On the run up to International Women’s Day I have been thinking about who I now am as a woman. I certainly feel different to the woman I was pre-lockdown. Prior to last March I wore heels, fitted dresses and saw my clients in person. I enjoyed visiting Europe and being a European but this and many of the things I identified with have been thrown into the air.
For a year I have worn flat shoes, flipflops and trainers for walking in. My fitted dresses are now uncomfortable and have been replaced with roomy dresses or brighter tops and trousers. My days are spent consulting with clients via Zoom from the kitchen as the rest of the house is undergoing refurbishment and my studio is currently the tool room.
The last year has been a year of change for us all and we have had to learn to adjust to the new situation. This year has also given us time to think about what we really want from life and what is important. I realise that my family is very important along with time to exercise along with walks in the countryside. My days now begin with meditation followed by twenty minutes work out with Joe Wicks. I’ve spent more time with my husband and we go for long walks in nature exploring the area where we live. These activities have brought a wonderful sense of calm to our lives and I don’t want this to change.
My business has also undergone transformation and although it was painful at times it has been a blessing. At the start of lockdown when my work came to an abrupt halt as I couldn’t see clients in person, I knew that I was going to have to act quickly. After a couple of weeks of being in shock I set about putting my styling services on-line. The next three months were a crash course in IT as my services were made available via Zoom. The start was bumpy but as the process improved clients began to return. I was then invited to be the Stylist for the Academy of Women Leaders with national and international clients and suddenly my client base was global. Meeting and styling ladies from different cultures and backgrounds has also given my work a richness that I never could have imagined.
From April I’ll be able to see clients in person again which will be wonderful but will again take some readjustment. Clients will have the choice to see me in person or on-line, whichever is more comfortable or practical. With this my work will have more scope and variety.
Soon we’ll be able to travel again, and we will be driving north and south to visit children and flying over to France to see my brother. My travel outfits will be slightly more relaxed as my wardrobe is transforming. I still love bright colours and style but with lower heels and clothes that are easier to sit in. The corporate dresses are being replaced with jersey and floral dresses which look more modern.
Until lockdown is over, we won’t see who we have become but International Womens Day has made me realise that I am now a global citizen and that brings a whole new world of opportunities and diversity. Happy International Women’s Day sisters and I look forward to meeting more of you in the coming year!
Suzanne x
www.suzannesuthers.com