It is no secret that I absolutely love attending conferences because they always allow me to meet the most incredible people. I had the pleasure of meeting Julie Bunkley, who owns multiple businesses, including helping entrepreneurs find their brand and personal style.

Julie Bunkley is a personal brand coach for professional women. Using her degree in Public Relations and unique philosophy of brand cultivation, she consults with clients to refine their personal brand voice and strategize that brand growth through a holistic approach including mental exercises, fashion styling and in-person brand placement. An established solo-preneur in the luxury wedding industry for nearly 18 years as owner and creative director of Invision Events and founder of Educate | Empower | Encourage, she intimately relates with the power of branding on a personal level. She thrives on seeing women gain confidence to define and use their brand voice to its maximum potential.

Photography: Lance Nicoll

I knew once I met Julie, I wanted to sit down and chat with her about the intersection of branding and personal styling, so I did just that! You can see our full interview on YouTube. But I also wanted to share a few of her most important takeaways here on the blog. So, grab your coffee, and let’s dive into personal styling.

Personal Stylists Aren’t Just for Celebrities

Personal style is incredibly important for creatives and entrepreneurs because it showcases an in-person experience of your brand. You are constantly representing your brand when you are meeting with a client or fellow business owner for coffee, networking, or attending conferences. It is a visual way for someone to understand what the rest of your brand is about, even if they haven’t seen your logo, website, or work yet.

Photographer: Ben Finch Photo

Real-Life Examples

During our interview, we discuss the shift in Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, subtle style changes as she moved from Duchess to Princess to Queen in waiting over the last few years. She has to walk a very fine line of wanting people to notice her outfit and take note but not be the center of attention of the room to overshadow the event.

We also discuss the difference in how Meghan Markle moved her style forward when marrying Prince Harry. Meghan seems more at ease when she stays true to herself by wearing neutrals with modern, clean lines.

Photography: Josh Gooden Cinema

Since we aren’t as famous or being photographed as much as celebrities, it might not seem like a necessary step in your business to hire a personal stylist, but it can take so much stress off you. Most of us have decision fatigue every single day, and it can feel daunting boiling down your first impression of one outfit. So, a stylist can help you to curate those pieces for meetings, special events, networking, etc.

If you want to move your brand into your clothes, Julie is offering my readers an exclusive 1-hour virtual brand styling that includes a pre-session questionnaire and customized notes and resources for only $275. You can sign up and learn more here.