In today’s fast-paced world, many of us juggle multiple responsibilities, often finding ourselves in corporate roles while simultaneously pursuing side projects that spark our passion. As someone who has spent years honing a marketing career in prestigious roles, I understand the challenge of maintaining a full-time job while nurturing something as dynamic and creative as The Fashion Consult. Here is a glimpse into how I manage this balancing act and the journey of growing The Fashion Consult into a thriving platform for personalized style.
The 8 to 5 Marketing Leader Job
I have always been passionate about marketing, having worked in diverse sectors from luxury brands to technology, leading teams, shaping brand strategies, and driving business growth. My job as a marketing leader often involves overseeing complex strategies, collaborating across functions, and managing key projects that impact the bottom line.
However, as much as I love what I do in the corporate world, my true passion lies in helping others refine their personal style and gain confidence through the art of fashion. This led me to start The Fashion Consult, a fashion and personal styling consultancy, to help individuals embrace their unique personalities and enhance their wardrobes.
Time Management: The Key to Success
Managing an 8 to 5 job as a Marketing Leader while also dedicating time to building The Fashion Consult requires a keen sense of time management. Between work meetings, emails, and project deadlines, I carve out pockets of time during lunch breaks, weekends, or evenings to focus on my personal project.
It is all about setting priorities and using every available minute efficiently. Tools like digital calendars, project management apps, and automation have become my best friends, ensuring I stay organized and on top of both my professional responsibilities and personal goals.
5 PM Onwards: The Shift to The Fashion Consult
Once the corporate workday ends, I switch gears. The evening hours are when I can fully immerse myself in The Fashion Consult. It’s a time for creativity, client interactions, and content creation. Here’s how I focus on growing my passion project once the 9-to-5 grind is over:
- Client Consultations and Wardrobe Edits
Evening hours are dedicated to connecting with my clients. Whether it is virtually or in-person, I spend time curating personalized wardrobes, discussing their unique style personalities, or guiding them through a style overhaul. The most rewarding part of The Fashion Consult is seeing the transformation in my clients as they embrace their new looks and feel empowered. - Content Creation for Social Media
The Fashion Consult thrives on engagement and fresh content. I take time each evening to develop posts, plan Instagram stories, and create videos that resonate with my audience. Whether it’s sharing styling tips, the latest trends, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into my wardrobe styling sessions, I aim to keep my followers engaged and excited. The evenings are the best time for creating meaningful and thoughtful content that truly represents The Fashion Consult’s values. - Website Development and Blog Posts
As an expert in the field, I am always looking for ways to provide more value through The Fashion Consult’s website. This means drafting informative blog posts, updating the website with fresh content, and exploring new ways to engage visitors. Writing articles, such as 10 Investment Pieces Every Woman Should Own or Seasonal Trends vs. Timeless Style, is something I do when the quiet evening hours offer the right space to reflect and write. - Engaging with My Audience
Building relationships with followers is a cornerstone of The Fashion Consult. During evenings, I interact with my audience through direct messages, responding to comments on social media, or hosting live Q&A sessions. I make it a point to understand their style concerns, offer personalized advice, and create a sense of community. The more I engage, the more I understand the needs of my audience, which in turn helps me create better services and content. - Planning for the Future
The evenings are also a time for strategic thinking. I focus on setting goals, whether it’s expanding The Fashion Consult’s reach, developing new services, or exploring collaborations with brands or other stylists. Reflecting on the progress I’ve made and planning for the future helps keep the momentum going.
Making the Most of Every Moment
The key to managing both a demanding corporate career and a growing side business is creating a sustainable routine. I make sure to schedule my time in a way that allows me to deliver exceptional work for both roles, without burning out. The satisfaction of knowing that I’m fulfilling my creative passion with The Fashion Consult, while also excelling in my professional marketing role, is incredibly fulfilling.
The Reward of Following Your Passion
Building The Fashion Consult has been a dream come true, and as I continue to grow it into a thriving business, the excitement never fades. The balance of working in a corporate role and nurturing my passion project has been incredibly rewarding, and every step I take with The Fashion Consult reinforces the importance of following what truly drives you.
As both a marketing leader and a personal stylist, I’ve learned to embrace the art of balancing strategic thinking with creativity. The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s worth every hour of hard work. My advice to anyone juggling a corporate job with a passion project: stay organized, manage your time well, and, most importantly, never lose sight of why you started. Your passion will fuel your drive and lead you to success in both worlds.
In conclusion, while having a full-time marketing job can be demanding, dedicating focused time to building The Fashion Consult has allowed me to blend both worlds harmoniously. By managing time effectively, staying connected with my audience, and maintaining strategic focus, I am able to grow my consultancy while excelling in my corporate role, all while helping others unlock their full potential through the power of personal style.
