Meet Ricki Downing

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ricki Downing a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ricki , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I actually didn’t know about imposter syndrome until 2020, when I decided to hire a Life Coach to help me get out of my own way, and pursue my passions. I told my coach that I’ve always loved the art of styling and fashion in general, but I didn’t think I belonged to that world. I didn’t think I belonged, because I didn’t go to school to learn what I know about styling, it’s just innately inside of me. That’s when “Imposter Syndrome” was brought to my attention, as that’s what my coach said I was keeping me from going after my passion of working in fashion. The biggest step I took towards overcoming imposter syndrome, was to just claim who I was… I’m a talented stylist. Once I agreed on who I was, I started doing things that, Ricki the Personal Stylist would do. I showed up everyday on my social platforms, I bought books to learn more about my craft and I joined a few Masterclasses for Personal Stylist. The more I showed up to build up my credibility, the less of an imposter I felt.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a Personal Style Coach who helps women—especially creative entrepreneurs—uncover their personal style and build wardrobes that reflect their unique energy and confidence. My approach is rooted in color psychology and dopamine styling, which means I use fashion not just as a tool for looking good, but for feeling amazing and showing up fully as yourself. The name of my business has recently changed from Effortlessly Ricki: Personal Style & Image Consulting LLC, to The Dopamine Style Closet, as I’m leaning into personal styling that’s empowering vs. styling to look cute.

What’s most exciting about what I do is witnessing the transformation that happens when a woman sees herself—really sees herself—for the first time in a new light. It’s not just about the clothes. It’s about alignment, self-expression, and joy. Style is deeply personal, and I treat it as both an art and a form of emotional empowerment.

Outside of one-on-one coaching, I also speak to corporate teams about how personal style can be a powerful tool for creativity and confidence in the workplace.

Right now, I’m excited to be expanding my offerings—I’m working on a digital style guide and prepping for a summer workshop series that will help women discover their signature style and start curating a wardrobe they actually love to wear.

If I could leave folks with one message, it’s this: you don’t have to wait for a “perfect body,” a special occasion, or some future version of yourself to start dressing in a way that makes you feel alive. Style is for right now.

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 most impactful things I did early in my journey, was first hiring a Life Coach. I needed someone to identify what was holding me back, and give me guidance on how to overcome it. Secondly, I found a community (recommended by my coach). There just so happened to be a community of fellow influencers/small business owners, who where on the same journey and struggling with the same obstacles. The community Spark School, offered a space for all of us to link together, promote one another, mindset calls with incensed life-coaches. That community was a true blessing. I was surrounded by love, support and fellow creatives. Being an entrepreneur can make you feel like you are on an island. The best thing you can do is invite some friends to join you ( I mean, that’s how they survived on Gilligan’s Island …. right?!) lol. Finally, the last impactful thing I did in my journey was just SHOW UP and try my best not to give up.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Their are two books that play an important part in my development. The first would be the Bible, hands down, as it has so many stories of small people who are called to do big things, and they too have the same reservations and fears, but overcome by trusting God. This whole entrepreneur road is full of trusting God. The second book, which was recommended to me by a Pastor is “Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway,” by Susan Jeffers. The title alone, is encouraging and the message I try to take with me in everything. I do everything scared, and trust that God will work it out for my good.

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