Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Swapna Patel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Swapna, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As an Indian immigrant woman who attended college in the United States and then worked in New York City, I have often found myself being the only one in the room who looked like me. Navigating through these experiences has taught me invaluable lessons about the basic human needs for recognition and connection, and how to turn my background into a superpower.
When I first came to the U.S. for college, I was eager to fit in while staying true to who I am. This balance was key for me, both personally and professionally, and it really shaped how I went about building and nurturing relationships that have impacted all different areas of my life- personal, professional and entrepreneurial.
Recognition is more than just being noticed; it’s about being valued for who you are and what you contribute. In college, I worked hard in my classes and got involved in various activities. This helped me earn respect and recognition from my professors and peers. At work, I kept this approach, always aiming to deliver high-quality work and showing a strong work ethic. My colleagues and bosses started seeing me as a crucial part of the team and the greater organization.
Building connections was super important. I joined cultural clubs and professional groups where I met people with similar backgrounds. These connections became my support system, both emotionally and professionally.
At work, I made an effort to get to know my colleagues, sharing my story and learning about theirs. I also participated in diversity initiatives at work that celebrated many different cultures and the diversity of employees.
This helped bridge cultural gaps and created a more inclusive environment.
My differences have become my superpower in so many ways!
Coming from a different cultural background gave me unique perspectives and ideas. This kind of diverse thinking was often appreciated in school and at work, and even in my entrepreneurial journey- where fresh, innovative ideas are highly valued.
Building my own business has required a different kind of awareness and reciprocity.
I have to market myself, network with clients, and create a brand that reflected my unique perspective and skills. As a personal stylist, my cultural background and viewpoint became even more of a superpower. I was able to offer clients something different—an understanding of varied styles and a personalized approach that resonated with people from various backgrounds. My journey of balancing assimilation with maintaining my identity helped me connect with clients on a deeper level. I understood their needs and desires, and I used my experiences to help them express their true selves through fashion.
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has not been without its challenges, but it has also been a source of great strength and opportunity. I’ve found that by valuing simple things like appreciation and connection, and seeing my differences as strengths, I’ve not only become effective but also genuinely successful.My journey has taught me that our unique backgrounds and perspectives are not barriers but bridges to greater understanding, innovation, and growth.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve been obsessed with clothes since I was sewing dresses for my dolls! This love of clothes and handmade things led me to pursue an education in fashion design and merchandising followed by a decade long stint as a fashion designer in New York City. Here, I spent countless hours finessing the fit, identifying the best fabrics and designing new collections each season.
After the birth of my kids, I decided to stay home with them but 5 years into motherhood, I missed the stimulation and creativity my worked offered. I also missed the social interactions and dressing up daily for work. After that I started being intentional about the way I dressed even if I was home with my kids or only going to the playground with them. Gradually, the compliments started coming in. With them the invitations of help with wardrobe, or picking out the perfect interview outfits also flooded in. I recognized an opportunity to create a business that would be a perfect marriage of my creativity and the confidence boosting style that women were asking me for help with.
Most of us have a lot of stuff in our closets and use only a tiny percentage of it. That’s why I named my business Style Remixx so we can remix what’s already in your closet and wear it in many different ways to infuse new life into your existing wardrobe. This philosophy itself sets me apart from other stylists because I always believe in starting with what you have and then being super intentional about adding new pieces to your wardrobe.
My clients come to me when the have huge spotlight opportunities coming up like SXSW, SharkTank etc. but I also help them re-imagine their everyday style through an elevated lens. Having great style is not just for lifes big moments like a TV appearance, a high stakes speaking engagement or a job interview. But changing the way we dress changes not only the way others see us but also how we see ourselves. It impacts our sense of self worth, confidence and even productivity.
I love educating my clients and students about this psychology aspect of fashion and understanding this really creates a transformation for them.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three most impactful things in my journey were keeping an open mind, being resilient and surrounding myself with the right people.
1. Openness to Trying New Ideas and Things
I’ve always had willingness to explore new opportunities, ideas, and experiences- even if they seemed scary or risky. It’s about embracing change and stepping out of your comfort zone. Being open-minded allowed me to learn, grow, and adapt to new situations, making me more innovative and versatile.
To cultivate openness, I stay curious and constantly ask questions, seeking out new information and being genuinely interested in different perspectives. Embracing change is essential; instead of resisting it, I view it as an opportunity to grow. Whether it is trying on new clothes or moving to a new city like I did 2 years ago they are all learning opportunities.
Trying new things, even if they seem challenging or unfamiliar, helps build confidence. I start with small changes in my routine, like picking up a new hobby, visiting new places, or learning new skills, which gradually leads to bigger challenges.
Actively listening to others’ ideas and suggestions and engaging in conversations with people who have different viewpoints enriches my understanding and broadens my horizons.
2. Resilience: Developing a growth mindset has been crucial for me; I view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than focusing on the negative aspects. Practicing self-care is another important aspect of resilience for me. By taking care of my physical and mental health through a meditation and journaling practice, time in nature and physical activity has helped me build my resilience muscle too!
I manage stress more effectively. Setting realistic goals and breaking them down into manageable steps helps me stay motivated, celebrating small victories along the way. Building a support network of friends, family, and mentors provides encouragement and advice when I face challenges. Maintaining a positive outlook, focusing on what I can control, and using positive affirmations and visualization techniques boost my confidence and help me stay resilient.
3. People.
It is said that you are the sum of 5 people you spend the most time with. So choose your friends, colleagues and mentors carefully. Whether it’s a friend or a podcaster I listen to regularly I’m conscious of whose company I keep. Surrounding yourself with the right people is essential for personal and professional growth. The right people provide support, encouragement, and constructive feedback, helping you to navigate challenges and celebrate successes. I have found it invaluable to build a network of supportive friends, family, and mentors who share my values and aspirations. These individuals inspire me, keep me grounded, and help me stay focused on my goals.
Being around positive and motivated people boosts my own positivity and drive. It’s important to seek out relationships that are mutually beneficial, where both parties support and uplift each other. Networking with professionals, hiring the right coaches and being in aligned communities online or IRL has also been crucial, as it opens up opportunities for collaboration and learning. By surrounding myself with the right people, I create an environment that nurtures my growth and helps me thrive.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
1. What does the 2 year old Me need?
It sounds silly, but when I feel overwhelmed I treat myself like a toddler. Which means, are my basic needs taken care of?
Do I need to go to bed early, or need a nap? Do I need a snack ? Have I gone outside today?
These foundational things are easily overlooked as a busy mom and business owner. However, they are are key for me to manage my stress.
2. What Can I Let Go Of? Delegate? Where can I ask for help?
This one is very hard for me! The temptation to do it myself is very high in all task whether they are for my household or my business. But what I’ve discovered is when I ask for help or delegate it, the tasks get done in a timely manner. It takes a professional a lot less time to do some of the tasks that are not in my zone of genius.
When everything seems urgent, it’s important to identify what truly needs your immediate attention and what can be postponed or delegated to others. Ask yourself if there are tasks or responsibilities you can let go of or assign to someone else. This can lighten your load and help you focus on what’s most important.
3. Have I Taken Time for Myself Today?
You cannot pour from an empty vessel. So for me waking up a little bit before the rest of my family and taking time for myself to meditate, read and journal are important. When I haven’t had alone time I find myself getting very crabby and learned to carve out time for myself, even if it is a 10 min. walk or just 2 pages of a good book.
4. Am I Seeking Support from Others?
Overwhelm can often feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I’ll reach out to a friend, a trusted business advisor or a coach to seek specific guidance on whatever I may be struggling with. Getting an objective perspective on my challenges can shift my perspective and brings me peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.styleremixx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/style.remixx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swapnadhond
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swapnadhondpatel
Image Credits
Mallika Malhotra
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