Meet Teddi Krochman

We recently connected with Teddi Krochman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Teddi, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Of all the “isms” in our world “ ageism” is one of the most universally accepted. We think nothing of disregarding “old” people as being less attractive, less vital, lacking updated skills, unwilling to change, out-of-touch, etc. so when I walk into a fashion event with my grey hair filled with 20 and 30 year olds I hold my head up, wear something figure fitting, which may not be considered “ age appropriate”, flash a big smile and walk in like I own the room. Typically I have found that younger people are very receptive and find that I give them hope for a future they know looms someday but may not dread as much as they have thought they would in the past. I don’t freeze my face with Botox or inject fillers or have plastic surgery. I’m aging naturally and take good care of my body and mind. It’s really as simple as that. I stay interested in current trends, I’m on social media and I love mixing with young people who also have great knowledge and things they can teach me as well

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I started an Instagram page that focuses on fashion and beauty called teddilovesfashion three years ago. I have over 70,000 followers and have represented over 100 brands from apparel, wigs, accessories and beauty products
This past year I expanded to include a weekly podcast with my partner and cohost Melissa Pierce called “ Why Don’t We Dress for Dinner Anymore” available anywhere you get your podcasts. The podcast focuses on the psychology and history of fashion. In our first season we focused on interviewing Chicago fashion creatives as we are based in Chicago and want to promote the Chicago fashion industry as we felt they have been underrated
This second season we continue our focus on Chicago fashion creatives but have also expanded our guest list to creatives in New York, LA, and other cities throughout the US
I want to be an example and inspiration to everyone especially young women and men to show them that life isn’t over at 60!
I have started a whole new career in my late 60’s and have experienced so many wonderful new things including receiving the FGI/Chicago “Rising Star Award” in the content creator category, modeling for local designers, and attended NYFW, just to name a few

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Persistence, persistence, persistence! If you are truly perusing something that you love and are passionate about it keep going! Anytime I quit something I always felt like success was around the corner if I had only kept going!
Remember you only learn from failing. Success just tells you that you finally learned what you were supposed to do!

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

These days with so much information coming at us so quickly it is very easy to become overwhelmed. We have so many choices and so many responsibilities
What helps me to feel calm and in control is to prioritize what I need to do, schedule everything at least a week to a month ahead so I have a game plan and feel in control of my obligations
It is easy to let things slip through the cracks if you don’t have them written down and scheduled. And finally DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. If something is scheduled today do it today and get it off of your plate. Once it’s done you can take a beat instead of feeling like you are on a constant hamster wheel

Contact Info:

• Instagram: teddilovesfashion
• Facebook: TeddiLovesFashion
• Youtube: Why Don’t We Dress for Dinner Anymore