We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Chisholm Rushton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.
Hi Katie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome has certainly crept in at times, but deep down, I’ve always known this work was what I was meant to do—and that I was good enough to do it. In the early days of building my business from scratch, I faced my fair share of skepticism. I once had a man ask if “personal shopping” meant I shopped for groceries (cue the eye roll), and even a woman in a business group questioned whether I could really make money doing this. While those moments could have made me doubt myself, they actually motivated me to work harder, refine my approach, and stay focused on my goals. Over time, as I’ve grown in both my business and my confidence, I no longer feel the need to prove myself. I know who I am, why I do this work, and—most importantly—I know the value my clients receive from the services and relationships we build together.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a woman, a daughter, a mother—but I’m also the founder of a business that is deeply rooted in connection and confidence. Personal styling, for us, isn’t about runway fashion or high-end glamour. We work with real women and men who either struggle to feel good in their clothes or simply don’t have the time to figure out what works best for them. Our approach is personal and intentional—we meet clients where they are in their lives and help them build a wardrobe that feels effortless and authentic. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing a client say, “I LOVE this! I never would have tried this on my own!” That moment of confidence and excitement is what drives our work every day.
This year, we’re focused on expanding our online presence! While we love working with clients here in Nashville, we also have the ability to style people nationwide—and we want to do even more of that. Our weekly newsletter has become a favorite among our clients and followers, where we share seasonal trends, styling tips, and everyday outfit inspiration. Our goal is to continue growing, reaching more people, and helping as many women and men as possible feel amazing in what they wear.
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?
Looking back, three key qualities have been instrumental in my journey: the power of genuine connection, unwavering self-belief, and the ability to delegate. My background is actually in finance—I worked in corporate finance before pivoting to what I truly love. While that job drained me, I had a boss who prioritized client relationships, even taking the time to handwrite thank-you notes. Seeing someone in a high-level role foster such meaningful connections left a lasting impression, and it’s something I’ve carried into my own business.
Believing in myself from day one has also been a major driver of my success. I never questioned whether I could build this business—I just focused on how to make it happen. But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything alone. In the beginning, I tried to save money by handling every aspect of the business myself. Then, a mentor gave me advice that changed everything: Do what you’re good at, and find others to help with the things you’re not. That same year, I hired a bookkeeper—who’s still with my company today—and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
For anyone just starting their entrepreneurial journey, I’d pass along that same advice. The sooner you let go of the things that aren’t your strengths, the more time and energy you’ll have to focus on what you are great at—and that’s when real growth happens.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
As a business owner, feeling overwhelmed is inevitable at times, but I’ve learned to listen to my body and recognize when I need to step away. When that feeling creeps in, I make a conscious effort to unplug—I walk away from my computer, get outside for some fresh air and sunshine, or, if I can’t step outside, I hop on my Peloton for a spin class. Sometimes, the best reset is simply putting my phone down and spending quality time with my family.
Giving myself that space allows me to return to my work with a clear mind and a fresh perspective. I’ve found that stepping away, even briefly, helps me tackle challenges more effectively than trying to push through when I’m mentally drained.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://effortlesstyle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/effortlesstyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EffortlessStyle
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@effortlesstyle
Image Credits
Judith Hill Photography
Liza Hippler
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
