No Makeup Professionalism

I recently attended a business meeting at a prestigious firm we'll call Healthy People Corp, I was rocking my heather grey leggings, over size high low shirt, a pair of Uggs, no make-up, and my natural curls. While I was waiting in the lobby at Healthy People Corp the receptionist remarked to me that she hoped my meeting went well despite my overly casual appearance. Coming from corporate world, I was a little startled I hadn't taken into account how my new found uniform would be received by potential business partners. This got me to thinking. As a Chronically-ill Entrepreneur honestly Im a "no makeup professional", I don't like the way traditional business clothes fit me. They're restrictive, uncomfortable, and heels make my feet swell something ridiculous these days. If I spend energy doing my makeup, I won't have it to drive to the meeting.

I get it, appearance is everything. It tells the world seemingly what you think about yourself. It sets the stage for how people will interact with you and as a millennial how seriously they'll take you. But you know, on my list of things to do while fighting an illness that's trying to kill me everyday somehow what I have on NEVER really makes the top of the list anymore. As my boyfriend, he'll tell you, seeing me in make up is like seeing a lunar eclipse, a rare sighting.

As much as I want to ensure Spoonie Essentials Box is a successful business, since my diagnosis I have given priority to things of greater importance and impact in my life. I spend less time worrying what I look like and more time worrying how I'm impacting the lives of those around me. I'd rather spend an extra couple hours writing handwritten happy mail letters than go shopping for clothes. I'm much more inclined now to spend the extra time prepping for a meeting curating custom care packages for my potential future business partner than doing my makeup.

It seems odd to have to explain to anyone that I care more about what type of business practitioner I am than how I dress everyday. I wear comfortable clothes, so? Does that make me any less qualified? Is my business plan now defunct because I have on leggings? I don't know about you but after almost dying, I could care less about what someone has on. I'd much rather get to know their heart and explore their mind than lose out on a potential opportunity because they look comfy.

I realize this is hardly a popular opinion or a smart business strategy. But I will say, Steve jobs wore New Balance, Mark Zuckerberg wears T-Shirts, Oprah does interview in her kitchen, and Kim Kardashian continues to grow an empire based solely on seeing the casual her.

Until next time Spoonie Bosses!

Xo Britt