Just ask Elle Woods: when you own your look, people take notice. 

And yet, when you talk about investing in your appearance, a lot of people get Kim Kardashian vibes. But a lot of people don’t think of some of the other style icons who put just as much care into their appearance. Classic fashionistas like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe built their legacies on their looks. This wasn’t vanity; this was branding. 

Does appearance matter for your brand?

The answer is yes, but not in the way that you may think. 

Let’s get one thing out of the way: You do not need to be a model to be the best face for your business. Trying to keep up with the constantly changing (and often damaging) Eurocentric beauty trends is frankly overrated. Still, I would be lying if I said that your appearance didn’t matter at all. 

Your audience picks up on visual cues whenever they see you, whether that be on Facebook live, photoshoots, YouTube videos, etc. If you show up with a tangled top bun, stained sweater, and three-day-old makeup (all things I sport in my free time!), then they associate that disheveled look with your brand. They may think that you bring that same haphazard energy to your business, and when they assume you don’t care about your brand, they assume that you don’t value what you have to offer in your business. 

Obviously, that’s not fair. (And probably a little hypocritical, if we’re being honest). But think of it from the other direction: your appearance is prime real estate to give visual cues regarding your brand. What are steps you can take to ensure your appearance leaves a positive impression on potential customers?

Aim for authenticity, not cosplay

I think a lot of people see investing in your appearance as “artificial” because it seems like you’re trying to turn into something that you are not. The truth is, investing in your appearance isn’t about forcing yourself to be someone else; it’s about embracing who you already are, and taking it to the next level. So here are a few of my tips for feeling your best and putting your best face forward (pun intended).

Wear clothes that make you feel good

Ever heard the phrase, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have”? This mostly fits for your brand image too, but with one caveat. If you wear clothes that make you uncomfortable or just for the brand name, people will pick up on that. 

My personal goal is to have a wardrobe that inspires the people that watch me. (Even if it’s party on top, business on bottom!) I love Rent the Runway since it lets me try really nice pieces that are stunning AND professional.  

You should wear quality pieces that best connect with your brand. That can be boho chic, thrifted vintage, or glam pieces that belong on the runway. Wear things that make you feel confident, strong, and beautiful. The rest comes naturally!

Little “luxuries” go a long way

We tend to associate “luxury” things as high maintenance, but why? I say we put that misogynistic nonsense in the dumpster where it belongs! Embrace the things that make you happy AND that help you feel beautiful. For me, those things include:

• Make-up: I love a full face of makeup! It’s artistic, calming, and gives me a sense of routine. It also gives me extra confidence, which lets me show off my personality with bright colors and edgy lines. I usually go with Mac and Fenty products (my girl Rihanna has never let me down!), since the higher-end products stay longer, are more pigmented, and are overall better for my skin.

• Hair extensions: Our hair is our crown, so I definitely pamper mine. (Which it desperately needs, after the years of damage I put it through!) In addition to caring for my natural hair with quality products, I also occasionally invest in hair extensions that give a little “oomph” (although these days I opt more for clip-in extensions). My hair frames my face, adds texture to my look, and gives a subtle pop of color to give a healthy, vibrant vibe. 

• Beauty treatments: I personally go for lash extensions and microblading every month to make sure my face is “camera-ready” whenever I need to hop online or on a call. It makes me feel pretty and put-together, so I’m ready to take on the world with a fresh face!

Remember, my glam look isn’t just for fun. It also tells my audience the kinds of things I value: attention to detail, bold ideas, creativity, and discipline (because anyone who has mastered winged eyeliner knows that it takes work!).

Cosmetics can be self-care 

These “cosmetic” treatments can often be forms of self-care in themselves. They’re not just for vanity or for fun; they help stay healthy physically AND mentally as well! Some of my personal examples include:

• Nails: I have a really bad picking habit due to my trifecta of anxiety, ADHD, and OCD. My thumbs are always a mess. Getting my nails done keeps me from picking at them and gives them a chance to heal (while also helping me feel pampered and pretty!)

• Facial fillers: I have been getting Botox every 3-4 months ever since I was 19. I also have been getting facial fillers in my shin since I was 15, but not for the reasons you may think: I was born with a deformity in my chin that surgery helped correct to keep my jaw functional. The facial fillers (which dissolve over time) help maintain my chin shape as a result. 

• Skincare: I’m pasty, but I’m proud! Nearly every product that touches my face has some form of SPF protection, including my makeup. I avoid the nasty effects of sun damage with Drunk Elephant and other products that protect and moisturize my skin. 

Don’t be afraid to break the mold!

When you look bold, you feel bold. So don’t be afraid to touch up your look; it’s as much for your insides as it is for your outsides!

While these things we covered today may seem small, in the long run they play a critical role with the success of your business. How do you personally invest into your appearance for your business? Tell me in the comments!

if you’d like me to make more content like this in the future! Then, be sure to check out my playlist below to learn about the fastest way to set up your online shop.