'It Will Do' Is So Last Season. Issue #21
Showing Up Isn’t Enough Anymore... Here’s Why You Need to Stand Out (without the pressure).
Once upon a recent Tuesday, somewhere between a teenage tantrum (mine or my son's, unclear) and an oat capuccino, I had a thought:
"It will do" is not enough. Not anymore.
Because the truth is, showing up is only the beginning. You’ve got to stand out.
And oh boy, did the universe throw me into the deep end this month with that exact lesson.
Let me rewind.
Not even a month ago, I finally caved. After four years of building my styling business through referrals, hugs (yes, I’m that person), and in-the-flesh human connection, I hired a business coach. Why? Because when it came to growing online, I had no freaking clue. I mean, I could tell you what trousers flatter your body shape from a blurry Zoom call, but hashtags? Algorithms? Funnels?
Is that a tech term or a kitchen appliance? 😅
So, this wise (and surprisingly stylish) man tells me:
“Carolina, go on LinkedIn. There’s no one like you there.”
Wait... LinkedIn? Isn’t that where people go to humblebrag about work promotions and upload suit selfies? But hey, I trusted him. I’m the type of woman who once took an organza skirt from M&S and made it look like Dior. I know how to work with what I’ve got.
So, I committed.
Optimised my profile. Posted.
Crickets.
More posts. Still crickets.
But then… a whisper.
Then the men came.
Not the clients, yet, the “Hello beautiful” brigade, the “£5,000 for one night with your company” wink wink nudge crew. (True story. Don’t ask. I said no.)
It’s wild out there. But still, I kept showing up.
Because my coach said something that stuck:
“Create a wave so big they can’t ignore you.”
And Carolina? She doesn’t splash. She tsunamis. 🌊
But I’ll be real with you. Building online presence feels like yelling into the void while juggling flaming swords, in heels.
Especially when you're doing it between client calls, motherhood meltdowns (mine again, maybe), and trying to figure out which flight tickets to buy for summer.
This week felt like a turning point. A messy, beautiful one.
First, I met Lisa Smosarski, editor-in-chief of Stylist Magazine, at 180 The Strand.
She has three children. Built an incredible career. And didn’t drop her grace for a second. Watching her speak was like getting a download of energy straight into my soul.
Her message was clear:
Be the woman who dares to stand out. Who doesn’t follow trends, but sets them.
Amen.
And that’s the magic sauce, isn’t it? Standing out doesn’t mean being loud or sparkly or perfect. It means being so deeply, undeniably you, that people feel it before they even realise it.
In your clothes. In your business. In your feed.
Later that day, I had a discovery call with my first ever client from LinkedIn. And... we didn’t click.
Ouch. That hurt more than it should have.
I’ve always had a 100% conversion rate. Not because I’m pushy, but because I listen, I adapt, and I know my stuff.
But she wasn’t my person. And honestly? That’s okay.
Not every “no” is a rejection. Some are just redirections.
Still, it got me thinking — time is too precious. Especially when you're a single mum running a business. I might start charging for those 1:1 consultations. Not because I want to filter people out… but because my energy has value.
(Yours does too, by the way.)
And then, as if to balance the scales of the universe, I found myself at LinkedIn HQ. (Yes, THE LinkedIn building. Manifested? Maybe.)
There, I met a group of powerhouse women who reminded me that behind every screen… is a real human.
With a story. With heart. With value.
One of them, Alicia Teltz (go follow her on LinkedIn), dropped knowledge bombs that made my brain do the salsa.
Suddenly, the digital world didn’t feel so intimidating. It felt... alive.
Like Matthew McConaughey would say in Greenlights:
“The obstacle is the way.”
So I turned my rejection into a green light. 💡
( Just finished reading Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, and let me tell you, this book is a whole vibe.)
It’s a masterclass in believing in yourself, trusting the process, and embracing the scary unknown, because honestly, that’s where all the magic lives.
If you need a little pep talk wrapped in a cowboy grin, do yourself a favor and read it.
… Now I’m sitting here, writing this from my kitchen table, with my younger son asking if cereal counts as dinner. (It does tonight.)
And I’m thinking about all of us, women growing businesses, careers, wardrobes, children, and maybe even our own damn belief in ourselves.
So here’s what I want you to know:
Don’t just show up. Stand out.
Don’t follow trends. Create your signature.
Don’t be afraid to pivot. Even if it means failing first.
Don’t underestimate your presence, online or offline.
Don’t wait to be ready, just start. The green lights will come.
If you want to stand out, professionally, personally, energetically, you need to look the part.
You could be pitching on Zoom or commanding the boardroom, but if your style isn't aligned with your ambition, you’re already a few steps behind.
👠 Clothes speak before you do.
💄 Your presence is your power.
👗 Your wardrobe is your personal PR.
And you know what? Energy travels, even through screens.
Your earrings, your neckline, your silhouette, these are your hooks. The focal points that tell your story.
Highlight the parts of you that are magnetic.
Quiet the ones that aren’t your best (yes, I said it. It’s not rude, it’s strategy).
Because when your style starts aligning with your purpose, trust me… you’ll feel it.
Not just on the outside, but in your cells, your bones, your hormones (yep, even they’ll be doing the cha-cha-cha).
You don't need more clothes.
You need more clarity.
A style narrative that speaks before you do.
So if you’re thinking, “Where do I start?”, start here:
Subscribe to my Newsletter and receive my FREE Wardrobe Edit eBook.
I’ll teach you how to organise and categorise your wardrobe like a pro, so you stop wasting time, stop second-guessing, and start dressing like the woman you keep pinning but don’t feel brave enough to be yet.
You’ll see what I mean.
And when your mornings feel effortless, your style finally makes sense, and your confidence starts overflowing into every room you walk into…
Come back and say thank you.
I’ll be here, cheering, styling, and dancing with my hormones.
You’ll find your wardrobe will strecht and so will your budget. ;)
On another note ….
Next Wednesday, June 11, I'm hosting a styling workshop at Nellie’s (Berkhamsted), from 7–9pm. The theme?
“From Invisible to Irresistible” How to transform clothes into LOOKS.
You’ll get expert styling advice, a welcome drink, and a whole lot of inspiration (and probably one too many stories about linen trousers and silk dresses).
Tickets are £25, email showroom@rebeccaclarkinteriors.com to grab your spot.
Let’s go from basic to bloody authentic, shall we?
P.S. Connect with me on Linkedin if we are not yet to follow my journey bringing my 1:1 style consultancy FINALLY ONLINE, after 4 years styling ladies offline, where I am sharing the ride in real time. How does my profile look? I’d appreciate your thoughts!
With love, (until next week)
Carolina X