What are you wearing to your branding session? In today’s episode, I have the honor of introducing you to stylist Risa Kostis. We’re chatting all about establishing a professional brand through style, how you have more to wear than you think. Plus Risa’s must-have pieces for business owners. 

On Quianna Marie Weekly, we’re chatting about business growing pains, finding genuine connections, and celebrating wins of all sizes through the lens of a photographer at heart. Sprinkled throughout stories and interviews with past clients, photographers and other business owners this podcast is designed to help you step into your purpose. Truly create a life you’re proud of, a life worth photographing and sharing.

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Review The Show Notes: 

Establishing A Professional Brand Through Wardrobe (3:49)

Defining Your Style As A Business Owner (7:39)

Get Started Today With Elevating Your Closet (13:50)

Staple Pieces That Every Business Owner Needs (19:53)

Feeling Confident No Matter What You’re Wearing (27:24)

Styling For Different Projects (39:10)

Key Tip From Risa (52:58)

Connect with Risa:
Instagram: instagram.com/risakostis
Website: risakostis.com
Instagram: instagram.com/therescuekitco
Website: therescuekitco.com

Review the Transcript:

Quianna: Hey Bestie, what do I wear for my branding session? I literally have nothing to wear and I know I need to go shopping, but how do I even begin picking outfits for my personal brand and business? I want to look professional but nothing too fancy. How do I articulate exactly who I am now but still create an elevated online presence?

Not only do I want to look and feel my best for a brand shoot, but it’s time to add some sparkle and confidence to my everyday looks too. These black leggings and oversized t shirts are my everyday vibe, but I’m ready to step into this next season and it’s time to breathe some fresh air and life into my closet.

Subscribe. Well, my friend, I made a call and our stylist, Risa Kostas, is coming to the rescue with encouragement, mindset shifts, and fashion tips. Risa Kostas is a seasoned fashion stylist with years of industry experience helping women look and feel their best when they get dressed. Risa truly is a beautiful reminder to remind us that there’s no right or wrong way to get dressed, there are no rules. But there are secrets, there are resources, and there are methods she’s picked up along the way that she loves to share.

Today, I have the honor of introducing you to a fashion icon right here locally in Phoenix, Arizona. As a multi passionate business owner, just like me and you, Risa began her career with hair and makeup that unfolded into a robust portfolio, including experiences in production, manufacturing, trade shows, wholesale, PR events, wedding planning, and styling.

As you can tell with this quick intro, Risa has years of experience with lots of stories and lessons to share. Picking out what to wear runs so much deeper than shopping for trends and classic pieces. Our clothes develop quick first impressions and builds authority online. For this episode, we’ll be discussing how to establish a professional brand with your style, overhauling our closets to prove that we really do have more things to wear than we think.

Risa shares her advice for must have classic pieces. Every business owner needs in their closet. Plus we’ll be diving deeper into the mindset shifts and confidence boosters. We all need no matter what we decide to wear every day. This conversation is going to help answer a ton of questions while you plan for your next branding session and leave you feeling empowered to truly step into every room feeling put together, approachable, and comfortable.

And confident, ready with a warm hug. Please welcome Risa Kostis.

Welcome to Quianna Marie Weekly, a podcast for creatives who love to celebrate wins big or small by dancing in the kitchen. Photographers who are excited to serve their clients. and friends who are ready to chase really, really big dreams. You can find all of the resources mentioned in this episode at QuiannaMarie.com/podcast

Join me as I share weekly motivation, chat about growing pains, finding genuine connections, and celebrating your wins through the lens of a photographer at heart. Come join me for a dance party. Ready? Let’s go.

Hey, hey, hey, welcome to the party, Risa. I am so, so honored you can be here with us today.

Risa: I am so grateful to be here and it’s just so funny that we were talking before we started that we haven’t actually like hugged in person so air hugs air hugs

Quianna: All the love and this is the power of podcasting this is the power of showing up in your truth and chasing those really big dreams because you’re going to find people that you connect with and we may not have met yet in real life so welcome I’m so happy you’re here

Risa: thanks for having me.

Quianna: Yes, well, we know in life and business, first impressions are everything, both in person and online. I would love to know from you, Risa, as we get this party started, How can styling our wardrobe help establish a professional brand?

Risa: Yeah. I mean, absolutely. When you’re, when you’re thinking about launching your brand and when you’re just thinking about like who you are as a professional, I think, you know, your wardrobe, it goes hand in hand without a doubt.

I mean, obviously, like you said, it’s the first impression that people see. So they’re thinking about like, who is this person for themselves first and foremost? And then how does that translate in who they’ll be for me? And I actually, funny enough, I read a quote recently from Sydney Sweeney, who’s a young actress in Hollywood, and she works with professional Hollywood stylist, Molly Dickson.

And she, she said that right when I met Molly, I knew I wanted to work with her. She showed up in overalls and sneakers and was like, that’s my kind of girl. And I think, you know, that. Tells the world that Molly is relaxed. She’s easy to work with. It isn’t about her. And there’s so many underlying tones that we can give off by the way that we dress.

And similar to Molly, like personally for me, I like to not be the star of the show when I’m dressing somebody else. I roll in very comfortably, obviously appropriately for the environment that I’m in, but You know, I really, I really want it to be about my client. It’s their moment. It’s their time. And the vibe that I give off is just that it’s going to be about you.

It’s not going to be about me. So when you’re thinking about your professional brand and helping that come to life, like What is the energy that you want to give off? What is the message to your client and to your consumer? Are you super serious? Are you a little bit more fun and colorful and playful?

Because that ultimately becomes the calling card that you put out into the world. So how you look really does have that lasting impact, but it also gives people the impression of what kind of person they’re going to get behind the scenes.

Quianna: Yes, I love that so much and I’m so happy you brought that story to our attention because I think sometimes when we are planning either a branding revamp or update or even just launching a business from scratch, sometimes we feel like we have to be professional by wearing pencil skirts and high heels and that just isn’t the case when you mentioned.

That the stylist popped in with her overalls and sneakers. That feels like a breath of fresh air. That feels like it’s just, you’re right. It’s an energy exchange. And it’s, it’s true to who she is. And I love that you are basically giving us the green light to simply be ourselves. And I love that so much.

Risa: Yeah, because if you’re not yourself. It’s going to be very obvious. It’s, it’s not something you can maintain. No matter what situation that you’re in, like that authenticity is what’s going to be long lasting for you. Anytime we try to take ourselves outside of who we are, the jig is up. People start to really realize like, Oh, this is not the person that I initially met.

Or you get tired by that. It’s like going into a new relationship and giving them your all in the beginning, but really, honestly, you’re exhausted and six months. And they’re like, wait, who is this person? So I love this quote, you know, the, the truth always comes out. So you might as well start there. And I think it’s very evident in fashion and it’s very applicable in how you look and how you present yourself to the world.

So that authenticity piece is. So key to maintaining your business, your persona, and just that, that vibe, that energy, like you said.

Quianna: Oh, this is so important. Oh my gosh. Well, I want to get into some juicy details and I want to start planning a brand session together. So. Let’s do it. I feel like that is such a hot topic.

Everyone is Googling what to wear to a brand shoot, what to wear for my next brand session, and how do I show up as my best self? So let’s get to planning Risa. I would love to know what are some ways you can help define a style for business owners. Let’s start there.

Risa: I love that you’re bringing this up because I get a lot of inquiries about dressing people for their brand.

And I think initially people don’t understand the investment and the amount of energy that goes into it. There’s a lot of money behind putting out these images and really, you know, getting a presence through all your assets. So your website, your social, like it’s so important to really like get your ducks in a row because As a business owner, especially a small business owner, like every dollar counts.

So finding the right person and finding the right team who can really set you up for success. So when somebody comes to me and they’re like, where do I even start? You know, the first thing I need to do is listen. I have to listen to what they see for themselves. I have to listen to the, the problems that they feel they might face when they are getting dressed.

I have to just be a sponge because the more I learn about the person behind the business, the better I will be for them as their stylist, you know, and, and also like, what is this vision that they see for themselves? Like who are they trying to become? What are they leaving in the past? Like that listening, it’s like, it’s like therapy.

I always say, I’m like, I’m like 90%. 10 percent talent. I mean, I don’t know. I feel like anyone can dress anyone, maybe not, but there’s a lot of listening and a lot of handholding and a lot of comforting that goes in behind the scenes. So number one, listen, number two, you, you need to learn. You need to learn as much as you can about the job that they’re doing their role.

Are they the CEO? Are they behind the scene? Are they somebody that is going to be the face of a brand, learn every aspect of their life, what makes them tick, who they are, and you know, the more empowered you are to know the person, the better you’ll be able to, first of all, form a relationship and a bond with them so they trust you when you’re pushing them outside of their comfort zone, but also you’ll be able to source the right clothing for them and you know, you’ll be able to work together to really like form that trust and say, okay, okay.

Okay. Yes to this or no, that’s like pushing me into a place that I can’t, I just can’t go. It’s not professional, but you have to learn about the client because if you don’t understand what their role is, if they are somebody who’s behind the scenes, maybe the clothing needs to be a little bit more subdued.

If there’s somebody who’s going to be making constant public appearances or their face is going to be splashed on the homepage of the website. We’re going to address them accordingly because they are the spokesperson for that brand. So listen and learn. And then the third thing I like to do is create.

I like to put a, put some pictures in front of them, create a mood board, create a vision board, create a Pinterest port board. You need to really, you know, Think about what the plan is for this because you just can’t go into it winging it and that’s where a lot of I think people don’t understand the amount of work that stylists do behind the scenes and people do behind the scenes to prepare somebody for a shoot.

I work very closely with a photographer who does all of my branding work. And the amount of energy and time and effort and storyboarding and back and forth emails and text messages, communication that she does to prepare for a shoot hours and hours and hours of work. So when you, you know, if anyone knows, you know, you’re giggling because you know.

When you are trying to make something come to life, you really have to put it to paper or to, or to your computer. Did I just age myself? Um, am I cutting things out of magazines? No. Um, but I think, you know, in order to really see yourself in that role, you have to create the vision. You have to be looking at something and say, you know what?

I have the desire to wear this. Bright orange suit head to toe. I’m going to take it from the internet on somebody cool that I saw that i’m inspired by i’m going to put it onto My mood board and i’m going to start to visualize myself I don’t care if you have to photoshop your head from another photo and put the outfit on your head on said mood board.

Whatever it is that you need to do to see yourself in that role But this creation part is part of the manifestation process in my opinion So it’s all part of like the secret sauce and the recipe that goes into these branding shoots And then the last step would be to source or to shop these pieces.

So. That’s where a professional like me comes in, or maybe you have a really fashion savvy client that loves to shop. And if you give them the tools, they can go out and do the hunting and the gathering of all of these fashion pieces. But in order to get to that stage, all of these other pieces of the puzzle need to be fit into place.

So, and you know, I think like. The sourcing and the shopping is what probably gets people the most. I don’t know that that many people love to do these types of things. Like if you’re running your brand, you probably aren’t like the creative person too, or you’re not great at both. It’s that same scenario, like higher out in the places that make you just want to itch your skin off, scratch your skin off, whatever it is.

Um, higher out in that zone of genius, you know, just to help make that process easier because chances are you have some idea of what you might want for yourself, but it’s that execution part that feels the most intimidating. So listen, learn, create, and then shop and source.

Quianna: Yes. Oh my gosh. These are all great foundation pieces for us to get started with and to start brainstorming, start researching.

And I love how you implemented that creative piece too, because I think there is a piece where we need to celebrate and embrace exactly who we are today while still casting that vision for the future. Right? Like we need to step into that next. embodiment and find that alignment for that business and that brand that we’re craving.

And I just love that so much. So what are some things that we can get started today while we elevate the outfits that are already in our closet? Can we start there? Yeah.

Risa: So, I mean, I think a lot of times the big question is, You know, what do I wear today or what I have so many clothes and I have nothing to wear I think a lot of it is just we get stuck in these patterns of dress we get stuck in The daily grind of our lives and we go into our closet and we just keep going back to the same thing over and over Again, it’s really hard to stay Creative.

There’s a reason why Steve jobs wore a black turtleneck every single day is because he didn’t want to think about it. And he didn’t want to put the energy that he had for his real passion into something like getting dressed. So I understand it can be exhausting to walk into your closet. So one of the things I think you can probably do is start thinking about how you’re styling your pieces and not just wearing them.

And there’s so many, we are so lucky. That there are so many people out there tick tocking and Instagramming different ways to wear versus style. And I think that’s such a great, I wish I had, I wish I had that social media gene in me to do that for people every day. Maybe this is my sign to do that. But, you know, Putting on a t shirt versus tucking in a t shirt or thinking about what to add to the outfit that might just give it that extra level of thought that shows people, Hey, I really thought about getting dressed.

So really thinking of thinking about styling versus just wearing. So the second thing would be like, add, add your accessories. Like I just said, like, But pull out things that, you know, have been just collecting dust. I’m guaranteeing that some of your listeners here probably have something that they hang their belts or scarves from and they haven’t touched.

It’s collecting dust. I see you. I see you. So start to really pull out the pieces that you know, you still love and maybe edit out the rest and. Start pairing them up and matching them to things. You know, we are, we have been given the gift and this is another tip of monochromatic dressing being really in right now.

So think about, you know, how can I create an all black look? So instead of putting your traditional black t shirt with just a pair of jeans and sneakers. Maybe think about pulling out a pair of black pants and creating a head to toe all black look and give it that monochromatic look. I mean, anytime, when in doubt like today, when in doubt, throw something black on because it can always look chic.

And the minute you pair, I have, you can’t see the audience can’t see, but I’m wearing black shorts with this little black crop, like, Top that has this embellishment around my neck line. And I just thought, Oh, that’s interesting to be on camera. And I could just throw jeans with it, but I’m going to make it look like it was a two piece set or a romper.

So really be thinking about like elevating in, in a way that you wouldn’t normally. I mean, We’re seeing a lot of trouser pants and things that would traditionally have been office wear now being worn as casual wear and even sometimes athleisure with like a really cool aloe sports bra or something and a great pair of sunglasses and a sweater tied around the neck and sneakers like all of a sudden you’ve taken your sports bra that you typically would work out in and paired it back to a pair of wide leg trousers or even like skinny trousers if that’s your body type.

So, Really thinking about how you can play around with categories of dress and then play around with head to toe color and just kind of push yourself outside the limit. And the one other tip I will give for this is when I am feeling stuck, because it happens to me all the time. Okay. I’m going to myth bust right here.

Stylists don’t always know what to wear, which is why we generally like to be like understood when we show up on set. Cause we’re like, Oh, all of our energy is going into our people. The one thing that I do is I hop on Instagram and I go to some of the people that inspire me. There are a lot of them and I see what they’re wearing just for street style and it just sparks like some energy and then I go to my closet and I say, what do I have that’s similar to that?

To that. So if I don’t have that exact shirt, do I have something that’s similar in shape or color? And how did they style it? Like, what did they do? And then the last piece to that puzzle is how am I making it me? I don’t want to be wearing exactly what Olivia Colpo is wearing, even though she has amazing style.

Okay. I would wear what she’s wearing. If I could trade closets with anyone, it might be her, but I want it to be like, I want to be inspired. And ignited. And then I want it to be my individual style. So, get that inspiration and then make it individual to you, unique to you.

Quianna: Yes. Oh my gosh. I love that so much.

And I feel like that is where a lot of us get stuck is because we are looking in our closets and we’re thinking, I have nothing to wear. And I love how you are drawing inspiration from our real life friends, real life influencers and mentors and just really awesome creative people that are having fun.

And then we can make it our own. I love that so much. Risa. Thank you.

Risa: Yay, I love it too. And I love when I get DMs from people that say to me like, Oh, I, where did you get that? I’m, I’m inspired by that. I’m going to get it. And then I always follow up with, send me a picture of how you styled it. Like, and if you want it, you know, if you just are using this as inspiration, like, don’t forget to make it your own.

Like, I can’t wait to see how you styled it. Like. There’s nothing, there’s no greater compliment to me than that. Like somebody taking something that I wore and then turning around and making it their own. It just means that like, they’re seeing that there there’s a way for them to wear it too, and they’re still following their own journey and staying in their own lane.

I love that so much. Cause there’s a lot of, there’s a lot of copycat styling out there with influencers and, you know, listen, like they’re there for a reason and they’re giving us inspiration. But I like to see the person who is going to turn around and do something totally different with it. And then turn and turn and inspire somebody else.

Quianna: Yes. Oh my gosh. Well, I love this so much and I feel like this is already so inspiring. So I’d love to continue back on track with branding. And in your opinion, what are some staple pieces that every business owner needs for function to be more comfortable, but also have a little bit of that professional vibe?

Risa: So I think one of the things, you know, this might be cliche, but I think you have to have like a classic color blazer in your wardrobe. I’m, I don’t see blazers ever going away. And I, I also am loving that I’m seeing them worn as dresses more oversized. We’re seeing them cropped now and boxy. Like there’s so many different ways that we’ve seen them and we’ll continue to see them.

So if you haven’t already invested in, A neutral color that works for you, whether it’s. Black or white or tan. Maybe you consider lilac and neutral. Good for you. I mean, whatever it means for your brand and for you to have that like one staple, amazing blazer that, and it could be oversized if you want it to be, or, you know, really consider what fits your body type and your brand when you’re choosing that, but you have to have that staple blazer.

And then on the other side of that, like, I think having a fun blazer as well, like Make sure that you have that because if there’s something that has a great print to it with multicolored, you know, a multicolored print, then you can bring in so many different pieces. You can mix and match patterns. You can draw different colors in.

Oftentimes, like, even on camera or on set, like, It might look if it’s if it’s far enough away, it might look black, but it’s actually navy, but you can still get away with wearing your black and your brown and, you know, complimentary colors to it. It might draw out whatever color it is that you’re wearing.

One of my favorite things to do when I’m in somebody’s closet and dressing them for any professional event is to pull out a printed blazer and show them all the different ways and cut and pieces that can be worn with it. And their minds are blown because they’re like, I would have never put You know a lighter blue with this darker blue that was in this blazer, but like You start to see that like your eye can do interesting things when you start putting things on and playing around with them.

So have that like one neutral and that one really fun blazer and try to give them different shapes and styles too so you can wear them in different ways. I think another thing you need to have as a working professional is a great bag. I think you need to have a great work tote that takes you from A to B, is something that will stand the test of time, something that is maybe a little bit more of an investment piece, but there is nothing like charging into a meeting with a great work tote.

I know that like when I used to carry kind of beat up work totes. I felt like I would take the time to put these great outfits together and my bag was like stuck in the past and I don’t do well with that. Like it doesn’t have to be super expensive. I love investing in resale pieces if you are looking to bring a designer piece in, but make sure that your bag is in the same era as you and your look and like it isn’t left behind in the past.

Another great thought I have is. A conversational piece, like what? It’s creating a conversation in what you’re wearing. For me, it’s my grandmother’s vintage Halston watch. I wear this watch every day. I layer it up with all of my bracelets. And it’s one of the first things that people see, I could be wearing this amazing outfit and they just go, they’re drawn to my bracelet stack.

And, but what it does is it sparks conversation. It also shows people that. I care deeply about the people in my life, the people who have come and gone, and the people who mean something to me, and it sparks this sort of meaningful storytelling, and I think anytime that you can do that, you’re humanizing yourself, and you’re able to create connection with somebody, and no matter what type of room that you’re in, there’s nothing better than that.

So, find yourself that. Daily conversational piece. It could be the same thing that has meaning. It’s an heirloom piece or it’s just something loud and exciting or conversational in your outfit. So maybe it’s a really cool hair piece, or maybe you decided to do a bright color lip that day. And somebody’s like, Ooh, I’ve been looking for that.

Same color red lipstick, like do something that’s going to draw somebody into you and make them interested in what you’re selling Who you are or just like who you are like what your story is as a human being and you’d be surprised how That can lead to Icebreaker situations and potentially opportunities.

Quianna: Yes. Oh my gosh. I love that so much. One of my favorite things to do is to wear really fun earrings and especially the really light ones because if I have anything super heavy on my earlobes, it just gives me a headache. But I love that advice and I do that all the time for either networking events or just fun events, educational opportunities and stuff like that.

When I wear those really funky, fun, and big hanging earrings, I love it. Always get compliments on them, or at least I will say it’s just a conversation starter. So maybe they’re a little goofy looking, or maybe they have, they’re big with feathers, or they’re a really fun, bright color. But I always definitely get conversation started with those earrings.

So I love that advice so much. See, you’re already doing it. What am I even doing

Risa: here? You don’t even need me. Nobody’s like, it’s that whole, it’s, it’s memorable. And I think it’s important. Like, if you are a business owner, or you’re somebody who wants to get seen in the room, But maybe you’re a little shy to like start the conversation or speak up or raise your hand if there’s a question or whatever it is, let the wardrobe do the talking for you.

Let your self shine through via what you’re wearing. I mean, I can’t think of a better way to like have a little angel on your shoulder than your wardrobe.

Quianna: Yes. Oh my gosh. I love that so much and I love this conversation too because I feel like a lot of times we are. I feel like we’re almost living two lives as business owners.

We have our own life, like right, we have like our own personal style, which may just be leggings and sweatshirts, let’s be honest, like whatever that looks like. It may be something comfortable and go to, but then we’re also trying to bridge the gap with our business and our brand. And that, that can be so I don’t want to, I don’t even want to call it terrifying, but it can, it can be hard.

And so I would love to kind of shift the conversation. We can keep, we’ll obviously keep talking about outfits and really fun statement pieces, but I would really love to shift the conversation, Risa, to mindset. You know, I feel like, like I say, like there’s been a lot of conversations around, like, if you want to reach that next level, the old version of you needs to die.

And I feel like this is just like a sounding like either opinion or just, you know, shareable quote that keeps going on. And, and I personally don’t actually believe that I feel like our future really is dependent, like not just in our human form, but it is dependent on our past and the decisions we’ve made.

And I love that you and I both have a lot of history in the wedding scene, and now we are doing what we’re doing today with more branding, and you with styling, me with photography. But I would love if we can kind of tap into that mindset. How can we do that? Build that confidence to truly elevate. So truly, no matter what we’re wearing, we feel capable.

We feel powerful and it starts with how we feel inside, right? So I would love to kind of just kind of pick your brain a little bit about maybe some things that you share with your clients or you help kind of motivate them to feel beautiful in their own skin. This

Risa: work, this confidence building for me personally has been pretty much lifelong.

I mean, it goes all the way back to bullying in grade school and then being in a really bad car accident when I was 17 and being left with a facial scar and having multiple surgeries and just being scared to enter the workforce in general and being Honestly, I, I was scared to be seen at all and which is the opposite of what my hopes and dreams were.

I wanted to be a Broadway actress. I wanted to be on stage. I wanted to be in front of people. And so there was this real juxtaposition about who I was on the outside versus who I knew I really was meant to be on the inside. I do think that a lot of people are struggling with this. I think that they struggle with.

Where conflict maybe meets their hopes and dreams and where trauma meets their hopes and dreams and doubt and ultimately confidence. And a lot of people that cross my desk or come and, you know, enter my world of fashion are struggling with something, whether it’s body image or a relationship change or showing up for themselves.

Like it is, it’s really hard to get dressed, but we have to do it. So we have to dig really deep. And I think, you know, for me, there have been some crucial tools that I’ve used in order to build my personal confidence, because when all of the things that were happening in my life created setbacks for me, There really wasn’t a huge support system for me to get me out of it.

I had to do it on my own. And now we have all these tools and resources and therapy and social media apps and all the things that are there for the taking, but it felt like we didn’t have any of those things when I was going through the deep work that I needed to go through. So for me personally, I am my most confident when My care for myself is at level 10.

Like the self care, the The habit building and maintaining the cutting toxins and cutting the noise from my life, the mindful eating my a mentor of mine. Always says be mindful of your inputs. And so what’s coming at you, what are you ingesting? And so I created an acronym around that and it’s ingest new positive, useful tools.

Like what are the things that you’re taking in? Who are the people that you’re taking in when you’re operating in this way? You’re telling yourself like, I’m ready to operate at the next level of my life. And so. I do think, I truly believe that you have to do the deep personal work. In order to be successful in your business, because you can have all the money in the world and all the sales in the world.

But if you’re not taking care of yourself and you’re not happy in your core, and you don’t feel confident walking in a room, you’re going to feel really, really small inside of your business. And it’s not going to be fulfilling. And you’re going to want out. And I truly believe that if you are taking that step to become a business owner, You need to be really happy with who you are.

And that means loving yourself and meeting yourself completely where you’re at. You have to get so clear on where you see yourself in the future and believe that for yourself, like to the point where you’re like, I, I don’t even know other people exist. I mean, don’t do it. Don’t do what I’m doing, which is like barely leaving your house for the last six years.

Okay. Don’t do that. But, but. Really sit with yourself and get like uncomfortable in your own space. Like with you, stare yourself in the mirror, tell yourself, you love yourself, put the post its up all over the place with the affirmations. Like I do, I have like a whole huge calendar, um, again, from my mentor that I’m, I’ve got post its all over and like writing down what I’m doing in my day, just to like, remind myself that I accomplished something great.

Doing that work is so important to confidence building because if you’re sure of who you are, the rest is going to be cake. But, you know, if you’re keeping the toxins around you, that could mean people, that could mean food, that could mean alcohol, that could mean whatever it means for you. If you’re keeping those things, With you while you’re trying to grow and build your own confidence, there’s going to be roadblocks along the way.

You’re going to be creating these blockages that are going to just push right back against you. So for me personally, doing the work on myself and really truly loving myself by myself, it doesn’t mean you have to physically be by yourself. If you have a partner, make sure that that person fully understands and champions you and meets you where you’re at.

In terms of like loving on yourself, but if you are physically by yourself, cause there are a lot of female solopreneurs out there and I don’t know if anyone in your audience is, but I imagine there’s a few and it’s really hard to do a lot of things on your own, but the more I empower myself. The more confident I am getting dressed and showing up in the rooms when it is time to do that.

Quianna: Yes. I love that so much. And you’re right. It absolutely starts with us. It starts with the self care. More importantly, the self love. I love that piece so much because you’re right. Like we can put all these ideas into play. We can do the research. We can feel inspired. But if we feel blah or we feel uncomfortable in our own skin, none of that really matters, right?

Like we kind of have to push through that. And I, And I would love to add too, I know when I’m trying to build my confidence, I actually sometimes step outside of my business and I try to find something that I’m really good at, right? Like maybe it’s something as simple as sitting on my couch and creating a friendship bracelet with embroidery thread that we used to do when we were in middle school, right?

Something small that I enjoy and I’m really good at, right? Maybe it’s cooking a meal for a family or inviting some girlfriends out to go out to a country concert and just go dance and have fun and create a memory. When you put yourself in those positions to feel confident, feel beautiful, and to simply be happy.

That’s when that confidence just soars. skyrockets. And I think, I think sometimes, especially as business owners, we can get so close to our business that we just want to keep pushing and pushing and pushing. And sometimes it takes a pause to truly just take care of ourselves and take care of our individual needs to boost that confidence.

So I love that you mentioned all that, Risa.

Risa: I think you hit the nail on the head with continuing to do the things that you love because you have to live your life alongside. Running your business like you, and, and I understand being fully involved in your business, especially when your business is your life.

There’s nothing wrong with that. There is nothing wrong with that. But for instance, this year, I, in January, I wrote 14 goals that I wanted to accomplish this year on a whiteboard. And I stared at it every day. It’s in my living room. Some of them were so out there and so probably unachievable this year, but I wrote them anyway because I was like, if I keep looking at it, maybe it’ll happen.

The amount of things I have ticked off of that whiteboard, I am in, I am shocked by myself this year. And one of them was to sing the national anthem at a pro sporting event and I made it happen. And I do believe that like, when you start to write things down, the universe will show you signs and present things to you, and then it’s up to you to grab onto it.

And it wasn’t my best showing. I’ve sung that song hundreds of times since high school, saying it in college. Like I, I, it wasn’t my best showing. Okay. I will say that, but what it did for me was prove that. I can do all of the really difficult things I can be. I’m ready for big stages. Like I think it, it gave me a boost of confidence that I needed to then go home and start writing pitches to huge hotels that I’m trying to partner with in my, in one of my companies.

Like I, I kind of became invincible after that. And I took myself out of the business. Even though I still be dazzled a blazer. Okay. I had a custom blazer made because it’s all about how you look, right? What I hope they remember is what I was wearing. Not exactly how I sounded, but you know, it doesn’t matter.

I did it. It was imperfect. It was scary. And I, I represented my brand. So like what it did was still give me that like little, a little tinge of fashion, you know, but like. It also reminded me that there are other things that I’m good at. And we tend to put ourselves in these boxes and you just hit the nail on the head, like go out and do the things that you’re good at.

Remind yourself that you are not singularly focused in this life because everything that you are good at, let me tell you is going to play a big role in this business that you are building or you are a part of. And if you don’t continue to harness The things that you are passionate about and love. You will feel like you’re stuck in on this hamster wheel of professionalism at all times and it will be exhausting for you.

So boosting your confidence comes from a lot of the things you are out doing outside of work. And it, for me, it’s that habit building. It’s the no alcohol. I quit alcohol a year and a half ago, and it was one of the greatest decisions that I personally could have made.

I’m not saying that you need to go out and do that, but I’m just saying like, In order for me to feel like I’m waking up and facing the day in the best possible way and not wasting a moment of time because it is a thief that time, you know, like I’m harnessing and I’m focused in on all the things that I know will make me successful.

So you, you, you nailed it there.

Quianna: Yes. Oh my gosh. I love that so much. And I love your national anthem story. I had no idea that you were interested in singing and the fact that you wrote out that list on your whiteboard and check that baby off. I am so freaking proud of you.

Risa: Thank you. Thank you. It’s, it’s been really fun to see what was like a, a reach goal for me that I could tick off.

And I’m not, I’m not even done with that. I am. I was like, it was good, but it wasn’t great. I’m going to go, I’m going to go another round on that. So. Let’s do it. Yeah. It’s, you go out and go out and do the things that like, you know, you’re really good at. So if you do have those fail forward moments in business, you’re like, well, at least I can go home and sing in my rose gold karaoke microphone.

Yeah. And ain’t nobody taking that away from me.

Quianna: Yeah, do it. You know, I’m all for singing and dancing in the kitchen. That’s literally my favorite thing to do. That’s amazing. I love that. So now that we are boosting up our confidence, we feel a little bit more confident in our own skin. And even if it is just five seconds of bravery, right?

So I would love to shift the conversation and if I would love to really get into the different types of styling or basically just different. Outfit ideas, and in your opinion, what would be a little bit more aligned with a branding session versus styling for a speaking event or everyday business style?

What, what kind of goes through your mind when you are styling a client for different types of projects?

Risa: So, you know, that branding session might be very similar to a speaking engagement when I am dressing people for those moments that feel really big and almost feel like you’re putting on a uniform or a costume or you’re getting to experiment and you’re, you really are like, Stepping outside of yourself in those moments, you’re like becoming this higher level of yourself.

You are becoming aspirational, right? Like, and, and making sure that that aspiration meets inspiration, whatever that means for your audience, but really thinking about like, are you, are you somebody that wants to inspire people to be able to do what you’re doing and wear what you’re wearing, you know, buy what you’re selling, whatever it is.

And then there’s also that level of, again, like aspiration. Like, are you trying to, are you trying to be somebody that people all like, they’re like, Oh, one day, one day, you know, like those moments. I think in a branding shoot and on for an onstage or a television appearance, whatever it may be, like those are the moments you really get to kind of have fun and showcase and play around with styles that maybe aren’t as comfortable, but you are sacrificing a little bit of that function for a fashion moment.

I know that like, What I would wear to speak on stage and isn’t necessarily what I would wear out every day. I might throw in some feathers. I might wear some bold color. I might put on a sky high heel. So these branding moments, like I still see that, like I see a speaking engagement as an extension of your brand.

Absolutely. I mean, and what you’re wearing every day out in public could be as well, but maybe for the more casual moments, you can be a little bit more under the radar and you can, you can. You can just be a little bit more incognito when it comes to your brand, if you’re just going to the grocery store, but in those moments where you are giving yourself a platform to really show up as that next level version of you, I feel like you can.

Bring something out that you wouldn’t normally wear. And that I take that as an opportunity to show people what’s possible. And I also, obviously you want to consider, you know, who, who are you as a brand owner and, and what are you portraying and what are you selling and what are you, you know, what’s your product or your service.

But those, those are the moments where taking a little bit of a risk does kind of put you in this. This area that you hope, I think you would be striving for that. You would want, you want, you want to look at yourself and be like, I want to work with me a hundred percent. If you’re not thinking about your hair and your makeup and your nail color and the type of shoe that you’re wearing and the accessories that you’re wearing, you know, If you’re not thinking about that head to toe look for those moments, I think you’re, you’re missing the mark.

And, you know, for your more day to day dress, I think it’s great to be a scaled down version of that. If you’re just going to meetings or if you have some in person things, I always say, you know, your in person outfit might be very different than your on camera outfit. You know, when you are on camera, you have to think about angles and you have to think about how things are going to show up through the lens.

But in person, you might really be thinking about wearing different types of silhouettes that are a little bit more comfortable and really suit your like day to day style. Never losing that authenticity piece along the way. So you can take a few more risks, I would say, for those bigger appearances. And.

Keep the underlying authenticity, invisible string going. And then, you know, in your day to day, you’re probably a little bit more downplayed, you’re probably a little bit more wearable and comfortable. And, but you’re always tying in those key elements that are going to be those conversation starters and those signature pieces to your brand.

Quianna: Yes, I love these tips so much. And honestly, the first thing that comes to mind are the Powerhouse Women events. And those events are so fun because I look back at the speakers, I look at all the incredible women that attend, and they’re just dressed the nines. Like they have brought out the shoulder pads, they brought out the sequins and the, and just all the really fun details.

And I think it is really fun to Definitely add a touch of elevation to your everyday look, right? And I love that you’re giving us that green light to be creative, to kind of take what you love and take risks. I love that. And that’s, what’s fun about these events is it’s an extension of who you are. But it’s fun.

It doesn’t have to be because I think, I think sometimes when I’m planning either a branding session for myself or I know this is just the way I’m wired, but I always think when I’m picking an outfit for a branding session or I’m showing up to an event, I think it’s like a, Oh, this is it. Like, this is who I am.

Like I put so much pressure on that look and how I’m going to be perceived and I think sometimes it’s okay to have fun. And this is why we encourage all of us to show up to multiple events and to put yourself out there and right. Instead of just working at home in your cave, go out to a coffee shop and throw on a polished piece that makes you feel confident.

And I just love that so much, Risa. I love that you’re sharing that. It’s so important. It’s actually encouraged to take some risk with fashion and I love that so much.

Risa: Yeah. I mean, nobody’s going to remember the person who walked into powerhouse women in like a white t shirt and cut off jean shorts, but they’re going to remember my tall purple snake skin boots and my three piece bright orange outfit.

And you know, Think about how, what kind of impression do you want to make? What kind of lasting impression do you want to leave on that crowd? And when pictures come back, are you going to look at yourself and be like, I put some effort into this. Like you have an opportunity to show up as big as you want to, it’s whether or not you’re willing to meet yourself there.

And I think for people listening that feel scared to show up big in the room or feel nervous to take a risk. I like to say it’s just clothes. We’re not saving lives yet, just close and think about the amount of compliments you might get if you showed up as that person versus like just staying small and, and what are your goals?

Are you looking for that? Are you looking to make waves? Do you want to make attention? Like if you, chances are, if you’re looking to build a brand, you want to be seen, but you have to believe in yourself enough to take those risks and you have to want it for yourself. I can’t want it for you. I can lead a horse to water, but I can’t make it put on the sun.

Sparkly one suit. I can’t, you know, I can’t make you put on the silver sequin jumpsuit unless you are my client. Jillian shout out to Jillian. You know, I think that’s the other thing is when you are in a stage, I always like to say, are you ready for Risa? Are you ready for this? And if my client is like, well, I don’t know.

I, this is what I usually like to wear. I’m a little nervous. Sometimes I can. Pokes them and guide them and lead them in the right direction. And other times I might say, I’m not your stylist. Come let’s, let’s chat in six months or, you know, like I just, I think like, you know, I know exactly the type of person that I’m calling in and it is somebody who wants to have fun and not take life too seriously.

And who’s willing to let me say to them, we can do better than that, or that dress is wearing you, or you’re way cooler than that piece. 1999 called. It was his high school sweatshirt back. Okay. Archive that thing. Okay. I have a Tupperware bin with a label maker ready to rock, you know, but like, you know, and I agree with you, you made a statement earlier, which I do agree with that, that our past plays a crucial role in who we are today.

It doesn’t mean, and I would challenge like, you know, that in that it doesn’t mean that we have to be holding on to that version of ourselves, but that version of ourselves is what got us here. So we, we celebrate her. We applaud her. We love her. We might maybe bust out one of our vintage pieces that she wore as a little Easter egg in our future photo shoot, which I did recently.

And, you know, Give yourself that permission to love that person and then also give yourself permission to love the person that you are now and meet her there. Let the old version of you meet the new person where she’s at, not the opposite. Don’t go meet the old person where she was at. Have the older person meet you where you’re at today.

Quianna: Oh my gosh, that’s a mic drop moment. Risa, that was so good. I love that. And I completely resonate with that. And I feel like I just have to share too, before we, um, move on to introductions and share more about how to work with you. I feel like sometimes there is so much pressure in showing up as someone that you’re not, or that who you want to be, but going back, circling back to the beginning, when you mentioned that one stylist showed up with her overalls, I just can’t help, but.

Reiterate, it’s okay to wear exactly what makes you feel like you. And, and I think about it, you know, I have my really fun cowboy boots. I love them. Cowboy boots to me are just so much more comfortable than heels. Like I just, it’s my, it’s my thing. I love it. And there’s nothing wrong with having a bright pink pair of boots or a bedazzled pair, right?

Or just a simple. simple kind of kick ass black with a little silver, like a silver toe. There’s nothing wrong with that, right? So I feel like there’s, there’s tons of pieces. The, the options are unlimited with still being true to you, adding some color, showing that you cared, that you put effort into it. I think really is the resounding kind of theme from our conversation today is just showing that you care.

You care about yourself. You care about your business, everything from the polish on your nails to your earrings and your fun tops. I just, I love how this is all coming together. He says, so good.

Risa: You wear your cowboy boots, sister. I have some bedazzled cowboy boots and I love them. I think you’re so right.

You are so right about all of that. And I don’t know. I just think that like giving yourself this permission to just like go out and crush, whatever that means for you. The reason that you will get hired. Is because you are you not because you’re somebody that you’re trying to be like so that I think is Crucial to keep in mind as it ties back to branding right stand proud in who you are And own it.

I think what I was going to say earlier is You don’t have to show up as the exact same person through your style every day. Some days I’m super girly and feminine. Other days I dress very androgynously and I love to be in menswear. Other days I want to be in a t shirt and biker shorts and high tops.

It’s just about a feeling. And so build your wardrobe around the type of person that you, like, Want to be on a day to day basis. And that might mean cowboy boots and heels and sneakers, like give yourself that versatility because you’re not going to be the same exact person every single day that you show up in your life, but always like keep it in my, in the back of your mind, if you are tying back the way that you dress to your brand, the type of.

Persona that you want to put out into the world. And I think you’ll be surprised that like, it’s okay. You don’t have to have a specific style and people are still going to love you exactly as you are and exactly how you show up.

Quianna: Yes. Oh my gosh. I love that so much. And that is a beautiful way to kind of wrap up this conversation.

I feel like I love that. Cause like I mentioned earlier too, I’m always, I always want to be a perfectionist. I want to think, okay, this is how I’m presenting myself. This is how everyone’s going to perceive me. And no, it’s okay to have that variety and almost kind of create characters for yourself, right?

Like, almost like, like cartoon characters is what I like to call it, right? Where you have your, this is me on a brand day. This is me giving a speaking event and showing up to an empowering women’s event. This is me just going on a date night. This is what I wear walking the dog, right? Like it’s okay to have that variety and to embrace that.

The versatility with that. And I love that. That’s

Risa: a hundred percent. Right? You nailed it. You don’t, you can be whoever you want to be. And just a last bit of advice would be finished. The look like really put, if you’re going to be that person that day, finish the look, put 150 percent effort into that look that day.

Even if you’re super chill and it is workout clothes, maybe try to do a matching set or add an accessory or match your sunglasses to your set, finish your look that day because it will Even when you are a different version of yourself, it’ll still give you the confidence that you are like today. You’re this version of you, if that makes sense.

So just. Finish the look and wear it confidently. And the next day you can be a bell from Beauty and the Beast if you want to. I don’t care. I will, I will, I will slow clap you down the street if that’s how you want it.

Quianna: You know? Okay. Oh my gosh. Well, one question, this can totally be your key tip now that we’re wrapping up.

But one question I love to ask every guest, Risa, what is your key tip? What is something that you wish you knew sooner or something you’d like to share with entrepreneurs today?

Risa: I think. If you are in a business partnership, this is And it’s unique to people in a partnership, but I think it is one of my, one of the best things that I’ve ever done in my, in my second company, the rescue kit company was my sister and I are partners.

And before we started and launched, we went to therapy together and we talked about how we wanted to resolve conflict. So I suppose that this can be for solopreneurs as well, but. Go to a therapy session and how are you going to resolve conflict with your partner or even yourself? Like when it gets hard, what are your tools that you’re going to use to get you through?

And I think it’s applicable in both, in both scenarios, whether you’re in a partnership with somebody that you care deeply about, cause you will, you’ll become family if you aren’t already. And then if you’re by yourself, what are the tools you’re going to use to get yourself through the hard times?

Because they’re inevitably going to come. So make sure that you have a plan in place to take care of yourself and to take care of the partnership. Um, and to remember that you’re human first and business owners second. Um, and that it’s that top tier level of self care that I cannot advocate for enough.

Quianna: Wow. I love that so much. And out of all these episodes, we haven’t heard that yet. Like going to therapy and going over some conflict strategies and some tools. I love that tip. And I love how you’re so like, it just seems so relatable and it’s inevitable that these things are going to come up. And I just love that tip.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Yes. So how can we connect with you, Risa? How can we be your BFF and come hang out with you? Yes. Um, come

Risa: hang out with me, please. Cause I spend a lot of time alone. So please come hang out with me. Uh, you can find me on Instagram. That’s where I’m the most active and, and, and where I, Speak to everybody the most, um, and it’s just at risa costas And then you can follow my product line and go support us and go Purchase my brain in a bag via the rescue kit company um and and hang out with all of our styling tools and um You can find us on instagram at at the rescue kit co And then it’s the same for the websites risa costas.

com and the rescue kit co. com

Quianna: Amazing. Oh my gosh. Well, I want to ask what’s in your rescue kit before we totally cut off. What is in there? I want to know more about it.

Risa: Yes, they’re all like lined up behind me here. So we have our signature kits, which are the photo shoot kit. Great for people who are going to be in front of or behind the lens.

Um, and that’s 19 items, everything from Uh, stain removing spray to a lint roller, to a sewing kit, to a lens wipe, um, to a metal straw. So you don’t mess up your lipstick when you’re on set. And then we also have our bride kit, our signature bride kit, which we work with a lot of hotels and resorts and, uh, they actually buy them for their booking bride, so it’s a great little perk and amenity when a bride shows up to get married, but, um, we also sell direct to consumer on our site.

But. That one has 22 items that are all perfect for a bride in the getting ready room and all of her. girls or guys, whoever is getting ready in the wedding party, um, and along the same lines, but geared more toward, uh, those bridal needs, those wedding needs. Um, and then we also have a marketplace on our website where you can buy individual styling tools.

So if you are a media professional, photographer, videographer, or just somebody who takes to the stage a lot, or goes on TV, or just really loves having, you know, All the tools in the toolbox when you’re getting dressed like double stick tape and pasties and anti chafe balm and all the things that we need behind the scenes when we’re getting dressed.

Um, so you can purchase individual items right on the marketplace as well.

Quianna: Amazing. Oh my gosh. I love how you’re tying in your background, your future self, all the things in your current businesses and you’re just so inspiring. Thank you so much for chatting today. Thank you so much for having me. This was so fun.

I don’t want it to

Risa: end.

Quianna: I know. I know. I can keep talking with you all day. Well, I hope you have a beautiful and stylish day and I cannot wait to hug you in real life soon. Thank you so much. Thank you, babe. Bye. Wow. I’m so thankful for Risa and all of her tips, tricks, and encouragement to help us dress ourselves and embody this next quantum leap.

You my friend are going places. Let’s walk with pride and feel our best with every step. Make sure to follow along with Risa at R I S K O S T I S and also check out her emergency rescue bag at the rescue kit co to grab the emergency kit for your next branding session or next wedding. It makes the perfect gift for vendors or all of your besties tying the knot next.

If you found this episode helpful, please shoot it over to a friend and revisit this chat when it’s time to book your next branding session. We’re rooting for you, babe. This entire branding series is made just for you, my friend. I hope you find these helpful and encouraging. Stay tuned for more of this series to help you feel prepared to strategize your next photo shoot.

In case nobody told you yet today, you are incredible. You are working hard and I see it. You are capable of making your dreams come true and keep on dancing, baby. Okay. Love you. Bye. Can’t wait to chat next week. That’s a wrap on another episode of Quianna Marie Weekly. Thank you so much for your listenership and support.

You can find the resources and show notes for this episode and more at QuiannaMarie.com/podcast. I’d be honored if you’d show your support by leaving a review and rating on your favorite podcast app until next time, keep on dancing.