We had the good fortune of connecting with Judith Gaton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Judith, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was to combine all of the things I love most and create a service that actually helps women. I grew up loving fashion and design, and originally chose a college where I could pursue fashion design as a major. Then I decided to become a lawyer. (That’s the cliff notes story of a long and winding journey.) I made it to partner and found that I wanted to have a bigger impact, especially on really smart women who had figured out their careers, but hadn’t quite sorted out their closets. Thus, my business was born. I help high-achieving women with their personal style and confidence.

What should our readers know about your business?
I got to where I am today business-wise because of a lot of consistent small efforts that built up over time. I started my business while also being a full time managing partner of a law firm. I made a pact with myself that I would start with a minimum of one hour a day on my business and Saturdays. Then it became two hours a day and Saturdays to serve clients. It was a slow and steady burn.

The biggest challenge was to make sure I was serving all of my clients (style and legal) at a high level of excellence while also making sure to take time off and not get burnt out. It really came down to being disciplined with my time, focusing on what and who was in front of me, and setting boundaries when I was not working.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way.
1. It is okay to be scrappy in the beginning and learn to do everything yourself, but as soon as you are financially able begin to delegate tasks and hire contractors to help you. There is no badge of honor for burn out.

2. It is okay to admit you hate doing a task in your business. There is probably someone out there who loves to do the task you hate. Find them, delegate to them, and pay them well.

3. Surround yourself with people that you can enter into reciprocal relationships with. Perhaps they have some knowledge you need and vice versa. How can you share that knowledge and expertise with each other so that everyone wins.

My brand and story are very much rooted in my own experience as a curvy attorney sitting on the edge of her bed in her undies with a closet full of clothes that did not fit and a meeting starting in an hour. So many high-achieving women are taught to focus on their brains and their careers, but never told how to buy a bra that fits, what to look for in a great pair of shoes, and wear to buy professional stylish clothes that are COMFORTABLE too! The advice that is out there usually adheres to the outmoded “body shapes” paradigm and perpetuates the idea that there is a laundry list of things you “can’t wear” because of your body. I don’t adhere to this advice.

Instead I believe women are smart enough to identify for themselves what they do and don’t want on their bodies, they don’t need a list of must-haves and don’ts. My clients are changing the world. The best thing I can offer them is the tools and empowerment to decide for themselves what is stylish, and how to dress and love the body they are in right now.

My business has a motto that I believe sets how I help women apart. Confident women change the world, and I teach confidence through style. The goal isn’t to just slap a cute outfit on a woman, but to ensure she looks on the outside how she feels about herself on the inside.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First stop: I would take them to the garment district to go fabric and button shopping. My favorite textile store is Angels on Maple between 8th and 9th street. They have the best selection of knitwear fabrics. I also love going to Michael Levine to see what they have on the cutting tables.

I would make sure we got bacon wrapped hotdogs from a street vendor and then walked around the flower district for orchids to take home.

Second stop: We would stop at Mood Fabrics for designer fabrics and a higher end selection. We love to fabric shop and usually take giant suitcases with us to fill up on notions, fabric, and other random trim.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have an amazing group of fellow coaches that have been there for me every single step of the way. Special shoutouts to Dr. Katrina Ubell, Brenda Lomeli, and Sara Bybee Fisk.

Website: www.judithgaton.com

Instagram: judithgaton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StyleCoachJudithGaton

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLtfJvACCPxoc5zOFhMfyLQ

Image Credits
Heather Masters Jenny Garrett Briana Leyva

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