When I was younger, I thought elegance was all about appearance—a perfectly polished exterior, like pearls strung delicately around the neck, or knowing precisely how to sip from a champagne flute without spilling a drop. But then life happened. A whirlwind of change, setbacks, and unexpected detours. In those unguarded moments—the times of uncertainty and heartbreak—I learned the truth: authentic elegance has nothing to do with perfection and everything to do with how you show up in the world, especially when life isn’t going your way.

I want to talk about personal branding but in a different sense of corporate strategy or entrepreneurial ambition. For us, it’s more about claiming life—about stepping boldly into the person we are becoming and letting that confidence seep into everything we touch, from how we dress to how we speak and move.

Your brand is not just about your professional image. It’s about the story you want to tell the world. It’s about leaving a mark of grace, elegance, and purpose in everything you do. It’s about claiming life—beautifully, courageously, unapologetically.

The Foundation of an Elegant Personal Brand

Imagine you’re in a bustling café in Paris, with small, round tables and servers who remember your coffee order. It’s your first morning in the city, and the sunlight filters through the lace curtains, casting delicate patterns on the wooden floor. You’re dressed—a crisp white blouse, a pair of well-fitted trousers, and a red lipstick that makes you feel invincible. In that moment, you are not just another traveler but the heroine of your own story. Every detail—your posture, the elegance of your outfit, the way you hold your cup—is a small, deliberate act of claiming your presence in the world.

Personal branding is a conscious decision to show up fully and reflect who you are and aspire to be. It’s the art of turning every encounter into a reflection of the values you hold dear.

So how do we, as women claiming life, cultivate this kind of elegance in our brand? Let’s wander through the steps together, like walking through a beautiful Italian piazza, pausing at each fountain to soak in a different facet of our story.

Step 1: Start With Self-Reflection—Who Are You When No One’s Watching?

 Before building a brand that speaks to others, you need to have a long, intimate conversation with yourself. Picture it as a solo journey through your inner landscape. Who are you? What are the values that guide you when the world falls silent? Take your time here as if you’re savoring a glass of vintage wine. Write down your thoughts, your dreams, and even your fears. What makes your soul light up? What are the parts of you that you wish others saw more of?

This is not about perfection—it’s about owning your imperfections, your quirks, and the little things that make you, well, you. Just like the great women I’ve drawn inspiration from—think Coco Chanel, who turned her painful beginnings into a legacy of fashion rebellion, or Audrey Hepburn, who turned simplicity into an art form—your brand should be a true reflection of your essence.

Step 2: Your Unique Signature—What’s the Story Only You Can Tell?

 There is something wonderfully unique about the way you navigate the world. Maybe the kindness that spills over in your words or the passion you pour into even the most minor projects. Perhaps it’s how you always find the silver lining or make people feel seen. That, my dear, is your unique signature. It’s the core message of your brand.

So, let’s refine it. Like crafting delicate jewelry, we want every part of your brand to reflect your story and purpose. Write a short statement—just a sentence or two—that captures who you are and what you stand for. This will be your compass, your North Star, guiding every choice you make in presenting yourself to the world.

Step 3: Dress the Part—Style as a Manifestation of Your Inner Elegance

 Fashion is not frivolous. It’s a language, a way of speaking without uttering a word. When you dress elegantly, you tell the world that you value yourself and have shown up as your best self. So, choose pieces that make you feel powerful yet at ease. Think classic, timeless silhouettes that move with you—like a well-tailored blazer, a silk scarf that whispers sophistication, or a pair of ballet flats that remind you to stay grounded.

Every piece in your wardrobe should be a love letter to your inner self. Forget trends that fade faster than Tuscan sunsets; you can focus instead on cultivating a style that makes you feel alive. That, my dear, is elegance.

Step 4: Cultivate Your Elegant Presence—Let Your Actions Speak Gracefully

It’s not just about what you wear or say but how you make others feel. Cultivate a presence that exudes calm and confidence. When you walk into a room, do so with the quiet assurance of someone who knows her worth. Listen more than you speak, choose your words carefully, and let your body language reflect your inner grace. Even in conflict, let your elegance be the thing that softens the edges.

Remember, true elegance is never loud or flashy—it’s in the quiet, powerful way you carry yourself, even amid chaos.

Step 5: Claim Life Through Your Brand

An elegant personal brand isn’t about putting on a mask; it’s about embracing every facet of yourself and showing up authentically. It’s about claiming life with all its messiness and beauty. Because when you walk through the world with elegance, you’re telling the world that you are here, fully alive, fully present.

So, dress the part, speak your truth, and move through the world as if every step you take is an act of celebration. After all, elegance isn’t about being noticed; it’s about being remembered. And you are unforgettable

Love Amanda