By: Joshua Finley
Personal stylist Kerry Brownell believes style goes far beyond fashion – it’s about empowering women to look and feel their best. Recently, Kerry shared insights on building confidence through style, pivotal transitions in a woman’s life, and her expansion into a dress hire service. With compassion and expertise forged over decades in the fashion industry, Kerry Brownell is a catalyst for change in her clients and community.
Collaborating For a Holistic Client Experience
For Kerry, personal styling goes beyond clothing—it’s about creating a personalized wellness experience. “It’s not just about offering clothes and styling services; I want to provide a complete package of wellness that enhances how they look and feel,” Kerry shared. She has partnered with hairdressers, nutritionists, and other wellness professionals to achieve this. “It’s creating a whole health and wellness package, not just focusing on the clothes.”
This collaborative approach enables Kerry to support her clients’ overall well-being beyond their wardrobe. As she noted, “How you look and feel about yourself mentally can often begin with the outer layer—your clothes.” By nurturing clients from the outside, she ignites positive changes that resonate across all areas of their lives.
Photo Courtesy: Kerry Brownell
Identifying When More Support Is Needed
Initially a solopreneur, Kerry realized the need for extra support as her business expanded. Balancing her family responsibilities alongside a husband who runs his own company, she found herself stretched thin by both professional and personal demands.
“As a solopreneur, you eventually reach a point where you can’t do everything on your own,” Kerry observed. By outsourcing tasks like social media management and grocery delivery, she was able to achieve a better work-life balance. “It allows me to make more productive use of my time when others can handle those responsibilities,” she explained. For female entrepreneurs with demanding schedules, delegating administrative or household tasks can free up essential time and energy.
Guiding Women Through Menopause
A significant focus for Kerry is working with women aged 40 and above, offering styling tailored to their specific life stage—whether that includes career changes, children leaving home, or retirement. Among these transitions, menopause stands out as a defining experience. As Kerry noted, “It’s one of the main topics women bring up when they come to see me.”
From hot flashes to weight gain, women endure profound physical changes that society often overlooks. “Suddenly, these shifts occur, and women think, ‘What’s happening to me?'” Kerry explained. “Despite them being mindful of diet and exercise, they’re still gaining weight.” Through compassionate listening and education on how to camouflage areas of their body with clothing, Kerry helps her clients navigate menopause with confidence. “Let’s embrace who we are and dress for this new chapter. Let’s take the next step forward,” she encourages.
Pivoting to Dress Hire Amid Changing Economic Times
Amid rising interest rates and the increased cost of living in Australia, Kerry observed that clients are becoming more cautious with their shopping habits. In response, she’s shifting towards offering a dress hire service. “It’s a more cost-effective and sustainable option,” Kerry explained. “Rather than spending a lot on a dress that might only be worn once, this approach is far more practical and efficient.”
Through this new venture, clients can hire stylish outfits at a fraction of the retail cost, with the added benefit of knowing the items are reused multiple times. “It’s more sustainable and easier on their budget, which helps them feel better about their choices,” Kerry shared. Inspired by tuxedo and wedding dress hire, she has adapted the concept for everyday fashion.
Photo Courtesy: Kerry Brownell / Kerry’s Style Sessions
Focus On How You Feel, Not Just How You Look
Kerry believes that true style begins from within. “It’s not just about the clothing; it starts with addressing any inner thoughts you feel are needed,” she shared. While refreshing your wardrobe can spark transformation, genuine confidence comes from self-acceptance and love for yourself.
Although personal styling starts with the outer appearance, its influence reaches into every aspect of a woman’s life. As Kerry expressed, “When they look good, they immediately feel good, and that feeling is the catalyst for real change.”
By promoting overall wellness and utilizing the support of community involvement, Kerry Brownell empowers women to uncover and nurture their inner confidence.
To learn more about Kerry Brownell, visit her LinkedIn profile here.
Published by: Martin De Juan
