels my passion for helping others discover their own beauty and empowering them to be their highest selves.
Today, the business is really flourishing and filling my soul. We’ve been featured in MPLS St. Paul Magazine, and I’m incredibly proud of our 5-star Google rating. More than anything, I love that I get to help people learn about themselves, mirror back the beauty that already exists, and watch them step into their power.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road! The beginning was probably the most challenging period. I was working two jobs while trying to build the business, and I quickly found myself completely burned out. I was giving everything I had to make it work – staying up late, working weekends, saying yes to everything. It was this constant juggling act that was physically and emotionally exhausting.
But honestly, the bigger challenge was internal. Here I was, starting a business about helping people feel confident and embrace their authentic selves, while I was still struggling with my own confidence issues. I had to learn to open up and not be afraid to be seen – which is terrifying when you’re putting yourself out there as an entrepreneur. Every post, every client interaction, every networking event required me to show up authentically, even when I felt vulnerable.
There were real financial pressures too. I had to make some tough choices, like moving to a more affordable living situation so I could cut back on expenses and really invest in the business. Those moments definitely tested my commitment to this path.
But what’s interesting is that going through those struggles has actually become one of my greatest strengths. Most of my clients come to me during tough life transitions – career changes, divorces, major life shifts – and because I’ve walked through my own journey of finding myself and building confidence, I can truly empathize with them. I’m not just their stylist; I’m part of their journey to resilience and rediscovering who they are.
That whole experience has increased my own self-love and authenticity, which makes me better at what I do. Sometimes the struggles are exactly what prepare you for the work you’re meant to be doing.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I specialize in color analysis and personal styling using a comprehensive, science-based approach that goes way beyond the traditional four-season method. I use the advanced 4×4 Color System, which breaks down into 16 sub-seasons to pinpoint each client’s perfect 60 colors with incredible precision. It’s the most accurate method available, and it creates transformations that are honestly life-changing.
What I do is really holistic. A typical color analysis session involves determining someone’s primary season first, then drilling down to their exact sub-season palette. But I also weave in personality typing and color psychology – teaching clients how to use specific colors to project confidence, approachability, or whatever energy they want to bring into a room. I love that strategic element of it.
I offer everything from individual sessions to group experiences and even corporate events. My virtual sessions have been incredibly popular – clients get the same thorough analysis with a 60+ page digital report, custom voice recording, and all the tools they need. The Color Party Mini Sessions are a blast for birthdays and bachelorettes, and I’ve done some amazing corporate wellness events.
What really sets me apart is this belief that color and style are energy tools for transformation. It’s not just about looking good – it’s about how the right colors can shift your internal state and create positive ripples in everything you do. I’ve had clients tell me they feel ‘reignited’ after our sessions, or that they finally feel confident embracing their authentic selves.
I’m most proud of the fact that this work has allowed me to be part of people’s journeys during major life transitions. Whether someone’s going through a divorce, career change, or just feeling lost, I get to help them rediscover their power and fall in love with themselves again. That 5-star Google rating and being featured in MPLS St. Paul Magazine feel great, but honestly, the messages I get from clients months later saying how much more confident they feel – that’s what fills my soul.
I think what truly differentiates me is that I’ve walked this journey myself. I understand what it feels like to struggle with self-worth and authenticity, so I can meet clients exactly where they are and guide them to where they want to be.”
Advice for those starting out?
Oh, there’s so much I wish I could tell my past self! First and foremost – trust your instincts. I had this gut feeling that color analysis could be meaningful work that would really impact people’s lives, and even when it felt scary to leave corporate security, that intuition was absolutely right. If you have that pull toward something, don’t ignore it.
Practically speaking, I wish I’d known to pace myself better in the beginning. I was so eager to make it work that I was burning the candle at both ends – working two jobs, saying yes to everything, staying up all night. I learned the hard way that burnout isn’t sustainable, and you can’t pour from an empty cup. Build in rest and boundaries from day one.
Also, be prepared to invest in yourself – not just financially, but emotionally. I had to move to a more affordable place and make some tough financial choices to really commit to the business. And honestly, the internal work was even harder. Starting a business forces you to confront your own confidence issues and fears about being seen. You’ll have to learn to show up authentically even when it feels vulnerable.
But here’s what I wish I’d truly understood: your struggles and imperfections aren’t weaknesses – they’re your superpowers. The fact that I’ve wrestled with self-worth and finding my authentic self has made me infinitely better at helping my clients through those same challenges. Your personal journey becomes your professional strength.
Don’t try to be perfect from the start. Just begin, learn as you go, and remember that every expert was once a beginner. Focus on genuinely serving people and solving real problems they have – the rest will follow. And celebrate the small wins along the way, because building something meaningful is a marathon, not a sprint.
Most importantly, remember why you started when things get tough. For me, it’s about empowering people to love themselves and live authentically. That mission has carried me through every challenge.
3. How would you define color analysis in the context of fashion and personal style?
Color analysis in the context of fashion and personal style is really the foundation of creating an authentic, confident wardrobe that works with your natural features rather than against them. It’s the science-based process of identifying which colors harmonize with your unique combination of skin tone, eye color, hair color, and even personality to create that perfect synergy where you look and feel your absolute best.
At its core, color analysis is about discovering your personal color palette – those specific hues that make your skin look radiant, your eyes pop, and give you that healthy, vibrant glow. When you’re wearing your right colors, people notice you first, not what you’re wearing. When you’re in the wrong colors, the color overpowers you and people see the garment before they see you.
But what I really love is how it becomes your personal filter within the fashion world. Instead of chasing every trend that comes along, you can evaluate whether that trendy color actually works for you or not. It allows you to choose things that feel authentically like you rather than getting swept up in what everyone else is wearing. You develop this confidence to say, ‘That emerald green trend looks amazing, but I know my perfect green is more of a forest shade,’ and you seek out pieces that truly serve you.
Your personal color palette becomes this incredible tool for building a cohesive wardrobe where everything works together effortlessly. Instead of having a closet full of random pieces that looked good in the store but don’t feel like ‘you,’ you can create stunning outfits because all your colors coordinate beautifully. Shopping becomes strategic and confident rather than overwhelming.
I use the 16 season system, which really lets me dial in the best palette for each individual client. This precision allows us to go beyond the basic ‘you’re a winter’ and really pinpoint the exact shades that make you shine.
What I love most is that color analysis also incorporates color psychology. Once you know your palette, you can intentionally choose colors based on how you want to be perceived or how you want to feel. Need to project authority in a meeting? There’s a color for that. Want to seem approachable and warm? We’ve got that covered too.
Ultimately, color analysis transforms your relationship with your wardrobe and yourself. It eliminates that frustration of staring at a full closet with ‘nothing to wear’ and replaces it with confidence and joy in getting dressed every day.”
What are the key factors that determine someone’s ideal color palette—skin tone,
undertones, hair color, and eye color?
Absolutely! These are the fundamental elements I analyze, and it’s fascinating how they all work together to create someone’s perfect palette. Each factor plays a crucial role, but it’s really about how they harmonize as a complete picture.
Skin tone is probably the most important factor – I look at both the overtone, which is what you see on the surface, and the undertones, which are the subtle hues beneath the skin. Undertones typically fall into warm, cool, or neutral categories, and they’re incredibly influential in determining whether someone looks better in colors with golden undertones versus those with blue or pink undertones.
Hair color adds another layer of complexity. Natural hair color gives us huge clues about someone’s coloring, but I also consider if they color their hair and how that affects their overall harmony. Someone might be a natural brunette but look stunning as a redhead because it actually enhances their natural coloring in unexpected ways.
Eye color is like the finishing touch that can really guide us toward the most flattering shades. The flecks and variations in someone’s eyes often contain their most beautiful colors. I’ve seen clients whose eyes have these gorgeous amber flecks that lead us to discover they look incredible in certain warm golds and browns.
But here’s what’s really important to understand – it’s how your personal color palette of hair, skin, and eyes interact with each other that determines your best colors. A certain eye color or hair color doesn’t on its own determine your best season or colors. It’s the relationship between all these elements that creates your unique coloring signature.
The contrast levels between these features matter enormously too. Someone with very light skin, light eyes, and light hair needs a different approach than someone with that same light skin but dark hair and eyes. The contrast creates entirely different energy and requires different color strategies.
Using the 16 season system allows me to consider all these nuances together and really dial in that perfect combination where everything just clicks – where the colors make your skin glow, your eyes sparkle, and you feel completely yourself.”
5. How do you determine someone's season? Can you walk us through the whole process?
The process is really methodical and fascinating! It’s like being a detective, using scientific color draping techniques to uncover someone’s perfect palette.
We start with preparation – clients come in wearing a white shirt with no makeup, which gives me a clean slate to see their natural coloring without any interference. I have them bring their usual makeup so we can test whether those shades are actually working for them.
Step one is getting to know their goals and doing a preliminary assessment of their natural coloring. I’m looking at their skin overtones and undertones, examining their hair color – both current and natural – and really studying their eye color, including all those beautiful flecks and variations.
Step two is where the science begins – I use state-of-the-art color drapes to systematically test three key dimensions. First is hue or temperature – determining if they’re warm with golden, peachy, yellow undertones, or cool with pink, blue, ashy undertones, or somewhere in the neutral range. Then we assess value or depth – are their features light, medium, or deep? Finally, we test chroma or clarity – do they look better in muted, soft colors or bright, clear, highly saturated ones?
Throughout this process, I’m watching very specific things. When we find the right colors, I see a bright, clear under-eye area, glowing healthy skin tone, enhanced eye color, blurred wrinkles, and natural-looking blush. Features start to ‘pop’ and draw attention to their face. When colors are wrong, I see dark circles or shadows under the eyes, sallow or tired-looking skin that looks ‘muddy,’ washed-out features, and an overall appearance where they’re competing with their natural coloring or looking older and more tired than they are.
Step three is identifying their season and narrowing down to their specific sub-season using the 16 season system. They might fit clearly into one of the Winter subgroups, or we might discover they flow between seasons – maybe they’re on the border between Autumn and Winter. This precision is what really lets me dial in their best colors and identify their perfect 60-color palette.
By the end, we’ve identified exactly which colors make them look most vibrant and healthy, and I provide recommendations for hair colors, nail colors, and makeup that will enhance their natural beauty. The transformation clients see in the mirror when we find their colors is honestly incredible – they light up from the inside out.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Referrals have absolutely been my biggest source of new clients, which honestly makes my heart so full because it means people are genuinely excited about their experience and want to share it with others. There’s something so powerful about a friend telling you, ‘You have to see Nicole – she completely transformed how I feel about myself.’ That personal recommendation carries so much more weight than any advertisement ever could.
Social media has also been incredible for connecting with new clients. I love being able to share transformations, color education, and just the joy of this work through posts and stories. It’s amazing how many people reach out saying they’ve been following along and finally decided to book their session. Social media lets me show the real impact of color analysis in a way that feels authentic and educational rather than salesy.
And those Google reviews – I’m so proud of that 5-star rating! Reading what clients write about their experience never gets old. When someone takes the time to share how color analysis helped them feel more confident or changed their relationship with getting dressed, it not only helps potential clients understand the value, but it reminds me why I love this work so much.
What I’ve noticed is that these three sources really reinforce each other. Someone might discover me through social media, then read the Google reviews to feel confident about booking, and then they become the person referring their friends. It creates this beautiful cycle where the quality of the work and the genuine transformation clients experience naturally leads to growth.
The best part is that this type of organic growth means I’m attracting clients who are truly excited about the process and ready to embrace the transformation. They come in already understanding the value because they’ve heard about it from someone they trust or seen the results themselves online.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that I needed to make myself smaller or tone down my passion to be taken seriously in business. When I first started, I was so afraid of being ‘too much’ – too enthusiastic about color theory, too emotional about the transformations I was seeing, too spiritual about the energy aspect of clothing and colors.
I remember early on, I’d catch myself downplaying the deeper impact of this work. I’d focus just on the technical aspects or the practical shopping benefits because I thought that sounded more ‘professional.’ I was worried that if I talked about how color analysis can help people fall in love with themselves or how it connects to their authentic self-expression, people would think I was being too woo-woo or dramatic.
But here’s what I learned – that passion and that deeper understanding of the transformational power of color is exactly what sets me apart. When I started fully embracing and sharing my belief that our clothing choices are powerful energy tools, that’s when I began attracting the right clients. The people who book with me now aren’t just looking for someone to tell them if they’re a Winter or Summer – they want the full experience of discovering how to use color intentionally to feel more confident and authentic.
I also had to unlearn the idea that I needed to have it all figured out before I could help others. I used to think I couldn’t talk about confidence and self-love until I’d completely conquered my own struggles with those things. But the truth is, my ongoing journey with self-worth and authenticity is what makes me better at this work. It allows me to meet clients exactly where they are because I’ve been there too.
Now I lead with my whole authentic self – the passionate color nerd who believes deeply in the power of this work to change lives. And ironically, the more authentically myself I became, the more successful the business became. It taught me that our supposed ‘weaknesses’ or the things we think we need to hide are often our greatest strengths
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