We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalia Rutecki a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Natalia, 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.
Despite receiving encouragement to pursue personal styling as my career, I grappled with feelings of inadequacy and doubt regarding my abilities and whether others would have confidence in me. Taking the leap to start my own business was daunting. I feared I wouldn’t be able to meet all my clients’ expectations, especially in an industry without formal training or certifications. However, I leaned on my experience, passion for fashion, keen eye, empathy, and knack for helping others recognize their beauty. The cornerstone of my mission was to instill confidence in my clients, hence the name Confidently Chic. To achieve this, I had to first cultivate confidence in myself, banishing self-doubt and acknowledging that clients sought my expertise precisely because it’s an area of struggle for them but a strength for me.
My first client’s positive experience was a tremendous boost to my confidence. Even now, receiving texts from recent clients expressing satisfaction with their new look reaffirms my abilities.
Yet, not every client readily embraces the process or commits to necessary changes, which can be disheartening. While I aim for 100% satisfaction, I’ve come to accept that pleasing everyone is unrealistic. I can only control my efforts and provide the best care possible. Staying authentic to myself and prioritizing my clients’ needs ensures I never succumb to feeling like an imposter. Just as I encourage my clients to believe in themselves, I must also heed my own advice. Confidence breeds confidence.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi! My name is Natalia Rutecki and I am the owner of Confidently Chic, the styling service that gets you looking and feeling amazing for any and all of life’s special occasions! I got into this business not only because I view fashion as an exciting form of self expression that brings me joy, but because I also wanted to to help others experience the same joy that I receive from it.
I provide both virtual and in person styling packages for my clients according to their needs, wants, and locations; Whether it be in person shopping experiences, in home wardrobe audits or virtual styling packages complete with outfit links, vision boards and virtual try-ons.
It’s my job to listen to my clients’ needs and determine what is necessary in order for them to reach the level of confidence in which they are proud to hold their head high and let others see the best version of themselves. Sometimes people don’t think they are deserving of that. Convincing them that they are, can be one of the hardest parts of my job, and yet it’s also the most rewarding when they can finally see it for themselves. It makes me so happy and proud to hear the excitement in their voice when they tell me how beautiful they feel, when they blossom and realize the beauty was there all along they just needed a little help showcasing it. That moment is everything.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe it’s crucial for those embarking on a new journey to embody confidence, humility, and resilience. Confidence is essential, as it requires a certain degree of self-assurance to take that initial step toward starting your own business. Despite the fear that may accompany such a leap, one must believe in their abilities to pave the way forward. Recognizing the value you bring to the table is paramount, as it allows others to acknowledge and appreciate it. Humility may seem counterintuitive, but it is equally vital for success. The journey entails continuous learning, and without the willingness to seek assistance or acknowledge alternative perspectives, growth can be stunted. Flexibility and openness to change are key, since the more we can adapt to diverse circumstances the more we can progress. Refraining from prideful reluctance to seek guidance can prevent significant hindrances to personal development.
Resilience is indispensable in confronting the many challenges that inevitably arise. Particularly in the early stages, the plethora of tasks can seem daunting. Even after achieving success in acquiring new clients, setbacks may still occur, leading to feelings of defeat. However, dwelling on failures is unproductive; instead, one must utilize these experiences as opportunities for improvement. Overcoming obstacles strengthens one’s resolve, making them better equipped to navigate future challenges.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As a personal stylist, I’m always seeking opportunities to collaborate with fellow professionals who aim to enhance their clients’ experiences with the use of a wardrobe stylist. I’ve found immense satisfaction in partnering with makeup artists and photographers to offer clients comprehensive head-to-toe makeovers, immortalized in captivating photographs for years to come. Whether it’s for headshots, branding, fashion, maternity shoots, or any other occasion, my goal is to ensure clients feel confident and empowered. Currently, I’m thrilled to be part of a dynamic team spearheading the ‘She’s a Boss’ campaign alongside photographer Chelsea Hickey and makeup artist Kelly Ella. We’re on the lookout for 30 female business owners in the Boston area to share their success stories and feature them in a prestigious print magazine. If you’re a female business owner in Boston, we invite you to apply for this exceptional opportunity!
Additionally, I’m eager to collaborate with clothing stores to elevate the shopping experience for my clients. When accompanying clients on shopping trips, I often visit stores in advance to curate a selection of pieces tailored to their preferences. Involving stores in this process would not only enhance the client’s experience but also foster mutually beneficial partnerships. By collaborating with different stores and premium brands, I believe we can attract additional clientele. Offering exclusive discounts to clients could further incentivize purchases, making the experience even more memorable.
If you’d like to contact me for a future collaboration please email me at [email protected] or give me a call at 508-320-9867.
Contact Info:
- Website: Confidentlychic.net
- Instagram: @confidentlychicc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confidentlychicc?mibextid=AEUHqQ
Image Credits
Jessi J Photo
