Making a fashion statement involves expressing your personal style in a unique and memorable way. But if you want to make a fashion statement at your next event and wow the crowds, you will have to be brave and bold. This can mean changing your hairstyle into something you wouldn’t normally do. Or using organic materials to support causes that are good for the environment. The key to this is to be confident and authentic in your choices while having fun.

Be Bold with Your Hairstyle

This year, people are likely to keep changing their hairstyles to be bold and daring. You can try out common hairstyles like pixie cuts and blunt bobs. Or try something new and risky, like a “bixie,” which is a mix of a bob and a pixie cut. Read this bixie haircut guide for more information. You can also choose bright colors for your hair, like pastel pink, blue, and purple. You can use a bold hairstyle to make a statement, show your own style, or try something new.

Forego Slimfits for Something Baggier

In the past few years, it has become popular to wear clothes that are too big, like baggy pants and loose-fitting blazers. This style is comfortable and casual, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the situation. You can wear loose-fitting tops or cropped jackets with oversized pants. While oversized blazers look chic and sophisticated with tailored pants or jeans. This was a popular trend in 2022, and it’s likely to keep going strong throughout 2023 and beyond.

Use Sheer Fabrics Well to Make a Fashion Statement

In the last few years, sheer fabrics and mesh details have been popular in fashion. These materials give an outfit a bit of sexiness and edge while still being comfortable and light. But if not worn right, they can be dangerous. You can find these fabrics in blouses, dresses, and skirts, among other things. For a simple look, you can wear them with solid underwear. Or wear them with pieces that are bright and bold for a more daring yet supremely attractive look.

High-Waisted Pants are Trending

High-waisted pants have been popular for a few years, and they are likely to stay popular in 2023 as well. This is mostly because they can be worn in many different ways and come in many different styles. Among these are skinny jeans, pants with wide legs, and tailored pants. This style looks good on most people and can make you look like you have longer legs and a smaller waist. For a chic look, you can wear them with crop tops, tucked-in blouses, and jackets.

Try to Pair Chunky Boots with Formal Wear

You don’t have to wear the heels or flats you always wear to conferences. You can take more risks and still look great. You can wear chunky boots with dresses, skirts, jeans, and other pants for a bold and edgy look. They come in many different styles, like combat boots, platform boots, and boots with lug soles. If you are short, they can make you appear taller. And you can make a statement while also being comfortable since chunky boots are also useful for everyday wear.

I’m a huge denim girl as well – Patchwork jeans show that you support sustainable fashion that uses recycled materials.

Because denim can be worn in so many ways, it never really goes out of style. Denim used to be considered casual wear, but now it can be worn to formal events if it is styled and worn the right way. And depending on the event you’re going to, it might be a perfect style and fit for it.

Use Faux Leather to Make a Fashion Statement

Faux leather clothes and accessories can give any outfit a bit of edge and class. This is great since almost 70% of the leather that is made is used for clothes and shoes. So, instead of real leather, you can show support by using fake leather. This means making jackets, skirts, and bags out of materials that look like leather but aren’t. You can also help good causes when you buy fake leather because it doesn’t hurt animals and is more environmentally friendly.

Don’t Forget to Accessorize

Accessories that make a statement are bold and stand out, and they can make any outfit look better. Most of these are things you probably already have, like big sunglasses, chunky jewelry, and unique handbags. You can add a pop of color or texture to an all-black outfit with these accessories. Or to go with a bright and bold outfit, you can also combine different styles, from vintage to modern, to show off your own unique style and personality at your next big event.

When I started my business, I had no idea what was going on. So many founders find themselves in the same position because there’s no map towards being a successful founder. It’s trial and error, persistence, and understanding that failures aren’t failures: they’re simply learning curves.

Come say hello to Heather and I as we launch GrasshoppHer Go on February 24th at Kendra Scott x UT Austin!

Small businesses can find themselves feeling like they have the opportunity to make mistakes. We want to be free in the choices we make, especially at the very outset, but time and time again, there are mistakes small businesses make that harm them for a number of subsequent years. A small business is not in competition with the big ones, but you still need to have a template in place that helps you to feel confident that you can go the distance. Here are a few things that new smaller businesses can potentially get wrong.

Poor Quality Marketing

Many businesses fail to acquire customers during the first few months, primarily because they do not know how to get their name out there. It pays to know some of the simple things that can get your business up the search engine rankings. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) encompasses so many different tools and tactics, like if your website is optimized for mobile, the backlink quality on your content, or your keywords. 

If you can hit some of the basic essentials of SEO, you can see an impact in a few months’ time. Because SEO involves optimizing your content to make it more readable by the Google algorithm, this will take a lot of the guesswork out of actually hitting your customers. A good analogy would be that SEO is like having a megaphone, so you can shout louder, and in the right direction, to the people that use your services.

Lack of Market Research 

You need to do your homework and understand who your customers are and what they want. It is a chicken in the egg situation sometimes- you may think that you can create products that cater to a certain type of customer, but if you don’t do your market research and understand who your ideal customer is, you are not creating the right products. Making sure that you have a product to sell is the first port of call, but market research gives you greater insight into who your customers are, what they purchase, and how they purchase it, which can help you to diversify.

It can be tempting to diversify your product range at the very outset, but it’s important for you to gain a better understanding of who the right people actually will be. When you do not conduct this, lack of focus or lack of the right products means you are spending more money than is necessary.

Not Networking

A small business needs to capitalize on the right relationships. In terms of marketing, if you can start to find the right bloggers that create content for your website, this builds a very symbiotic relationship that can improve your website rankings, but also helps you understand who is out there and how they can help your business. Of course, it’s not just about them helping you; you’ve got to help them, and establishing connections or relationships that complement your business means that you can start to work on creating a business that prioritizes people. 

You need that support because you will have better information going forward, and you will also have that moral support that can be invaluable when you feel like everything is against you. Ensuring that you position yourself in your industry is critical. You need to make your presence felt at industry expos or trade shows, and as tough as it may be to learn to network, especially as a small business owner that feels in the minority, it is a skill that comes with time. The more you do it, the better you get at it, and before you know it you start to fine-tune your elevator pitch and you gain more beneficial relationships with suppliers. Your business success is always going to boil down to relationships in every form.Poor Management

Many leaders think that they’ve got to save money, but what happens is that when companies are focused on the bottom line, the finger is pointed squarely at the leader, and for good reason! Their inefficiency and lack of appropriate leadership will make for an incredibly disorganized business that causes mistakes. It also sets the template for an ineffective company culture. 

A business needs to find the right leader, and if you are in charge but your skills are not up to code, you may have to go back to the drawing board or think about finding the right people that can achieve your vision.

A small business is in a good position to learn from its mistakes. These are a few things that will greatly improve your business, make sure you avoid them!

As the world continues to become more globalized, businesses of all sizes recognize that there is an opportunity to be found in international markets. However, those who seek success must know how to equip their business for the global arena properly. This article will provide an overview of the essential resources companies need in order to make a successful foray into international markets in 2023. 

A Strong Online Presence:

A strong online presence is arguably the most essential resource for any international business. With increased access to the internet, potential customers all around the world are expecting businesses to have fully functioning and attractive websites. This website should include your company’s mission, products or services offered, customer service contact information, and ways to place orders. 

In addition to having an aesthetically pleasing website, it is also important that companies use digital marketing strategies such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization), PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising, social media campaigns, email newsletters, and much more in order to reach their target audience effectively. These digital marketing tools will allow your business to build brand awareness on a global scale, draw in new customers and increase sales.

This is the case for all kinds of businesses, no matter what you are trying to sell. It doesn’t matter if you are working within healthcare marketing, b2b marketing, or anything else. Without a strong presence online, you simply will not be able to succeed.

An Adaptable Business Model:

When entering a new market, it is essential that companies have an adaptable business model. This means understanding the unique needs of global markets to create a business plan that can be adapted to each one. Companies must research cultural norms, language preferences, laws and regulations, consumer behavior, and other local characteristics before entering international markets. By doing so, they will be able to understand better how best to tailor their products or services and marketing strategies for these specific customers. 

An International Payment Processor: 

Businesses will need to set up an international payment processor to process payments from customers worldwide securely. These tools allow companies to accept debit/credit cards as well as other digital currencies and provide customers with a secure way to complete transactions online. Companies must set up these processors correctly to ensure that their customer’s data is safe and secure. To help you get started, set up oversees payment procesing here.

A Cross-Border Accounting System: 

Managing finances across multiple countries can be complex, especially when accounting for foreign exchange rates and different tax requirements. Therefore, companies need to have an efficient system that accurately tracks expenses, invoices, and cash flows in each country they operate in. This will help them prepare accurate financial reports and make more informed decisions about their international operations. 

International businesses face many challenges as they expand their reach across the globe, but having access to the right resources is key to overcoming these obstacles. By having these resources in place, businesses can increase their chances of success and ensure that their operations run efficiently.

I started a blog in 2011 and over the  past 10 years, I’ve had to come up with a real grip on saving and investing money. When you work for yourself, there is no ceiling. There’s also no security, so you have to save and spend smart!

Lower Labor Costs

For many businesses, labor costs are one of the most expensive aspects of running a business. You can lower labor costs by making sure you plan in advance. For instance, knowing the work schedule a month in advance will ensure you only use the workers you need for the hours available.

In addition, you could think about remote working or outsourcing work. This can help to keep costs down by only paying workers when you really need them. 

Make Use of Technology

Technology is advancing all the time and there are many ways it can help businesses to save money. For example, there are many jobs you can get done online much faster than you could do on your own, like accountancy. You can also advertise your business with fairly little expense using social media and website builders that teach you everything you need to know.

You may also notice that technology advances with the equipment you use for your business. It’s important to keep abreast of the innovations in your industry that could help you cut costs and increase productivity.

Manage Your Spending

Every business should have a financial plan included in its business plan. It should indicate spending budget and financial goals for any given year. You can use this as a guide to ensure you don’t exceed your budget. 

You can also use it to refer to as a guide to see where you can save money on different occasions. If you are constantly going over budget, it’s time to relook at your financial plan and manage your spending.

Sell What You Don’t Use

As your business evolves, there will always be things that you can sell to make money that you can invest back in your business. For instance, old computers or office equipment.. You may even find that you don’t need office space at all and your staff can work just as well remotely.

Do an inventory of your business and look at old stock or anything else you have lying around. Whatever you don’t use anymore can be sold to make money for new investments.

Reduce Energy Costs

Energy costs have hit an all-time high so it’s imperative to cut costs wherever possible. There are many things you can do to ensure you save on energy costs in your business. Firstly, make sure your employees are turning off all machines when not in use. A coffee machine left on standby can add to your costs.

Be sure that all electric points are switched off at night, except those that need to remain on. It’s also worth getting your heating and AC systems checked to make sure they’re functioning properly. If they aren’t, it could be costing you more by using these systems longer than necessary.

Figuring out what to wear to corporate events like conferences and trade shows is one of the trickiest
style conundrums you may end up having to navigate as a young adult. Dress codes for purely social
events are hard enough to figure out, but knowing that what you wear can impact your professional
reputation and that of your company can make the process of styling yourself extra nerve-wracking. And
if you’re attending a multi-day event, you’ll also have to spare some extra thought for what items will
travel well and not require a ton of ironing to look their best.

Luckily, there are lots of smart styling hacks to make the whole process of choosing outfits much easier.
For instance, you’ll want to forgo the temptation to over accessorize and instead pack a few simple,
classic pieces to complement the clothes you’ll be bringing. You’ll also want to prioritize comfortable,
versatile shoes that you can pair well with a variety of different ensembles. This will help you save
packing space while also keeping you comfortable throughout the day. Skip heels if you’re not typically
comfortable in them and don’t bring any new shoes in need of breaking in.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what sorts of outfits to assemble for your next corporate event, the
following can serve as helpful templates for essential conference ensembles:

Business Casual Outfit

Most conferences require a business casual dress code, which sits somewhere between formal suits and
casual clothing appropriate for everyday wear. If your conference invitation contains no instructions
about the dress code, going for business casual clothes is always going to be a safe bet. These outfits are
meant to make you look polished without coming off as stiff and stuffy. They’re also generally more
comfortable and easier to move in than full suits.

Button-up blouses, midi skirts with pencil or A-line cuts, dress pants, cardigans, and blazers are all good
examples of business casual staples. Mixing structured, tailored items with more relaxed-fitting
ones—such as by pairing a blazer with a white tee instead of a dress shirt—is a failsafe way to achieve
the perfect mix of ease and professionalism.

Leggings for women are also a comfier, more casual but still acceptable alternative to slacks if you
choose the right pair and style them smartly. Thicker leggings in black and other dark colors are
generally best in professional settings. Pair them with long, flowy tops or oversized cardigans that cover
your behind to create a put-together look.

Full Business Suit

If you’ll be delivering a presentation or if the conference explicitly requires attendees to be in formal
dress, it’s wise to show up in a more traditional suit. Suits always look their best when they’re perfectly
tailored to the wearer’s proportions, so choose one that fits you properly or get it altered at a tailor if
needed. The last thing you want is for other attendees to give you the side eye because your pant legs
are too long or your blazer sleeves are just a little too short.

Do note that even if you’re fully suited up, there are plenty of ways to subtly work your own personality
into your outfit. Switching out a traditional white blouse with something colored or patterned can help
inject a little playfulness into an otherwise formal ensemble, provided your chosen tops aren’t too
flashy. Tops in elegant jewel tones or understated patterns like small polka dots will give your business
suit a pop of personality without being over-the-top. Alternatively, a statement accessory like a pretty
brooch, necklace, scarf, or pair of earrings also works for this purpose.

Reception or Cocktail Hour Outfit

If you’re attending a multi-day conference, chances are you’re going to be doing more than just
watching presentations and participating in group discussions during the day. Most long conferences
often feature evening events like dinners and cocktail hours as well. These usually function as ways for
attendees to meet, socialize, and network in a less regimented setting.

On days that you’ll be going straight from daytime to evening activities, the most efficient thing to do is
wear the same outfit all throughout with a few tweaks. For instance, a structured dress in an eye-
catching color would be totally acceptable for daytime sessions, especially when paired with a black
blazer. Then, when night falls, all you need to do is ditch the blazer, touch up your makeup, maybe sub
in a sparkly accessory or pair of shoes, and you’ll be good to go.

While dressing for conferences can seem intimidating, it’s best to approach it as a unique opportunity to
communicate your style, skills, and personality to those who see you. Once you find ways to wear what
you love while still styling yourself appropriately for the event, you’ll surely be able to come up with
outfits that truly mean business.

A few weeks ago I posted a video about getting taken seriously in your 20s and it resonated with many of you. Filming the video was eye-opening for me as well, remembering the times I wasn’t taken seriously in my late teens to now because of my age. I used to never tell people my age when I was 16, 17 or 18-years-old especially when I was hosting TV segments because I knew I’d never be taken seriously!

Not being taken seriously because of your age makes sense. The older you are, the more experiences you’ve had. In a hiring process, you’ll always face competition that may be due to age and experience or simply experience.

There’s two responses I say to myself internally if I’m told no because of my age:

I’m going to talk to someone smarter!

Maybe I’m being told no because I simply don’t have the experience I need. So, let me go get that experience.

Look, if you’re emailing or cold pitching a company or mentor and you’re expecting something without showing proof or results: you’re setting yourself up to fail. I wouldn’t take someone seriously who didn’t have experience behind them unless it was an internship or mentorship opportunity. Business is business.

Be Fearless Summit has shown different ways to be taken seriously if you’re young in different posts.

Wear a blazer to your interviews and Zoom meetings.

Stop asking people what they think and start leading with “here’s what I think, do you agree?”

And don’t go getting intoxicated at company parties (regardless of your age!) or crying to your colleagues or boss on days you need to take a mental health day. Take a day or five off!

I wish there were more discussions around being in your 20s: your 20s are a learning and growing part of life that comes with so many growing pains. You want to fall down. Again and again and getting back up every time.

How can you get experience without learning?

I’ve been in Istanbul & Mykonos for the past few weeks spending as much time enjoying life offline as possible, which isn’t easy when you run your own company. If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that I thrive when I’m working. The excitement I get when I open an exciting email is not the same kind of excitement I feel when I get on an airplane: I truly live to work!

With the upcoming Be Fearless Summit heading to Central Connecticut State University October 5th, 2022 – Be Fearless is looking forward to presenting a shorter event with equally informative panels and a pitch competition. When Central approached us to bring a Be Fearless Summit to the university, we decided to work with them to make sure that the students at this particular school feel inspired and educated about the topics presented.

This is our first time working with a commuter school (students don’t dorm and most of the students will go on to work traditional 9-5 jobs) whereas we’ve worked with schools like UCONN and Drexel in the past that have a heavy emphasis on entrepreneurship and business. The theme for this summit is

Build Your CORE…Career Opportunity Readiness and Exploration

so if you’ll be at the event (full schedule and RSVP to come soon) expect a heavier emphasis of career building than past events. What’s incredible about being fearless is you can be fearless in and out of the classroom.

Full schedule and further details to come, follow Be Fearless Summit here to stay in the loop with how you can get involved. Speak submissions are still open!

Let me tell you one incredible thing about getting older: your confidence goes through the roof. In my early 20s and late teens, I truly struggled with my confidence. I could speak in front of 100s of people including my peers and their parents but I felt deeply insecure off of that stage.

I’m an open book and I hope that through all of my work and initiatives you feel inspired to find confidence with who you are. My friend Amy invited me on her fearless AF podcast The Amy Edwards Show, and in this hour discussion we go through relationships, my childhood, trauma and so much more. I felt so proud to be in her presence but also to be able to go through my story in such detail in hopes that hearing my trials and tribulations inspires you to fall in love with the journey you’re on.

I’m kinda digging these introductions to the dopest people in my life episodes…like last week with my co-founder Heather and this week with my best friend Kendall Forward. When I moved to Austin during COVID (over 1.5 years ago now) I posted a podcast interview with Dr. Brooks about how hard making girlfriends is. Moving to Austin from LA was a culture shock for me, as everyone here is crazy nice and people in LA are definitely not as inviting/ kind. I’m from the East Coast originally, so I can go both ways. Though being kind is SO important, there’s definitely an edge I notice people from the East Coast have that people in places like Texas and California don’t. There’s a natural grit and resilience that comes from growing up on the East Coast, which I attribute to the lifestyle and the weather changes. Anyone I know who grew up in sun is happy more often than people who grew up in snow, rain and cold!

Kendall and I met through our mutual friend Craig, who I met through Be Fearless Summit because his company sponsors many Be Fearless Summit’s. When Kendall and I met, we went out a few times and then she left to go back home because she hadn’t fully moved to Austin yet. At this point I was in a relationship so naturally making new friends wasn’t my biggest priority, but when she moved to Austin in August we connected again instantly and became so close. I’ve always been someone whose incredibly independent and likes being alone, so I’ve never found myself feeling suffered with a guy I’m dating because I never date anyone whose not on that same level of independence as I am. I’ve seen many girls get in committed relationships and stop hanging out with their friends or making new friends – there’s a fine line between not going out at all anymore because you’re in a relationship and staying in touch with people but spending more quality time with your significant other.

Don’t be the person who gets in a relationship and forgets who you are. That’s never healthy and when you come up for a breath of air if the relationship goes south, your girlfriends may have moved on with their lives because you dropped out of them.

Excited for you to hear this episode with Kendall and if you’re based in Austin, please reach out to me as we’re working on hosting more networking/girl groups in this remarkable city!