Want to Create Your Own Little Black Dress?

There I am, sitting on the floor of the children’s department like a protest.

My mom loved to tell the story of buying doll socks because I was such a tiny baby. But now I’m 10 and wishing I was anywhere but here on this cold, hard floor.

I feel my face getting hot and wonder if steam is coming out of my ears, like some angry cartoon character.

The racks of clothes are towering above me, mocking me with their gaudy outfits.

I hate all those pink bows and frilly dresses that are the prescribed costume for all little girls.

I want the elegant, tailored look my mom and her mother wear. I dream of how I would feel wearing ‘grown up’ clothes.

So, my wise mom – at wits end with my silent protest – kneels next to me, looks me square in the eye, and says “then learn to sew!”

Today’s Question:

What is the one thing within your control you could do today to set your course or remove a roadblock?

But Here’s the Twist . . .

Within the year, I am making all my own clothes, scaling down adult patterns, and happily creating my own designs.

What we wear has a dynamic effect on who we are, and I felt capable and in control.

My mom gave me a powerful gift that day – one that let me strip away those silly bows and create elegantly tailored outfits that were more ‘me’.

Practical, versatile, and classic, the little black dress became the favorite thing in my closet. I could add pearls or a splash of color, stylish shoes and a matching belt.

My little black dress was and is a statement of confidence because it’s all about simplicity, elegance, and choices.

Now What?

This transition from powerless to powerful was like getting new glasses and seeing with real clarity for the first time.

Of course, I’ve experienced many types of transitions in my life, and certainly in my business.

In 2018, I decided to expand my company nationwide and operate virtually. That single strategy changed the trajectory of my company, and I consider it the finest business decision I ever made.

As my client base expanded, so did my awareness of a major transition we’ll all experience at some point – letting go of our businesses.

It concerns me that very few women are planning for their business exit. That leaves your life’s work, your impact, and your legacy in the hands of fate.

At some point, you will exit your business, whether it’s voluntary or not. If you needed to step away from your business today, due to a health problem or a family issue, would your company fall apart?

I’ll challenge you with this question: how can you bring the simplicity and elegance of the little black dress to a life-changing transition, like your business exit?

Well, follow me back to the children’s department in your mind and sit with me on the floor.

Can you imagine that frilly pink dress with an excess of bows that is hanging above us? That dress represents your business transition, whether it’s expansion, new markets, or positioning for your exit.

With any kind of transition, we think we need to add things – like bows and frills. More staff, more technology, more tactics – and definitely more time! We add and add until there’s often a confusing mess.

In my experience, the most successful transitions are achieved by stripping stuff away – like creating that little black dress. When you’ve taken the time to design, measure, cut, and carefully craft your transition, you’re on the path to a classic.

That’s why I believe in scaling down the pattern for a typical, often messy business exit to the simplicity and elegance of the little black dress, helping women achieve an elegant exit.

Elegance is about reaching your goals with dignity, grace, and integrity. It’s about leaving a legacy for those you care most about, including your staff and clients.

It’s about starting your next chapter in the most meaningful way and inspiring others to follow your lead.

I firmly believe – and have built my business around – the idea that business success and wealth in the hands of women elevates society as a whole.

Your exit can lead to wealth if you choose to sell your company, but what brought you here won’t get you there.

An Elegant Exit™ requires a new way of thinking and new skills, exactly like making my own clothes.

In this moment, you have the luxury of time to create your own little black dress and achieve an Elegant Exit™.

Discover your Exit Readiness Index™ with this assessment: http://she-exits.com/

What is the one thing within your control you could do today to set your course or remove a roadblock?

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