Leading Ladies - Megan Brandle
Anytime you see the talented Megan Brandle, one of the first things you notice is her infectious smile, but also her impeccable style. As a personal stylist and image consultant, Megan works with her clients to define their personal style with simple wardrobe strategies. I first met Megan through Shauna Mackenzie as Megan is a part of the Best Kept Self team. I've worked with their team on a couple of different projects, but my favorite had to be presenting during one of their Webinars over Wine. One of the times I KNEW I adored Megan is when she passed this note to Shauna during the webinar....yep....she's my kind of gal!
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?
I feel in love with Image Consulting/Personal Styling in one of my college courses. I have always liked helping people with their wardrobe and watching What Not To Wear, but this class helped me understand the science behind making someone look amazing. I couldn’t get enough. I sought out an internship in the Image Consulting industry and came across Shauna with Mackenzie Image Consulting. I started as an intern with her in 2009, turned apprentice, turned employee, turned lead stylist and now I am handling all the appearance clients for what now is Best Kept Self. So, all it took was one class and one awesome teacher to inspire me to do what I absolutely love.
WHAT RISKS DID YOU TAKE?
I took the risk of moving to a new city with no plan and only following my passion. 5+ years later, I love looking back and acknowledging how I took that leap of faith and it worked! I couldn’t imagine my life without being a Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. Helping people look their best it something that is a part of me and always will be.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT SCARES YOU?
I am pretty terrified of having an unhappy client. Although this has never happened, it’s always a fear. Before every personal shopping trip I think, what if we don’t find anything? Ha, yeah right! We always find tons of amazing pieces that are perfect for the client in every way, but it’s just a little thought that pops up.
LOOKING BACK ON YOUR CAREER, WHAT WAS A MAJOR TURNING POINT FOR YOU?
A major turning point for me was a year ago when Mackenzie Image Consulting rebranded to Best Kept Self. Once we launched it was really an awesome experience, I love sharing the message and having such a positive and empowering brand behind me. The support of our fabulous group and contributors is something that I cannot explain. It makes me feel unstoppable.
WHAT ARE THREE PIECES OF ADVICE YOU'VE RECEIVED THAT YOU'VE CARRIED WITH YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?
All of these have come from Shauna, Founder of Best Kept Self. She has taught me so much over the past 5 years and I couldn’t be more grateful.
1. To own it. Specifically, my bold personality and southern accent and not try to tone it down.
2. Know your worth and value.
3. Your boss doesn’t always know best or have all the answers. Never be afraid to speak up if something needs to be changed or to bring new ideas to the table.
BIGGEST MISTAKE?
The biggest mistake I have made was not leaving a job I absolutely hated sooner. After you leave a place that is holding you back and only putting stress and negativity in your life, your world changes for the better instantly. I wish I would have made the jump years before I did.