We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sandra Veum. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Sandra, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think one of the most misconceptions of my business as a Personal Wardrobe Stylist is that you have to be rich and glamourous to have a need for this type of service. This misconception could not be further from the truth.
I created my business over 20 years ago with the thought process of building people’s confidence, I just happen to do it through your wardrobe. I love to not only help people look and feel their best at every point in their life but to be as organized as possible with the process.
Whether someone needs help creating an authentic style, organize their wardrobe and closet, shop for essential items or a special event, get styled and packed for a business or leisure trip, start a new job, dating life, or want to learn new style tips and tricks, my business offers just that. After working with me getting dressed becomes exciting again!
Working with a Personal Wardrobe Stylist is key in enhancing one’s life!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there, I am Sandra Veum, a Personal Wardrobe Stylist in sunny San Diego! I started my brand over 20 years ago wanting to help people build their confidence at every stage of their life through their wardrobe.
I created a full-service hands-on experience where people feel comfortable during the intimate process. I say it is intimate because you are usually in someone’s closet and we all know how a closet can really define who we are. Even styling and shopping with someone brings out their buying pattern and sometimes exposing some insecurities that they may have. I like to help people accept where they are currently at with their life but have goals for the future and make the best out of their current situation. Most people only wear 20% of their wardrobe and stand in their closet thinking they have nothing to wear. I love to breathe new life into pieces as long as the fit is good and does not have holes or stains. They may not know what new essential pieces they need or what to edit, and this is where I come in. I like to think of myself as a style concierge! I want to help enhance people’s lives by being the best version of themselves. I am a firm believer during the style process to remain true to someone’s authentic self and not technically change them but get to know them and enhance that. It is all about creating a personal brand whether in life or business. One of my newest projects is partnering with an executive matchmaking service and I love it!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
No one believes me that as a child I was very quiet and lacked confidence. I am not sure exactly why I was this way other than maybe having an older sister who had a strong voice before me. I was also smaller than a lot of the kids growing up and was made fun of so this might have attributed to my lack of confidence.
Once I stopped paying attention to the outside noise and tackled school and projects with my own thoughts, knowledge, and passion, I realized size does not matter. I jokingly say that I may be 5’2 but my personality is 6’2.
Confidence is truly about being your authentic self and not trying to be someone you are not. It is about finding your passion and what you are good at, honing those skills, then sharing this knowledge with others. I believe that my past has made me a relatable stylist that truly tries to understand peoples struggles, needs, and wants with regards to their style and wardrobe.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Most of us at some point in our life will have some sort of suffering. Whether it is trying to make a living, living paycheck to paycheck, a health ailment, ending relationships, losing a job, losing a loved one, etc. I try to look at these situations in life as learning experiences. Meaning my suffering has taught me to work smarter, enjoy the simple times, cherish loved ones when they are here, take care of yourself, enforce tenacity, be kind to others including yourself, and learn to pivot quickly in life. If a door closes look for another door, if that one closes look for a window, if a window closes look for a mouse hole. The key to success is not to give up!
Sometimes suffering teaches us lessons and knowledge and sometimes it is just a part of life. I try to move forward regardless of the circumstances. I feel the pain, acknowledge it, then I move forward. Dwelling is the most paralyzing thing that we can do, so no dwelling!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely, the public version is the real me! What you see is what you get. I always strive to be myself. I am perfectly imperfect and that is what I love about myself. I believe this is what has always set me apart with my business, is how relatable I am. I experience life and share my good and bad with people. I never try to be someone I am not, no matter who the audience is. I think this is how I have been able to build my clientele. My business is built on referrals, and the majority of my clients are repeat. People do business with people they trust. This is why it is always important to always be the authentic YOU!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am definitely doing what I was born to do. No one ever told me to be a Personal Wardrobe Stylist. In fact, when I graduated from college there was no such thing. The most relatable college degree at the time was a Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles and Clothing. This is what I received taking business classes along the way. I always knew I wanted to work in fashion but wanted to help people. With all of my experience with retail, customer service, and management, I knew my passion and destiny would translate into something. It just took time and the world to catch up to what was in my head. I am truly blessed to be able to have a business which brings me joy to this day. My work is my passion, and my clients mean the world to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mymariposastyle.com
- Instagram: @sandraveum
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mymariposastyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandra.veum
