18 years of Style Confidence

This month marks 18 years since I took a leap of faith from a secure City career into entrepreneurship, from finance to fashion, from certainty to a calling.

When I started Potential U, I had passion, faith, and a huge vision… but very little idea of just how much business would stretch me, shape me, and grow me.

Here are 18 lessons business has taught me.

Not from textbooks, but from real life, real clients, real risks, and real resilience:

1. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start.

Clarity often comes after action. Start anyway.

2. Faith and fear can exist at the same time.

Courage is moving forward even when you’re unsure.

3. Cash flow matters more than you think.

Profit is important but cash keeps a business alive.

4. Your network is powerful!

Relationships open doors. Network in the right rooms.

5. Not every client is your client.

Alignment matters more than volume. Not everyone is your client.

6. Saying no is a business strategy.

Boundaries protect your energy, integrity, and brand.

7. Confidence grows through consistency.

Know your craft well!

8. Your brand is how people feel after interacting with you.

It’s all about client experience.

9. Pricing is as much mindset as maths.

If you undervalue yourself, others will too. Know the value you carry.

10. Rest is not a reward. It’s a requirement.

Burnout is not a badge of honour. Rest is essential!

11. Growth requires a new version of you.

Old habits won’t take you to new levels. Keep learning, evolving, and pivoting.

12. Comparison drains creativity and uniqueness.

Your lane is yours for a reason. Don’t compare!

13. Systems set you free!

Automation is fundamental to sustainable business growth.

14. Consistency matters!

Keep on moving, even when progress feels slow.

15. Your story is part of your brand.

People connect to you, not just your products or service. Be kind.

16. Investing in your development is never wasted.

Coaches, mentors, and learning always pay long-term dividends.

17. Purpose carries you when motivation fades.

Purpose keeps you going when passion dips.

18. Success looks different in every season.

Sometimes it’s revenue.

Sometimes it’s peace.

Sometimes it’s impact.

A Final Reflection

18 years ago, I sold my house, changed industries, and followed a calling that didn’t always make sense on paper.

Today, I’m grateful, not just for the business I’ve built or the lessons I’ve learned but for the thousands of women I’ve had the privilege of impacting positively along the way.

My mission has always been simple:

To empower women through style, so you feel confident in your skin and aligned with who you are becoming.

Thank you for your support, trust, and loyalty over the years.

If you’re in business, building a dream, or standing at the edge of a leap, know this:

·       You are more capable than you think.

·       The journey will shape you as much as the destination.

Here’s to growth, courage, and confidence.

With gratitude and love,

Joy

Founder, Potential U