How Authentic Style Helps People Embrace Their Unique Fashion Identity
Name and business
Sue Bollinger and my business is Authentic Style
Tell us who you are personally?
I am 52, married to an amazing man, Andi and we have a black and white Tenterfield fur child who is called Gracie. My passions are fashion, anything creative and board games. I love to travel and have enjoyed trips to Switzerland, Italy and Spain. I dislike sand in my togs, injustice and peas. I spend my time with family and friends and a lot of time at the shops “researching” (lol) for Authentic Style.
What is your story?
I have always loved fashion from as far back as I can remember – Mum used to lay out outfits for me to choose from when I was 5 years old otherwise I was changing my outfit 10 times per day and putting them in the wash after I had worn them for half an hour – poor Mum! As I have grown up I realised I have a skillset for helping people find outfits that fit their shape and enhance their features. As a plus size woman for 20 years I struggled with the lack of options over a size 14 and worked hard to find options that suited my personality but also my shape. Imagine my excitement when I learned that my passion of helping others navigate fashion trends and finding items that suited them could also be my job. I struggled with confidence to start Authentic Style but have grown through opportunities and hard work. I trained in Sydney to become a certified personal stylist and now I get to help others find their own unique style. How lucky am I???
How do you start your mornings?
Generally in a rush…lol. I would love to be one of those women who really rock mornings but I really love to sleep in and often sacrifice a more organised start to my day for a few minutes more sleep.
What is your product or service? How does it help others?
I am a qualified Personal Stylist and I offer two styling services, Wardrobe Audit and Personal Shopping Experience.
A wardrobe audit helps you to discover the treasures that lie within your current wardrobe that fit and flatter your body shape.
A Personal Shopping Experience takes you on a journey to the shops to show you what styles suit your bodyshape, personality, lifestyle and budget. There is no obligation to purchase – the information provided can set you up for future success when shopping for items to extend your
wardrobe.
If you could meet one person in this world, dead or alive, who would it be? And why? And what would you ask them?
Iris Apfel is a style icon from New York City who is aged 101. She is known for starting her modelling career at 97 years old and has an extraordinary clothes and eclectic jewellery collection. She is also famous for her big black round glasses and bright red lipstick. Iris has personified embracing her own style regardless of trends. My question for Iris would be to ask her to tell me the stories around
her favourite items she has purchased in her extraordinary collection.
Who is on this journey with you? What makes it worth it?
Authentic Style is just me – I love being able to help women embrace their shape and to find clothes to enhance rather than hide.
My husband takes care of the technology/financial side of the business.
I have a small group of very close friends who have encouraged me to use my skills and who are cheering for me as I take one step at a time.
What makes it worth it – seeing people grow in confidence as they discover their own unique style.
If you were face-to-face with a mumma who is struggling, what would be your message to her?
You are doing the hardest job in the world – don’t compare yourself to others.
Give yourself time and self love – your family will benefit from you taking care of you! Don’t be afraid to accept help.
Where can we go for more information?
I have a webpage authenticstyle.com.au which has information on me and my services. I also have a Facebook page and Instagram Account under the handle Authentic Style.