How I became my wife's first client

As the wife of the founder of Style Shyft, I suppose you could say I was her first client. Heather has been my personal style guru for over 16 years, guiding me through a journey that has transformed not only my wardrobe but also my confidence. My career as an executive in the travel industry means my lifestyle is a blend of business meetings, resort visits, and glamorous evening events, including multiple black-tie affairs each year. Having a wardrobe that transitions seamlessly between these occasions is essential, and Heather has helped me master that balance.

I have been plus-size my entire adult life, fluctuating between a size 16 and a size 22 over the past 20 years. When Heather and I first met, my fashion sense leaned heavily toward the casual, even tomboyish side. I was more comfortable in jeans and tees than anything remotely tailored or structured. But with Heather's guidance—her keen eye and unwavering honesty—I discovered the power of a well-curated wardrobe.

Heather doesn’t sugarcoat. Her feedback is straightforward: “You look amazing” or “Get that off.” There’s never a middle ground, and I love that about her. She’s been instrumental in helping me build a high-quality capsule wardrobe for work, travel, and evening events, curating pieces from brands like Eileen Fisher, Universal Standard, Vince, Marina Rinaldi, and Anthropologie. Now, I step into any room feeling polished and put together, whether I’m leading a meeting or walking into a formal gala.

One of our favorite things to do together is shop—whenever we travel, shopping is built into our itinerary. And without fail, Heather is always a better guide than any salesperson in a store. She understands my style, my fit, and the challenges that come with shopping as a plus-size woman. One of our biggest frustrations? The glaring lack of plus-size options in most stores. If just 10% of a store’s inventory were available in extended sizes, my shopping experiences would be just as enjoyable as Heather’s. Instead, we often find ourselves wishing for a retail landscape that’s more inclusive, where style and accessibility go hand in hand.

My journey with style has been deeply personal, but it has also been a testament to the importance of having someone in your corner who truly understands you. Heather’s expertise has helped me navigate fashion in a way that aligns with my professional success, my travel lifestyle, and my personal confidence. And that’s exactly what she brings to Style Shyft—honest, expert guidance that helps women, regardless of size, look and feel their absolute best.