Balanced Black Girl Podcast Episode Summary Episode: What I Learned During My 30-Day Style Challenge
Release Date: October 8, 2024

Introduction

In this candid and transformative episode of Balanced Black Girl, host Les delves deep into her personal journey of self-improvement through a 30-day style challenge. Originally intended to feature a guest, unforeseen circumstances led Les to take the microphone solo, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into her introspections and revelations about style, self-presentation, and personal growth.

Background: Embracing a Low-Maintenance Lifestyle

Les begins by reflecting on her past, describing herself as a "low maintenance girl" whose focus was predominantly on fitness and functionality over fashion. Her career trajectory—from a personal trainer and group fitness instructor to working at Lululemon—cemented this identity. She shares, “I never really got to be that like 20-something hot girl because I was just wearing workout clothes all the time.” This period was marked by early mornings, rigorous schedules, and minimal attention to personal style, largely influenced by the gloomy Seattle weather and demanding work commitments.

The Catalyst for Change: Seeking Higher Quality Experiences

Transitioning into her late twenties and early thirties, Les recognized that her low-maintenance approach extended beyond her wardrobe, affecting her professional relationships, dating life, and overall quality of experiences. She admits, “Being low maintenance got me a lot of low budget experiences.” This realization spurred her decision to seek higher-quality interactions and opportunities, prompting a shift in how she presented herself to the world.

The Decision for a 30-Day Style Challenge

At the close of August, Les confronted the disparity between her current self and the higher version she aspired to be in her late thirties. Determined to bridge this gap, she embarked on a 30-day style challenge in September. The objective was simple yet profound: dress intentionally every day, reserving athleisure solely for workouts. This exercise aimed to help her discover her personal style, understand body fit, and experiment within her comfort zone—all without purchasing new clothing but rather utilizing her existing wardrobe.

Key Insights from the Style Challenge

1. Building a Style Muscle

   Les likens the process of intentional dressing to exercising a muscle. Initially daunting, she observed that “putting myself together each day is actually getting easier the more I do it” (13:49). This consistency fostered a sense of familiarity and ease, transforming what was once a chore into a manageable and even enjoyable practice.

2. Clothing as Communication

   A pivotal moment came during a shoe-shopping trip, where Les noticed how a salesperson scrutinized her attire to gauge how to interact with her. This experience underscored the power of clothing in shaping perceptions: “Your clothes are not necessarily clothes. Your clothes really communicate to the world around you” (21:52). She realized that her outward appearance significantly influenced how others treated her and how she was perceived professionally and personally.

3. Reframing Mindset: From Chore to Creativity

   Initially viewing dressing up as an additional task amid her hectic schedule, Les gradually shifted her perspective. She began to see outfit selection as a creative and empowering act, akin to storytelling. “I’m really learning to reframe my mindset, to see it as something fun” (38:09)—a change that made the daily practice less taxing and more fulfilling.

4. Balancing Inner and Outer Well-Being

   While Les had always prioritized inner self-care practices like journaling and meditation, the style challenge emphasized the importance of aligning external presentation with internal well-being. This holistic approach reinforced her personal narrative: taking care of oneself both inside and out is crucial for overall success and fulfillment.

Impact on Personal and Professional Life

The deliberate effort to enhance her style yielded tangible benefits. Les noticed an increase in professional opportunities, such as invitations to events and speaking engagements, attributing some of this success to her polished appearance. She muses, “I have started getting more opportunities to participate in events and to step on stages” (25:57). This alignment between her inner growth and outward presentation bolstered her confidence and self-perception, creating a positive feedback loop that propelled her forward.

Overcoming Challenges: Time Management and Resistance

Adopting a new daily habit was not without its hurdles. Les grappled with the time commitment required for outfit selection amidst her already demanding schedule. She shares, “I have been late, y’all, I be running late because I still have not yet mastered how to do all those things and be somewhere on time” (38:09). However, persistent practice and mindset shifts helped her navigate these challenges, making the process progressively smoother.

Strategies for Success: Personalization and Practicality

Les emphasizes the importance of tailoring style choices to fit individual lifestyles and practical needs. She advises listeners to work with what they have, avoiding the temptation to mimic others on platforms like Pinterest or TikTok. Instead, she advocates for extracting elements that resonate personally and adapting them to fit one’s unique story and circumstances. “How you present yourself is a puzzle that you're putting together, factoring in your budget, your body type, your lifestyle, your taste, your preferences” (38:03).

Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Self-Investment

As the episode concludes, Les reflects on the broader implications of her style challenge, highlighting the importance of investing in oneself both financially and emotionally. From therapy and gym memberships to enhancing her wardrobe, each investment contributes to her overall well-being and success. She encourages listeners to view such endeavors as integral parts of their personal narratives, fostering a cohesive and empowered self-image.

Les wraps up with a message of encouragement, stating, “We are all authors of our own story. So that is what I have for you today” (48:54). Her authentic sharing serves as an invitation for listeners to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and empowerment through intentional self-presentation.

Notable Quotes

• “Being low maintenance got me a lot of low budget experiences.” (03:00)
• “Putting myself together each day is actually getting easier the more I do it.” (13:49)
• “Your clothes are not necessarily clothes. Your clothes really communicate to the world around you.” (21:52)
• “I’m really learning to reframe my mindset, to see it as something fun.” (38:09)
• “How you present yourself is a puzzle that you're putting together, factoring in your budget, your body type, your lifestyle, your taste, your preferences.” (38:03)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Balanced Black Girl is a testament to the transformative power of intentional self-presentation. Les’s introspective and honest approach offers valuable insights into how style intersects with personal growth, professional success, and overall well-being. Her journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for listeners seeking to enhance their own lives through mindful and purposeful self-expression.

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