Izabela Nair is a personal branding & style coach. She works with ambitious women to empower them to dress with confidence so they can feel fabulous in their own skin. Izabela is deeply passionate about style, fashion, confidence, and self-love. She believes that style is not just about what you wear. It is also about feeling great on the inside and outside no matter what your shape, size or weight is.
Izabela offers a holistic approach to styling. While working with clients, she takes into account their personality, lifestyle, and goals so they can connect with their authentic self and accelerate their journey to success.
Hey Izabela, can you introduce yourself to us and tell us your story?
Hi, I’m Izabela. I’m deeply passionate about style, fashion, confidence, and self-love. I’m a proud founder of Her Style Hive where I empower women to dress with confidence and feel amazing in their own skin so they can kill it in business.
Can you tell us how you arrived at where you are now?
If you had met me many years ago, you would have met a very insecure person. For years, I struggled with my weight, which was fluctuating and making me feel miserable. I had tried many crash diets only to experience a yo-yo effect as soon as I started eating normally. On top of that, a negative committee in my head was constantly telling me I was not pretty and good enough to achieve what I wanted. I was afraid to try new things because I was convinced I would not succeed. “Why bother if I am going to fail” used to be my motto.
Despite my love for fashion and dream to become a blogger, I had a hard time getting out there. When I initially launched my blog, the fear of being judged stopped me from promoting my work. I was shy to get in front of the camera and tell others what I do. As I was size 14, I thought everyone would laugh at me.
After spending a lot of time on personal development, I made the decision to re-launch my online space and pursue my passion. My budget for clothes was limited but that didn’t stop me from developing my signature look aka bold colours and patterns and showing up on social media. I embraced my curves and didn’t let my weight stop me from doing what I love.
Through blogging, I had met many women like my old self – women who listened to their inner mean girl and let them sabotage their lives; women who coveted outfit ideas on Pinterest but didn’t have the courage to experiment with clothes.
As it was heartbreaking, I made it my mission to help women uncover their inner beauty and confidence through style.
What were the first few steps to becoming a personal branding and style coach?
Prior to officially launching Her Style Hive, I trained at the Style Coaching Institute® and obtained a Diploma in Style Coaching™. I am an also an Accredited Member of the International Association of Style Coaches (IASC).
Why do you feel that it is important for us to develop our own unique branding in order to stand out from the crowd?
There is a common misconception out there that personal brand is only about logos, websites, business cards and professional headshots.
While those things are important, you also need to remember that you are your own brand. You represent your business with your personality and image.
Many people you meet either in person or online, don’t know who you are. They haven’t seen your website and offering. They haven’t heard about your expertise.
Personal branding is about positioning yourself and becoming visible. Your personal brand is something you need to control as it gives you a foundation for your business. You are a walking billboard for your brand. People are drawn to you when you look and feel confident.
Can you talk us through how your Signature You Coaching Programs is designed for ambitious women just like us?
My flagship 1:1 Signature You Coaching Program is designed for women who are ready to step into their business or new job as a powerful CEO with a flawless personal brand and image to match – a brand that feels totally authentic to them.
Whether you are embarking on a new career, launching your own digital empire or taking your business to the next level, I’ll show you how to dress for success, transform your mindset and let go of insecurities so you can feel fabulous in your own skin no matter what your shape, size or weight is.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to style. When working with you, I’ll take into account your lifestyle, personality, and goals to ensure you are confident about how you look. We will also spend some time to overcome your limiting beliefs that stop you from following your dreams.
Stylists are not only for the rich and famous. Every woman should feel empowered when dressing up in the morning.
How are you planning to expand your services?
As I want to make my services more accessible to women around the world, I’m planning to launch a membership platform. Watch this space to find out more.
The most rewarding moment in your personal life?
There have been quite a few so it’s hard to pick just one. One of them was completing my Master’s Degree.
What do you think makes a great entrepreneur?
I am a firm believer that passion and perseverance are two traits that every entrepreneur should have.
What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?
I’m grateful for positive feedback from my clients. I love seeing their transformations.
Can you tell us what areas you have struggled with the most whilst being an entrepreneur?
I’m running my business whilst working full-time as a communications professional. It’s challenging and I often find myself staying up late at night to complete all projects.
Have you ever had a personal branding or style coach?? If so, what did you manage to take away from this experience?
No. However, when I first launched Her Style Hive, I worked with a business coach who helped me stay accountable and get clarity in my business. I also have a background in marketing and PR so I know how important visibility and branding is.
What outlets do use to market your personal branding and style coaching services?
I try to attend networking events, run a blog and use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Which methods are you using to build your audience and expand your network?
I am in the process of re-launching my Facebook Group, where I’m showing women that personal style is driven by self-love and confidence. I’m also creating a series of short videos with style tips.
What is the best piece of advice you have received to date?
My grandma always told me that I need to keep going no matter what obstacles I encounter along the way. Life is not always a bed rose but I have the power to change my life. When I have a bad day and feel like giving up, I remember what she told me. I take a deep breath and face the obstacles.
What is the number 1 critical lesson you have learned since in your industry?
Don’t compare yourself to others and stay true to who you are. Although there are many coaches out there, you will attract your tribe.
How do you create an evenly balanced work and personal life?
To be honest this is something I’m still working on. Having always been a workaholic, I struggle to switch off.
Which other leading entrepreneurs and leading female pioneers do you also admire and why?
The list is so long. I am a firm believer that women should support each other. Some of my favourite female entrepreneurs are Carrie Green and Jenna Kutcher.
What Youtube or online space channels are you watching currently?
I love travelling so I tend to watch travel vlogs.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
My reading list is a mile long and includes crime novels and personal development titles. I’m currently re-reading We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere by Gillian Anderson and Jennifer Nadel. I strongly recommend it.
What does your Podcast playlist look like?
I enjoy listening to the Lucky Bitch Podcast by Denise Duffield-Thomas.
How do you measure your terms of success?
When you run a business, it is easy to get obsessed with the number of followers, likes and website page views. Although I pay attention to those stats, I don’t think they mean a lot. For me, success is about being able to do what I love. Every positive feedback from my clients makes my day.
What does #BEYOUROWN mean to you?
Embracing your quirks and standing up for my beliefs and values.
Lastly, what is next for you throughout 2018?
I’m planning to host my first ever event, which will take place in London around October/November. I’m also working on my membership platform. I’m really excited about the next few months.
Instagram: @herstylehive
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/herstylehive
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/herstylehive
Website: Website: http://herstylehive.com
Email: izabela@herstylehive.com
