Meet Helene Cardon

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Helene Cardon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Helene below.

Hi Helene, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I am a 39 year old mom (two boys, 4 and 6) with a passion for slow fashion. I moved to the US from France over 10 years ago and live near Boulder, Colorado. Although my deep interest in fashion developed during my formative years, my career path had led me to become a business analyst/project manager in the corporate world.

I left my occupation when expecting my first baby and following his birth I lost my sense of self and felt that I looked frumpy. Meanwhile my wardrobe was filled with office attire, party dresses from pre-children times and ill-fitting maternity clothing.

I decided to plan and build a curated wardrobe in an intentional way. One that is comfortable and practical, suitable for my lifestyle, while also reflecting my creative personality and making me feel stylish. I can say with pride and confidence today that 80% of my wardrobe is pre-owned, I love everything in my closet and I make the most of it.

Ever since it’s been a topic that I have been drawn to, I am constantly learning and updating my knowledge of both fashion and styling techniques. First I helped my friends with their wardrobes, then their friends and now, after a few hundreds of styling hours, I have become a reputable personal stylist in the Boulder Area, Colorado. My Wardrobe Edit Sessions are sustainable too, and align with my values.

I aim to help women dress in a way that highlights their vibrant personalities and unique features. To support them in cleaning out their closet, getting a fresh start and making room for who they want to be. To give them the foundation of an efficient wardrobe, a true understanding of what works for them.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a personal stylist passionate about slow fashion, my mission is to help women curate a versatile and durable wardrobe that reflects their unique style. I start by working with what they already own, creating a strategy that ensures every purchase is intentional, reducing waste and avoiding shopping mistakes. It’s crucial to me that their wardrobe isn’t a cookie-cutter collection but a reflection of their personal taste and how they want to present themselves to the world. Being in control of your image is powerful; it shapes how others perceive you and how you feel about yourself. By focusing on their preferences and helping them discover the core of their personal style, I guide them to build a wardrobe that feels authentic and exciting.

In our sessions, we delve into each piece of clothing, shoes, and accessories to decide what stays and what goes. Instead of relying on whether a piece sparks joy, we use a logical decision tree to evaluate its functionality within their wardrobe. This method ensures every item supports and enhances their everyday outfits. I also assist them in pairing their clothes in fresh, new ways, reigniting their excitement about their existing clothes. Additionally, I take my clients on pre-loved shopping trips, where we explore local consignment stores with a shopping wishlist that we create together, ensuring our finds are both sustainable and tailored to their needs. My approach is not about a dramatic makeover but about helping my clients bring their aesthetic to life with minimal yet meaningful changes. This process empowers them to confidently express their style every day.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey as a personal stylist passionate about slow fashion.

First, I had immense fun shopping my own closet and creatively using what I already owned. This playful approach not only made my own wardrobe more exciting but also allowed me to convey this joy through my website, social media, and client interactions. As a result, I inspired others to embrace the thrill of rediscovering their clothes and exploring secondhand finds.

Second, my ability to empathize and step into my clients’ shoes has been crucial. Understanding their struggles with their wardrobe and their individual perceptions of beauty has enabled me to provide tailored support that makes them feel truly heard and valued.

Lastly, my deep obsession with building this styling business became a double-edged sword. I dedicated countless hours to developing my services and mastering all aspects of my field. While this drive for perfection and visibility led to significant achievements, including creating my own website and ranking high in local Google searches, it also meant I often took on too much alone.

For those early in their journey, I recommend finding joy in your work, deeply understanding your audience’s needs, and balancing your passion with sustainable growth by seeking help, feedback and support when needed.

How would you describe your ideal client?

I work with women from all walks of life—various ages, backgrounds, and occupations—but they share two key desires.

First, they want to look their best by maximizing the potential of their existing wardrobe, preferring to shop thoughtfully and strategically to minimize waste. They are committed to buying less but focusing on quality. Second, they are keen on discovering and defining their personal style. They seek to curate a wardrobe that truly feels like a reflection of their unique identity and personality, rather than conforming to trends or striving to look “expensive.”

I love that my clients bring such diverse styles and are at different stages in their lives, whether they are fresh graduates starting their professional journey, new moms balancing comfort and style, or women in their 60s and 70s who want to downsize but still express their playfulness through their outfits.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Profile picture is a photography by Laura Mariani. https://lauramarianiphotography.com/

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