Whether it’s on a blog or in a post within a Facebook group, there are so many questions and comments made about having a dedicated studio space as a creative entrepreneur. I’ve been asked to join collaborative spaces (I would love to surround myself with creative friends!), and I’ve dreamt of having an office outside of my home to decorate meet clients. However, although I meet brides in person to chat through timelines and floral designs, many of my marketing and copywriting clients live throughout the country and the world (hello, phone chats and Google Hangout!). As much as I would love to, I can’t quite justify having an office or studio space outside of my home for 50% of my business.
When I do meet clients in person (it’s such a treat!), I tend to opt to meet at Starbucks or Barnes & Noble. Both are quiet places that tend to have plenty of seating. Plus, I’ve always felt completely welcomed and encouraged to stay to hear every story and detail my clients wish to share. The biggest downside? I’m meeting in a space where I did not choose the colors or design the layout of the furniture in the room to match my brand’s aesthetic. But, I do have a trick that I use time and time again.
I always dress on brand.
The colors I’m wearing and the pieces I pair together are both details that are completely in my control. So, I plan accordingly. Typically this means wearing a palette that almost always features pink (my favorite color and one that is in all of my branding!) and mixing feminine, preppy pieces together from Gap, J. Crew, Loft, and Kate Spade. I also sometimes even think about colors and textures I know a client is using for her wedding (I just wore my rose gold sequin TOMS to meet a July bride who loves pink and glitter!).
By meeting at Starbucks or Barnes & Noble, I may be letting go of some of the control I would have in a space of my own, but all is not lost at all. The experience of meeting with me and interacting with my brand is still very much apparent through color, style, and a welcome atmosphere – the same elements I would create anywhere.
Dress for your brand’s success always and start with your website and social channels (two of the ways in which many clients will find you!) As much as I love dressing up and having my makeup and hair professionally styled, that’s not the everyday version of me. So, I styled myself for my website using clothing I wear, jewelry I love, and the same hair and makeup I wear almost everyday.
The biggest compliment you can receive is to learn that a client thinks you are the same in person as you are online. Think about what you love, what you wear, and how you can combine both into details you can easily replicate for meetings in any space, Starbucks, studio, or otherwise. Be you always. xo
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