Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Helene Oseen, an author, speaker, and style therapist based in Calgary, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a Style Therapist with over 30 years of experience helping women like what they see in the mirror when they get dressed. My goal is to help them make friends with themselves and fashion. My 6-week program Style Your Life is specifically for women over 45 because style doesn't age; it evolves. My philosophy is that aging doesn't mean becoming invisible; it means becoming authentic. It's not about what's in, what's not, and what was. It's about doing you and owning it. You can learn all about my Style Your Life program at www.wearyourlifewell.com/style-your-life or access details about it on my home page by clicking Tell Me More.

Tell us about yourself

When I was a child, I would hear the sound of my mother's Singer sewing machine lull me to sleep as she sewed for her clients. Most of my clothing was home-sewn which I didn't think was cool until later when I realized the amount of love and creativity it took. As an adult, I went to Fashion Academy in LA and realized the biggest contribution I could give women is not just to make them look nice - but to help them silence their inner mean girl because most women don't own their enoughness. Body image is a common thread we share as women. I'm no different. In a youth-obsessed society, we are taught to believe we have a best-before date. It's time to widen our definition of beauty and believe in ourselves and our abilities.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've worked as an image consultant, personal stylist, professional buyer, educator, writer, author, syndicated newspaper columnist, weekly television contributor, and more. I have a lifelong commitment to learning and becoming more of myself, so I celebrate every step that pushes my limits. If I had to choose only one, I would say it's when Global Television/YWCA honored me with the Woman of Vision Award for my contribution to the industry because I developed and taught a Retail Fashion Consultants Certificate Program at the college level.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Inconsistent revenue and scaling your business is a challenge for many - me too.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Do something - anything to move yourself forward every day. Tiny steps can give you remarkable results over a period of time.
Never stop learning. Take courses, expand your thinking and stay open to opportunities. In other words, invest in yourself.
Collaborate and surround yourself with like-minded people. We are all better together as we can give and get support to and from each other.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.wearyourlifewell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heleneoseen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heleneoseen/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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