Judy hopes to inspire and empower through style
“Whatever I do, I do with my heart and my heart comes through in everything I do."
Be who you are, be comfortable and be confident.
This is the inspirational message that Edenglen-based personal stylist and owner of Empowered by Style Judy Karamichael wants all her clients to walk away with.
She also believes style is about more than what you wear.
“Individual style is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There is no need to follow fashion. Fashion changes every three weeks.”
Judy spent 12 years working in the corporate accounting world before deciding to follow her heartfelt passion for people, clothes and accessories.
“While the corporate world was intellectually rewarding, I always felt as though I was not making a real difference in anyone’s life.
“I always felt as though I could never really be myself,” said Judy.
Judy describes herself as an energetic and highly sociable person who thrives on working with people to build long-lasting relationships.
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She’s also dedicated to her family and enjoys spending time with her animals and in nature.
Judy knew from a young age that she had a calling for clothes.
“When I was six, I would put on my mom’s purple heels and parade around the garden with our dog in a pram. I felt like a million bucks and that’s when I realised that the right outfit could change your day completely,” she said.
“No matter how hard your day has been or how you feel, when you dress in something that makes you feel good, your entire moods changes.”
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When Judy left school, she dabbled in the beauty industry before studying towards her degree in accounting.
Deciding to change her career path after 12 successful years in corporate accounting was a big step for Judy.
“I decided that I would go study again, but this time I would follow my heart.”
After more than a year of planning, Judy launched her studio at Karaglen Shopping Centre earlier this year.
“Whatever I do, I do with my heart and my heart comes through in everything I do. Being a stylist really doesn’t feel like work to me. It feels as though I can play around with colours and materials and meet new people,” said Judy.
She said that if there was one thing she wishes she could change in the world today, it would be the way women see each other.
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“As women, we have a tendency of jealousy and we can be so cruel. We need to be the ones to make other women feel as though they can take on the world,” said Judy.
She hopes to be able to help other women on their journey of self-discovery through clothes.
“As women we have it hard. We constantly compare ourselves with others. We compare what we have, how we look and where we go with people on social media, in magazines and on TV. This places immense pressure on us and we tend to lose who we are.
“When you compare yourself you are putting yourself in a box and this will always make you feel as though there is something wrong with you,” Judy said.
She added that she feels fulfilled when her clients leave her studio smiling.
“I want my clients to always feel good when they leave. That is why I pour my passion into my business.”
Judy will host a workshop on finding and dressing for your body shape on October 26.
To book for the event visit www.empoweredbystyle.co.za
Contact Judy on 074 353 3407 or email her on judy@empoweredbystyle.co.za
If you have any style-related questions for Judy, email them to cslater@caxton.co.za or to Judy.
Judy’s Workplace Style Tips:
• For those working in the corporate environment, I suggest a classic skirt suit or pantsuit in power colours: black, red or white. Pair this with a crisp white blouse. Avoid less serious colours such as pastels and pinks at all costs.
• If you’re in a profession where you work with people, like teaching or psychology, I suggest more playful attires. Play with yellows, purples, pinks, pastels and oranges. These colours give you the appearance of being more open and soft.
• If you work in an environment which requires uniforms, I suggest you bring out your personality through accessories such as earrings and necklaces. Shoes are also a great way to express your personality when you have to wear a uniform.
