In this week's edition of Tranquility du Jour, I chat with Lesley Ware on:
Creative Evolution and Bold Reinvention
Lesley shares how she transitioned from an office job to a full-time creative career, embracing fashion, writing, and entrepreneurship. She highlights the importance of taking risks, following curiosity, and allowing creativity to evolve over time.
Navigating Change with Self-Compassion
Through major life transitions—including career shifts, personal loss, and shifting energy levels—Lesley emphasizes the power of self-care, therapy, and giving herself grace. She shares how tuning into her needs has helped her stay grounded through uncertainty.
Embracing Personal Style at Any Age
Lesley encourages midlife women to experiment with fashion and self-expression without hesitation. She reminds listeners that style isn't just for the young—it's a lifelong form of creativity and confidence that should be explored and enjoyed.
Prioritizing Peace and Intentional Living
From decluttering her space to curating relationships and daily rituals, Lesley has embraced a more mindful approach to life. She focuses on surrounding herself with uplifting people, objects, and experiences, ensuring that everything in her environment brings joy and inspiration.
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Lesley Ware is an experienced educator in sewing and design, with over 11 years in the field. She is also an author, known for her books on fashion and style for youth, including How to Be a Fashion Designer and Black Girls Sew. In 2021, Lesley founded Art to Ware, a New York City-based wearable art gallery and socially conscious pop-up shop that curates small-batch, upcycled, and locally-made fashion. Her work merges innovative fashion education with sustainability, creativity, and entrepreneurship, reflecting her commitment to a more inclusive and forward-thinking fashion industry. In the classroom, Lesley inspires students to explore fashion with a mindful, progressive, and out-of-the-box perspective, encouraging them to shape the future of design. She currently teaches at the Parsons School of Design and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Past Podcast Episodes: #331: Sew Fab Part 1, #332: Sew Fab Part 2, & #518: Create Your Style
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