Our Chat with Laura Longmire of Where Life Meets Style

GIVE US THE SCOOP ON YOUR BUSINESS - WHAT DO YOU DO AND HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

As the founder and CEO of Where Life Meets Style, a personal wardrobe styling business, I help my clients LOVE the way they look! Whether it's wardrobe edits, personal shopping, or one-on-one styling, I empower women to embrace their bodies and dress for their lifestyle. As a military spouse myself, I especially love working with other military spouses and transitioning veterans who often feel overwhelmed by knowing how to dress in new environments. I'm even fortunate enough to work virtually with clients all over the world!

Most women have a closet full of clothes, but still struggle to actually get dressed day in and day out. They often tell me they think they should have a natural gift for style simply because they're women. Thinking everyone around them knows some secret recipe to confidence and style makes them feel even more frustrated and insecure. As a stylist, I'm able to share the knowledge I've gained so that every woman I work with has the recipe to her own great style!

My mom and I bonded over clothes and shopping, so I've always loved both, but becoming a stylist was never on my radar growing up. I didn't even realize working with a stylist was something "normal" people did! Then, about a decade ago, I was a military spouse living in a new location, struggling to feel confident as a mom of two and dealing with changes to my body. I found a personal wardrobe stylist who worked with "everyday women", who helped me understand how to dress my body shape, shop better, and create next level outfits.

A few years ago, that same stylist was offering training for women who wanted to start their own styling business. I was ready for something new in my life, and my always-supportive husband told me I should go for it. Now I'm able to be a professional encourager by speaking words of kindness to each and every one of my clients, as I teach them how to find their own sense of confidence and style. Through working with so many other women, I've come to realize that not everyone has had the positive experiences I did with my mom. Even though she passed away before I started my business, I'd like to think I'm making her proud, and that with each client I have I'm passing her legacy on.

WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

I never dreamt I could feel so empowered by being a business owner. Each time I meet and conquer a new challenge, the feeling of accomplishment and excitement washes over me. I've managed to do things I never thought possible! While being a solo-preneur can feel scary and lonely at times, the sense of fulfillment I feel with each achievement makes it all worth it.

It's also been such a joy to share even the smallest wins with my family. My sons and husband get excited for me with each new prospective client, and cheer me on every time I take on a new challenge. I'm so grateful for a family that is behind me every step of the way!

WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES AS AN ENTREPRENEUR AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

One of my biggest challenges has been creating a website. As someone who grew up in the 80's and 90's, with a degree in Early Childhood Education, technology doesn't always come easy to me. However, as someone who has been referred to as a "firecracker", I refused to give up until I created a website I loved. I'm not exaggerating when I say I teared up the first time I saw it live online.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO DREAMS OF STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

The willingness to put your head down and push through challenges until you accomplish your goal is definitely a requirement for business ownership. That doesn't mean you have to do it all alone, though. Finding at least one friend who is also a business owner is so crucial to being successful. It should be someone who gives you honest feedback, who you can bounce ideas off of, and who isn't a gatekeeper of information.

I've been fortunate enough to find a friend and business buddy in the same industry as me. We're able to share our challenges and wins, compare notes, and offer second opinions. Having someone like this helps me push through whenever I'm feeling stuck in my business.

HOW DO YOU TACKLE THOSE DAYS WHEN BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR FEELS EXTRA HARD AND YOU JUST WANT TO QUIT?

I've heard it said that business owners fire and re-hire themselves every day, and I would say that's often true. Some days can be harder than others, especially as a military spouse. When I'm having an especially frustrating day as a business-owner, I evaluate why I'm feeling the way I am: do I need rest, have I over-extended myself, am I neglecting other parts of my life, and so on.

I have learned to set aside business-related tasks for the day and focus on my family, home, and friends. It's easy to get caught up working to the point of neglecting even the most basic things. I'll make sure I've eaten something nourishing, had plenty of rest, and remind myself of what I know to be true. Reading back through client testimonials can be really helpful for those days when you feel like you don't deserve a seat at the table in your industry.