As a style coach, authenticity is at the heart of everything I do. I've spent years getting to know my own authentic self through self-awareness and introspection, and now I get the distinct pleasure to facilitate this process with each of my clients.

Authenticity is not just awareness of where we are today. It’s about our future and past selves too! When striving for authenticity, we have to be honest and unafraid of who we want to be in the future. We also have to accept that what happened in the past has led us to where we are today, but that it’s okay for us to evolve and change. In fact, it’s important for us to!

Acceptance of our past comes up often with my clients because we all have emotions tied up in past versions of ourselves. When we think of days gone by, we may picture someone who looks different OR feels different. Things like weight loss or gain, having a baby, relationship status, and career all affect our identity, and sometimes we dwell in the way things were. But…is the way things were really what we want or need? Usually, no! Being content in today’s reality makes us stronger in the present…which is why I’ll tell you to get rid of those skinny jeans that don’t fit. They served you well, but now it’s time to be true to the you of today.

Authenticity is also about the future—who we really, truly want to be, and how we want to present ourselves to the world. No matter our starting point, we cannot be afraid to manifest those dreams. Believe it or not, what we choose to wear is a big part of that. I work with my clients to guide them towards their unique, authentic style…and there is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing a client look totally at ease and confident in their clothes.

Becoming your authentic self doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a LOT of work. But in my view, it’s well worth it, and I’m so grateful every day that I’m able to witness it in my work.

- Joanna Lovering, CEO & Founder of Copper + Rise