Investing in Brand Presence with Tori Kruse

In a world where first impressions can make a lasting impact, the way we present ourselves can speak volumes about our confidence and intentions. This is especially true in the world of business, where personal branding plays a significant role in shaping how others perceive us. In a recent episode of "Keep What You Earn," Shannon engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Tori Kruse, founder and CEO of Tori Kruse Enterprises, a virtual styling business dedicated to empowering women to showcase their true essence through their external image.

Tori Kruse, a small-town Iowa girl with a passion for helping women feel confident and attractive, shared her insights into the transformative power of personal styling in the business world. True to her mission, Tori's approach goes beyond mere fashion advice; it's about understanding and aligning a person's internal power with their external image. She believes that an individual's presence mirrors their true essence, personality aspirations, and inner beliefs, and with an abundant mindset at her core, she empowers women to embrace their unique confidence.

The conversation delved into the intricacies of helping women style themselves for success, particularly in scenarios like public speaking and business events. Tori emphasized the importance of addressing the internal aspects of her clients before focusing on their outward appearance. She takes the time to understand their vision, goals, and the essence they want to embody. By delving into the client's brand, business mission, and values, Tori tailors her styling guidance to reflect and support the client's personal and professional aspirations.

One key insight from the conversation was the power of eliminating sources of discomfort to allow for a greater focus on what matters most. Tori shared the story of her experience as a Miss USA contestant, where she had her wardrobe tactfully designed to eliminate any physical discomfort and distraction. This example highlighted the deeper significance of personal styling, beyond just aesthetics, as a means of enhancing a person's performance and confidence.

The conversation also touched on the concept of embracing attention and being unapologetic about standing out. Both Shannon and Tori acknowledged the common fear of judgment and hesitation around drawing attention to oneself. Tori shared her own experiences and fears of being perceived as seeking attention, despite the positive intentions behind her actions. This transparency allowed for an authentic exploration of the complex emotions and thought processes that can influence personal branding decisions.

Furthermore, the conversation emphasized that personal branding and styling are not one-size-fits-all concepts. Tori highlighted the need to honor individual comfort levels and preferences, acknowledging that not everyone seeks to exude a loud or flashy appearance. Rather, her approach involves helping clients find a balanced style that aligns with their unique identities, exudes confidence, and minimizes discomfort.

The episode concluded by highlighting the impact of Tori's bold wardrobe change at a business conference, which served as a pattern interrupt and sparked valuable conversations. Tori's experience reinforced the idea that stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing attention can lead to new connections and opportunities. It underscored the potential for personal styling and branding to be powerful tools for creating impact and initiating meaningful interactions.

Tori's thoughtful approach to personal styling and branding shines a light on the intrinsic connection between confidence, authenticity, and presence. It serves as a reminder that beneath the surface of style and appearance lies a deeper narrative of self-expression, empowerment, and the pursuit of one's true potential. As business owners and professionals, embracing these principles can pave the way for more genuine, impactful, and memorable interactions in both personal and professional spheres.

In essence, the conversation with Tori Kruse embodies the empowering message that personal styling isn't merely about the clothes we wear; it's a form of self-expression and empowerment, a tool to amplify confidence, and a means to create lasting impressions that reflect our authentic selves to the world.

What you'll hear in this episode:

05:27 Assisting women with confidence and event styling.
08:15 Seek confidence by dressing aligned with your brand.
10:23 Help individuals define vision and boost confidence.
16:35 Nervous about doing it, didn't want attention.
18:34 Facing fear, embracing self-confidence, ignoring judgment.
20:58 Supporting introverts in sharing their gifts and purpose.

If you like this episode, check out:

Blue Oceans are All Around Us

Never Let Your Scarcity Show

Stop Shrinking Yourself in the Name of Saving

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