How Style Impacts Your Personal Brand with Chellie Carlson

In today’s episode of the HN Haus Podcast, our host, Hannah Nieves, is joined by fashion powerhouse Chellie Carlson, who transformed her love of style from her small-town roots into an empire.

Join them as they explore the profound connection between your wardrobe and personal branding. Learn how your style choices can significantly influence your brand's perception and enrich every aspect of your life.

🎧 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT 🎧

[00:00:13] - Introduction to Chellie Carlson and Her Journey

[00:02:11] - The Importance of Style in Personal Branding

[00:05:26] - First Steps to Elevate Your Personal Style

[00:08:29] - Importance of Investing in Tailoring

[00:10:46] - Developing a Signature Look

[00:11:19] - Chellie’s Take on Capsule Wardrobes

[00:13:19] - Favorite Brands and Shopping Philosophy

[00:15:20] - Finding Clothes That Fit Curvy Body Types

[00:18:56] - Mindset Shifts: Sizing Up and Tailoring

[00:21:22] - Transformational Power of Style: Client Stories

[00:24:00] - Work-from-Home Style Tips

[00:26:47] - All About the Style Society Membership

🔗 LINKS 🔗
Follow the Hosts: @hannahmnieves & @maritzatobon
Follow Chellie here.
Follow HN Haus: @hnhaus
Request an invitation to The Thrive Collective
Request an invitation to Maison

Transcript

0:13

Hello, everyone. It's Hannah Nieves of the h on House podcast, and I am so excited because we have Shelley Carlson here. Thank you so much for being here. I am so pumped to be here, Hannah. This has been a dream come true. Finally. I'm so excited because we are gonna be talking about style, and we have been having some pretty incredible episodes on building your personal brand. And if you're listening to this podcast, we talk about personal influence, and style is part of that. So we're gonna get into that. We're gonna get into the weeds of how style impacts your personal brand. But, Shelly, can you just give us, like, the details of, like, how did you get to this point? Because you built such an incredible empire. Yes. I started out and grew up in a farm in Missouri, studied fashion Wow. College in Missouri, and I got the love of fashion from my mom. So she was sewing and, you know, always wanted me to be creative and look and feel my best, so I give her credit. And then after college, I moved to Chicago, and I worked for a lingerie brand for over 20 years. Wow. And I would meet women daily that were just struggling with their breasts, their bodies, and I knew I could help them in a deeper, more meaningful way. And so I finally founded my brand 2 weeks before COVID hit in 2020. Wow. So what would go then? 2020 was rough. But then 2021, I created my signature service that I still use today, and then I just grew from there. That is so incredible. And I'm a part of your style society, that beautiful membership that you have. And I actually I pin it on my Google, you know, bookmarks because I get so excited to look at it because it gives me so much inspiration. And we'll get into more of, like, what you offer to clients, but I I would love to understand, like, from your perspective, like, why is it so important for us to look at style when it comes to our personal brand? Brand. Yeah. It is it's ultimately a reflection of who you are, and you're telling the world and your potential clients where you're going, what you're going to be doing in the world, and it's a reflection of your self worth, ultimately. And a lot of us are missing that mark. Yeah. To others how to treat you through your wardrobe. Yeah. And it's I love that you said that too because I think especially post pandemic. Right? So many of us, and we were on the Mason call, and everyone's talking about, oh my goodness, like, style. Like, people just, like, light up when they hear about your work. Because I think for a lot of us and, you know, a lot of our listeners here, they're women, you know, we're mothers, you know, and we're working from home. Right? And for me, I'm, like, 9 times out of 10 in loungewear, and I'm I tell myself, like, wait. I actually need to shift this because it's actually starting to impact my mood, the way that I show up to calls, and I think that's really important. So I just would love, like, your perspective. Like, what's your company's, like, unique take when it comes to style? Because your I have to tell your service is so much deeper than just the clothes that we are wearing, and I just wanna, like, start with that for a second. Yep. So with with sort of my philosophy, it's all about it's all about your body and feeling good in your body, finding clothes that fit your body. It's not your body that's the problem. It's the clothes you're choosing to put on your body. That's the first rule and the first thing I focus on with my clients. Actually, before that, we focus on your limiting beliefs. So we have so many limiting beliefs that are holding us back from finding our true authentic style. These stem from childhood. We learn from our mother how to get dressed. Mhmm. We learn whether it's we can only shop sale. We can't afford this. We can't afford that. Those belief systems are carried through to your current reality. Right? So we've got to explore what's holding you back, and maybe that belief is still holding you back. And then the self worth, you ultimately learn from your mother what you're worthy of wearing, what how you're worthy of feeling from childhood. And I go deep into those belief systems because, ultimately, it's running the show in your current reality. I love that you started with that because that like, I had chills down my body because, you know, when I grew up, it was all around finances. You know? It was okay. Like, we I had to shop, like, you know, the discounted and super cheap, and it was now that I'm thinking about that, it's like the connection around, okay. Like, is it worth it making the investment on myself for this piece or whatever it is? So I love that you said that because it's something I actually didn't even think about, but it makes so much sense. And also even for me being in, like, postpartum too, just like motherhood as a whole new journey in itself. So, you know, for listeners that are listening in, like, you know, what would you recommend for everyone as to, like, what's that first step if they're like, wait a second. I know I'm getting into the next chapter of my business. Yep. And I know this means that I need to uplevel my personal brand, and with that comes a style. Like, what does someone do in this scenario? Where to begin. Right? I I want you to really make decisions from and purchase items with intention from your higher's highest self. Ultimately, knowing more abundance is coming, you can ultimately afford whatever you need to afford. But investing in yourself knowing by purchasing things that reflect your self worth, you're going to attract more abundance. It's going to flow more freely because you know that you're worthy of wearing beautiful things. And it's not about the amount and the cost of the clothes. It's how those clothes make you feel that then will help you attract the life you want and the clients you want. I love that. And it's so it's so beautiful to think too because I think for for me, and I'm sure for a lot of listeners that are listening in, like, you know, I came from the corporate world, which it was like pants suit wearing and high heels, and then it went from A box. That to Yep. Yeah. Like, fitting in a box and now okay. I'm Loungewear. The loungewear. And now there's, like, no in between. And it's interesting because even for me now with the up level that we have been making our brand and launching Mason and stepping into this new arena, like, I've consciously been thinking about what does this actually look like. And I know for me, and I'm sure there's so much that we could even dive into, but it makes sense that you need to align, like, where are you going, like, long term. You know? I find, Hannah, so many clients pre COVID, you know, or so pre COVID, there was that box. Right? And my goal is that everybody's goes outside that box and finds what feels good for them. But then COVID with the loungewear, everything just you weren't shopping, so you weren't even entering your closet. Then post COVID, my clients walk in their closets. None of it feels like them anymore. And so they've done they've evolved and grown personally and professionally, but they have not shifted their wardrobe to align with who they become. Mhmm. And that's where it's going to take if we're starting out and I'm recommending, it's investing time to focus on this, investing a little bit of money. You don't have to invest in designer wardrobe, but you need to invest in some pieces that feel good for you. You're gonna invest in tailoring. Tailoring, you may have beautiful pieces that just don't fit you right. Just a little bit of tailoring can shift that completely for you. So starting out, just you've got to know, okay, whether it's a time block. You're like, I'm gonna focus on purchasing these items. I'm gonna try them on. I'm gonna style what I own rather than oftentimes, we're buying and buying and buying, but you probably already own some beautiful pieces that you're overlooking. So it's really stepping back and thinking, okay. Let's try some of these pieces that I own. Like, why am I not liking these looks anymore? And then editing through it and letting go, if you know it doesn't fit or feel good, you let it go, then you can start seeing some of the pieces that you should be wearing. They're hidden right now by clutter. You can't get dressed because there's so much clutter. Release the color, and then you're going to make space to attract in the new beautiful pieces that you've shopped with intention for that align with you Mhmm. That you can then wear with what you own. You know, I think after this call, I'm literally going to go upstairs and get rid of, like, half of my wardrobe. So So I would rather you have 3 fabulous outfits that you're obsessed with, that you can mix and match those pieces rather than having a 25, 30 outfits that don't feel great. It's like you'll be wearing the things that you love in different ways. I think it's so beautiful. Help us. Like, we need a new outfit every day. That's not the case. Mhmm. So to hone in on a signature look for a personal brand, you need to start repeating outfits in different ways, and you will build trust. So for instance, I wear the same jewelry every day. Every day that I do this, I'm building trust with my audience. Oh, I love that because I actually recognize that necklace from the last time that we were I wear chatting. Every day, no matter what I'm wearing, I wear this stack because it it just shows that I am trustworthy. So for you, Hannah, it could be a shoe, a blazer, some form. We all have something that we love. And so my suggestion, if you really wanna hone in on your personal style, just repeat those favorite signature looks in different ways, and you're going to start then honing in on your signature look. Oh, I love that. Color. It could be, you know, what it could be anything. Jeans, pants. But it has to feel really good for you and authentic to who you are. And then just That's so great. Well, because I was gonna ask you about, you know, especially when we get into fashion and style. Right? I mean, there's so much in terms of style when it comes, like, fast fashion and, you know, overconsumption and all these different types of things. And I've always been so fascinated with, you know, more of, like, a capsule wardrobe. And it's interesting for me because I'm also thinking about, okay. Like, what does that personal style look like? So what's your take on a capsule wardrobe? Like, so for listeners that are listening in and they're like, okay. I just purchased all my things. Now I'm thinking about what's next. Like, what do you think about when it comes to that? Yep. I am all about the capsule wardrobe, and this is what I deliver for my 1 on 1 clients, a capsule for each season. So less is more. It's about honing in on those pieces that you need for this current season and then rewearing them over and over again and mixing them. They all should coordinate and be mixed and matched together. So you don't need the quantity. Society tells you you need, you know, obviously, Instagram, influencers, those retailers, everyone says buy, buy, buy, buy, buy. We're we're just overwhelmed, and we're we've purchased way too much, and then we can't get dressed because we're we're overwhelmed. Right? So the capsule clears out all that clutter. You're left with a small amount of pieces, lean and mean, that you can mix and match and feel confident. So I highly recommend everybody, but it's not easy to get to this capsule. Editing is the first process. Purge anything out that doesn't align with your next level. I look 3 to 5 years out. So if this doesn't feel like Hannah in 3 to 5 years out, where is she going? Who is she seeing? How are people responding to her and her new energy? If that's not aligned, it's gone. Oh, that makes so much sense, and I'm definitely going to be doing that because we are in the process right now of looking for a second home and living her time in South Florida. And I'm like, that style is gonna be so different than New York. And it's so interesting to see, like, you can still have capsule seasons. I love that you shared that perspective. So I'm just curious because you mentioned this earlier, and I know some people might be thinking about, okay. Where should I be looking? Like, what are I'm just curious. I wanna pick your brand on this. Like, what are some of your favorite, you know, brands? Do you do you look at brands for certain reasons, for values, or for certain types of things? Like, what is your philosophy on that? Philosophy on that? Yeah. Definitely. I am all about value, Hannah. So I you know, I've been in retail for over 25 years. I've seen it all. I've shopped every level of it. Mhmm. And I feel that it doesn't matter what the label says, the designer. It's a matter of the energy of the garment and how it makes you feel and how it fits your body. And then we get tailoring involved, and you can make a $30 pant look like a $3,000 trouser Mhmm. Or the right tailoring. So it's it's really about, yes, investing in pieces that really no matter if it's for higher level things like shoes and handbags, I recommend investing in higher quality designer pieces. But in terms of ready to wear, typically for denim, I have my specific go to's. I love Veronica Beard denim. Mhmm. It feels like shapewear. It just pulls you in in the right places, gives you, like, butt lift, really high quality. I love frame denim. I love mother denim. So those are usually my 3, like, go to's that ultimately have every silhouette. And right now, even speaking about denim, pre COVID, we were wearing skinny. COVID, we went to joggers. Now post COVID, we are in more of this looser, soft girl era. Everything is looser, flowier, and lighter. So there is no tight jagging on the leg. It's more straight or wide at the bottom. I was just gonna ask you about that too because I'm sure in your work that you do with 1 to 1 clients, you look at, like, silhouettes and body types and see, okay, like, what might align with what they're looking for and things like that, which that's always for me. I think I've always struggled with with style because being someone who's a little bit more curvy, I have hips, I have a butt, I've always struggled with finding, like, really good pants and good jeans. Yeah. Jeans. So with your with a curve, Hannah, we wanna fit your hips and thighs. We then will tailor in the waist. So women are afraid to like, we have to do some tailoring with a lot of if you are a little curvier because the waist is easy to take in. But we need the hips and the bottom. We wanna fit the largest part of your body, then take in Yeah. Rest. I'm, like, blown away about tailoring. Like, I don't know why I didn't think about that. I just like, I've always been to the tailor when I have, like, an event or, like, something that I need to go to, but I didn't actually think of taking, like, my everyday clothing there to just, like, go. Wow. Right now so many women are purchasing hauls online, whether that's a Revolve Haul, it's a shop hop haul. And you you get all of these pieces, you try them on, and you're just frustrated. You're like, nothing fits. What's going on? And you feel instantly, or you think this is my body. Like, I hate my body. It doesn't feel good. When in actuality, we need to size up and tailor down the garment to fit you. It is the most powerful thing I do for clients because they are so stuck on size. And when you work with me in a shop appointment, you will never see or know what size you're trying on because it Wow. Matter. It's about the fit, but so many women are held back by the size. So they purchase a size 27 or 28, and it's tight. And then they freak out, and then they're like, I that's not for me. But in actuality, if we sized up one size, it would be perfect for you. So I am back to the fit right now. Everything is a little loose or oversized. So it's okay to size up in things. We don't want them super tight right now. It's more of this flowy we want some, like, balance. So we want tighter on the top, looser on the bottom Mhmm. To create balance in your frame. But there we're so stuck on size, Hannah, and it holds so many of us back that Mhmm. All we want is to be, you know society tells us, the smaller your size, the better you are. And it's Yeah. Complete lie, and it doesn't matter. In every brand, you could be a different size. So it's so frustrating to purchase all these clothes and to try them on and then just send them back because you're frustrated. So it's really about, okay. Do I love the feel of this fabric? Does it have good energy? Let's size up. And then you have your tailor a good, you know, $50 investment in it. It could fit your body perfectly. Okay. So that was my, like, moment this entire call that I am now thinking of I need to size up in my Size up. I think. Yeah. Wow. And bottoms is like, I recently sized up in all my bottoms. I cannot wear any of my pants from last year. And, yes, it's devastating to me emotionally because there's a lot of beautiful bottoms I want to wear. They don't fit because they're a little tight in the waist. Mhmm. When I put that on, it tells me I'm not comfortable. So when I'm sitting down or working all day, it's a constant reminder that my pants are too tight. So, ladies, it's all about making sure you feel good energetically in these clothes. Otherwise, it's holding you back. Yeah. I love that. And I I will say I from being a client in your membership and just experiencing and seeing and witnessing the work that you do, Can you just share, like, how you help women do this? Because I think it's so unique, and I think it's so different, and it also supports people at all different levels, which I really appreciate. So, like, what does that look like for somebody who's listening in? They're like, I'm done. I'm editing my closet after this, and I'm gonna come to you next. Yes. So when when they come to me, often, women are they've hit rock bottom. Mhmm. They are they're they submit they're like, I don't even know where to begin, Shelly, but I walk in my closet. I hate everything. Nothing fits. I'm just it's not working for me. So we start with their edit session for a full day, edit through every category. I'm getting to know them. They're sharing with me. I think the most powerful part is, Hannah, they're sharing with me what's holding them back. They're sharing their limiting beliefs with me. Things they're sharing are, Shelley, my knees aren't good enough. I can't wear shorts. Shelley, my arms are not small enough. I don't wanna show them. So they're sharing, like, deep, deep wounds that whether it's ex boyfriends told them, you can't wear this color. You can't wear this. You know, don't show this. So I'm taking all of this in. One client had said to me, Shelly, I don't wear trousers. They bother me. It's just I don't really wanna wear them. 2nd piece I put her in was a beautiful, gorgeous trouser. She looks in the mirror, and she said, Shelly, I'm obsessed with this trouser. How did I not have this before? You know? And then I she purchased 4. So it's like showing you there's so many beliefs that are holding you back, and I'm able to understand what those are. Every woman should be wearing shorts. I don't care what size you are. I don't care what age you are. You deserve to really feel good in your body. And the arms, we all need to set them free. Our arms are all perfect. Society tells us they should be this size. But when we balance your your shape with the top and bottom, nobody's looking at your arms. They're looking at your whole, like, your like, your whole package, and you feel confident. Your posture's, you know, secured. You're safe. So it's really this deep healing work that goes on in the 1 on 1 container with me where, ultimately, the client who said I don't wanna show my arms or wear shorts, my job is to set her free to do exactly that. So I'm able to take her from her belief system. And literally, in 30 days, she's rocking shorts. She's showing off her arms, and she's stepping into her power and feeling incredible in her body because that's what this is all about, is feeling good in your body and using clothes as the tool. So we shop. I source every single piece that I feel you need for your capsule for that season. We send it to my home. You then come in for the shop day. It's one of the best days of the year, potentially of your life. You are seeing your body and yourself in a way you've never experienced before. Yeah. Lots of tears, lots of releasing, and setting yourself free during this day. And then ultimately, you get to keep what you love and feel good in. And then I show you how to style it so that you're wearing fewer pieces but more in different ways for your signature style. And so that's the magic. So, ultimately, you won't have to think getting dressed went from an hour of anxiety to 5 minutes, and your closet is organized, you're out the door, and you are completely magnetic. Any room you walk in, people notice something is different. It's your energy, your posture, your confidence. It's it's pure magnetism that happens after we align your style with who you've become. And I you are such a true embodiment at that. I have to tell you. Because even when you show your your workout, like, attire, and I'm like, wow. I really need to take my workout attire up. But, like, it's so true, though. It's a better workout. Yes. I feel like you get a better workout. You're just, like, trying I love it. I'm a hue and so every single back to you mentioned a lot of a lot of times with working from home, a lot of your listeners work from home. They oftentimes will wanna wear the same sweatsuit all day long, hang out in it, sleep in it. You have got to get into the habit of shifting into a a new work look in the morning. It's going to shift the rest of the day. The way you do one thing is the way you do everything. So putting on an outfit that says to the universe and to your body, like, this I mean business. I'm here. I'm showing up for myself. And then at the end of the day, you could put your comfy cozies on and relax, but you've got to step into a look that says, I'm here to work. I'm here to be productive. And it literally shifts the way people speak to you, the way you show up for your family, for your clients. Mhmm. So beautiful. So beautiful. Can you share a little bit more about, for those who are listening that wanna learn more also about your membership? And, guys, I'm gonna link both of them below. You need to learn more about this because I'm telling you, even just, like, the style of words just, like, immediately, I look at them and I feel so inspired about, like, this next level and next evolution. What does that look like for those that might be listening in that are curious about joining? Yes. The the style society is a style sisterhood. We have women all over the world in this membership. These boards, 5 are delivered to your inbox every month. So much education and inspiration. And, of course, if you like something, you can click on it and add it to your basket so it's easy to shop. These are all pieces, Hannah, that I have vetted. Brands I know are high value. There is high and low mix, but mostly, we're in a sweet high value spot, mid range, where I have been delivering these pieces to my method clients. I me and my team shop for days on days on days, and then my method clients try these pieces on, and I know the fabric, the fit, the quality. Those are the pieces that I am putting on these style boards for everyone to shop for $55 a month. So everything is vetted, and then we're adding in just how to like, rules of thirds, like, how to balance your body, how to color theory, like, how to mix and match different colors. And, you know, you can take screenshots, and then you go in your closet, you recreate that look. It's not about shopping more. It's about again, this is spending intentional time. So taking those things and saying, okay. I'm gonna go in my closet for an hour. I'm gonna pull out 5, 10 pieces that I wanna wear this season, and then I'm gonna style them in different ways. And do they need tailoring? What what do we need to do? Do they need to be steamed? They need to be ready to go in your closet. They need to fit good and feel good. So it's more about every month. It's it's telling the universe I'm investing a little time and money into my style, and it's you're on a self style journey. I'm guiding you month by month and adding in just all of my tips and tricks. And we have this Zoom call every month. Women are just sharing what they're struggling with. There's a lot of vulnerability, and there's a lot of growth and learning that happens in the Zoom call as well. So it's Okay. So much fun. I'm obsessed with it. We the women are incredible in it. And we're all on the same path of, like, wanting to grow and learn and invest in ourselves because we just expansive thinkers, and I love that about that community and what you're creating. And, guys, you need to check it out. I'm gonna put the link below. I am part of it, and I'm just oh, I literally have it bookmarked on my bookmarks right now. It's amazing. But I just appreciate you for coming on and, like, talking about this and just taking a moment to really talk about style because this is actually topic that I haven't talked about on the Asian House podcast. And we talk all about personal branding and influence of visibility, but, like, your style is a representation of it. And, you know, when we think about our brands, right, it's this living and breathing ecosystem, and you are the brand. Right? So I just appreciate you for taking the time. Where can people find you and follow you? Yeah. I hang out on the gram at shelly carlson, and then my website is shelly carlson.com. And Amazing. When you join, you get your 1st month free, the style society. So there's no reason not to check it out because I love it. Yep. Thank you so much for being here. And if you like this episode, please share on social and tag both of us so we can connect with you, and then I'll see you on the next episode.