February 11, 2024 • 26 mins
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Ever found yourself stuck in a style rut, where every outfit feels uninspired? Break free from that slump with a dose of wisdom from Vickeisha Levy, the queen of confidence and chic. Our conversation travels through Vickeisha's own metamorphosis of self-expression. She shares the secrets to finding your own style that sings in perfect harmony with who you are. We talk about the small steps you can take to infuse your wardrobe with intentional flair and the life-changing impact romanticizing your life.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to the show.
Today we have a very specialguest, Vakisha Levy.
She's a digital creator, amodel, an entrepreneur, CEO of
Elite Experiences and VakishaLevy Images.
She's also a friend and someonewho always impresses me with
(00:25):
her unapologetic level ofconfidence, her commitment to
style and romancing her life.
Vakisha, thank you for being onthe show.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Thank you for having me.
I love that introduction.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
I'm very excited to have you on the show, as we were
briefly chatting with before wegot on.
Every time I see your post onInstagram and you just are one
of those people and probably theonly person I know that
(01:02):
romances every part of her life,is so confident.
I'm doing it right now.
She's doing it right now.
I know you can't see, but shehas her beautiful glass, has
some orange juice in it, and Ithink what you're gonna share
with the listeners today isgonna be so powerful, especially
(01:26):
for women, female leaders, buteven the men are gonna gain
something from this, who may beso busy with their work and
creating things and puttingthings out in the world that
sometimes the romancing the lifeand prioritizing looking good
(01:53):
not to just look good, but tofeel good Absolutely it's put by
the wayside.
I know I can resonate with that.
There's been moments where I'vefelt slumpy, having slumpy
periods, and it affects yourconfidence.
It affects how you show up inthe world and this podcast is
all about how can we be our mostconfident and connected self,
(02:18):
and I believe that passion is anextension of ourselves and how
we feel and, whether we like itor not, we only have a split
second to make a firstimpression, especially in the
world of leadership and business.
So it's a big deal.
(02:40):
It is so I'd love to know yourjourney with confidence and
fashion.
Have you always been Confident,have you always had this knack
for fashion, what looks good, orhas it been an evolution?
Speaker 2 (03:00):
It has been an evolution.
I think most of us can testifyto that.
I've learned that confidenceisn't just about appearance, but
also about self-acceptance andfeeling comfortable in your skin
.
Over time, I've experiencedstyles and what works for me and
realized that true confidencecomes from embracing my
(03:21):
uniqueness rather than justconforming to different trends.
It's an ongoing journey ofself-discovery, self-discovery
and growth.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
I like how you said that about the self-accepted.
Can you tell me more about foryourself?
Was there a period in your lifewhere you felt you made the
shift from maybe not feeling ahigh level of self-acceptance to
(03:54):
just because when I see you nowit just gives me this aura of
unapologetic like?
This is me.
You either like me or you know.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
I don't care.
Honestly, I was always shy andalways reserved, sorry, but I
think over time I've learned tokind of like step outside of
that comfort zone and just bebold.
Yeah, I don't know what it is,but it's take some time.
(04:25):
I remember in high school I wasjust always quiet to myself,
even in college.
I guess it started aftercollege, just finding my way
around and just you know Wow.
Mm-hmm For the listeners me andand, as I said, I'm still
growing, I'm still exploringdifferent styles and, yeah, it's
(04:50):
just a continuous revolution.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Yes, yes, okay.
What advice would you giveleaders who may be stuck in a
style slum and possibly afraidto step out of their fashion
comfort zone?
Even though they know or theyfeel that they want to.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Hmm, I would say to start by experimenting.
Gradually incorporate newelements into your current style
.
Try different colors, accessorystiletto like, seek inspiration
from role models or evenfashion icon.
I'm always on Pinterest.
(05:33):
Pinterest is what I go to, evenon Instagram.
I follow a lot of fashion blogsand you know people like that
influencer that inspire me, sothat helps a lot as well.
Just anything that resonateswith who you are and your style,
right.
In addition, don't be afraid toseek guidance from stylists or
(05:56):
trusted friends that you, youknow, look up to or you admire
their style, and stepping out ofyour comfort zone is about
embracing authentic.
You know your authentic style,so go at your own space.
Sorry, gotta edit that out.
Go at your own pace and enjoythe process.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
What would you give to, let's say, a woman who has
no idea where to start?
Is there a starting point, ababy step that you would say for
someone who has?
You know, I'm thinking ofmyself, at one point in time
where I had disconnected from mycore self and gone into a place
(06:42):
where I thought I had to looklike this to be a professional,
and it was so far from who I wasthat when I started to get back
into it, it was really hard toknow where to start, to even
know what my style was.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
You have a baby step.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
For sure.
A baby step is really importantand I think, first off,
confidence stems from selfacceptance.
We touched on that earlier.
Not perfection, so embrace youruniqueness.
It's what makes you special.
Also, remember that confidenceis a journey, not a destination,
so it takes time to develop andit takes time to grow.
(07:22):
Practicing I also saypracticing self care, setting
boundaries and celebratingachievements, big or small, can
significantly boost yourconfidence and overall
well-being.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
What would you say are some of your favorite self
care rituals, Because I know youdo a lot of self.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness.
Sometimes I feel like I'moverindulged in self care.
Honestly, I do, I do, but itjust makes me feel really good
and it's about balance, right.
I work a lot, so I always tryto make sure that I'm also like,
(08:05):
mentally I'm in a good spaceand I think for me is so.
Some of the things that I enjoydoing is like going to the
sauna doing a facial.
I have a nice facial steamerthat I use on Sundays, my self
care day, so I do my steamer andthen a little facial routine
(08:28):
and then I would do like a nicebubble bath and, as I said, like
going down to the sauna, juststuff like that.
I'm making myself deliciousmeal as well, because I enjoy
cooking.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
So yeah, I love that.
How many?
What do you think?
Because again, when I see youknow it's funny that you
mentioned you think you engagetoo much in the self care.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
I think it's perfect because you every interaction
I've had with you, you'resmiling, you're feeling, you
seem like you're feeling great.
I don't think you evercomplained anytime we've been
together and that showed becauseyou're treating yourself well.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
And it's funny you said that because someone
mentioned that to me the otherday.
She was like oh my gosh, you'redoing so much.
Now You're back in school andhow are you managing everything
and you never look stressed outand all these kinds of things.
I'm like you're right, I'vealways, whenever I'm in like a
place where I feel like mentallydrained, I take a break and I
(09:41):
just kind of like give myselfsome time to like get through it
and I think just having that Idon't know what you call it Just
a way of you know how liketaking care of myself, like
knowing when to like reservethat time, to like sit down,
like I'll be at home on my couchjust sitting TV's off, like.
(10:04):
For me, tv is a distraction.
I like nice jazz music playingin the background and stuff like
that.
So I always create a nice calmenvironment so I can just relax
and stuff like that.
So I think it's easier and it'soutside distraction, even
sometime when I'm eating my TV'soff Like no noise.
(10:28):
I don't know, it's just yeah,yes, yeah, editative, yes, yes.
Everything that I do issurrounded that I don't like
noise.
I had my brother here recentlyand his phone was going off
nonstop.
Lisa, like I can't like thiskid was like I try not to call
him kid, he's 26.
(10:48):
My little brother.
So I said to him yeah, couldyou please turn on your phone?
I put it on silent because thenoise irritates me.
Right, I don't know what youguys, I just like the zen, just
like calmness.
Speaker 1 (11:05):
Yeah, yes, I think that's so important.
At least you know when we'reliving in the city which a lot
of my clients do live in thecity having those moments where
we're turning off thestimulation.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Right, yes, yeah, I have a moment where I put my
phone on pause, I put it onsilence and just like meditate.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Yeah, Do you think?
Speaker 2 (11:31):
that's go ahead.
That's definitely.
I think that's an help, cause Ialso have a friend of mine that
said exactly that to me.
She was like Vicky, I love howyou deal with situation, like
you don't let things bother you,you have a way of dealing with
things and I think that's just atest for you know, having like
a stress-free lifestyle andstuff like that.
I don't let it bother me and ifI'm upset about something, I
(11:54):
give myself like 24 hours to getthrough it.
Cry if I need to cry, let it go, move on.
So I think creating thatboundary it helps.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
Yes, I like how you said that you know you allow
yourself to process.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
And then do you have a specific time where you're
like, okay, now I'm going tomove forward.
Yeah, if it goes beyond thatday, that 24 hours.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Yeah a day, I definitely get through it.
I have time or situation whereI you know you stress about it,
you think about it, cry if youneed to, and then be like, okay,
let's go, cause there's nothingI can do, it's out of my
control.
I'm not going to sit hereanother day, waste another day
thinking about something, or youknow that I can't control, so
(12:43):
that has always been my routineor my.
You know my strategy, one ofthe secrets to you know, yeah,
maintaining yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Okay, I love that.
I love that.
Do you have a personal storywhere a particular fashion
choice significantly influenceyour confidence and the way you
were perceived?
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Absolutely.
I can recall a time when Itried a bright, a bold, bright
colored blazer for aprofessional event.
Normally I'll stick to neutralcolor.
I do love, love, love my blackand white.
Ha ha, ha, bait, that's me.
But that day the vibrant blazermade me feel empowered and
(13:30):
confident.
Surprisingly, it ganderpositive attention and sparks
conversation that I might nothave initiated otherwise.
That experience taught me theimpact of using fashion as a
form of self-expression and Iwould can positively influence
bold confidence and perception.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Mm.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
And it's funny you mentioned that the neutral
colors, they're really you,because when I think of you, I
do think of bold colors.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
And dresses.
My personality is bold.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:10):
But then again, it's not bold, depends where it is.
I post something on Instagramthe other day saying that I'm
reserved, like I'm reserved in alot of way, but when I'm around
certain people I'm very likeyou know, or extroverted.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Going into that, the blazer that you mentioned.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Is that something that you would recommend for
individuals leaders?
You know we're talking aboutwomen, but also relating to men.
To get outside the box even inthese professional Settings
where you think you need to looka certain way.
Yeah, yeah, go outside.
(14:56):
Don't be afraid to go outsidethe box and experiment.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
Absolutely it's.
It's it feels good goingoutside the box, you know it's
being creative and it allows youto like to think, you know,
instead of like putting on thesame thing over and over again
and not putting much effort intoit because it's something that
you used to.
But Having that, okay, I'mgonna change it up today.
(15:22):
What should I do?
What should I wear?
Mm-hmm, just give you adifferent feeling to make you
feel really good.
So Definitely something we'retrying.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
What would you say to someone who wants to do that?
Mm-hmm but is afraid ofpotentially the attention that
they May start garnering.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Hmm, nothing is wrong with attention.
What is wrong with attention?
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Nothing.
I mean I like attention, yeah,but when I can think of some
individual, when you kind ofhave, because it's funny,
because we can dress when wewant to hide, we can, we can do
that.
Yeah, and I think a lot ofpeople that I've spoken to Use
(16:17):
certain clothes to hidethemselves because they're not
feeling confident.
They're not feeling their bestself.
Yeah and when you step out andyou're wearing something more
Colorful or a different style.
You're gonna get more eyes onyou because, simply because
you're, you're standing outabsolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
That's where you make your time.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Take your time.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
Maybe start with a nice neutral color, a little bit
up from your normal, you knowmm-hmm and then work your way
into the more bright, brightColors yeah, yes, yeah, maybe
even a bold lip.
Yeah, exactly because I feel away I don't wear a lot of
(17:04):
lipstick and when I do, it'salways the same like neutral
tone, and when I wear red it'slike, oh my gosh, this this is a
lot right, but sometimes Idon't mind a lot.
I like to you know.
It makes a statement.
It makes a statement.
(17:26):
And it put you in a differentmood.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
So it will.
There was a woman that told thestory.
I won't use her name just incase for confidentiality, but
she would talk about and this isalways stuck in my mind where
she would go to auditions.
She would always wear a boldred lip.
She wanted to be remembered.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
Ooh, yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
Right when you're going to auditions for acting,
you know you get a lot of people.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
And I feel like I want to be remembered.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
So I always wear a red lip and I thought, oh, that
is really interesting.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
I like that.
I know I'm going to be thinkingnext time I go out.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Yes, yes, especially when I'm thinking oh, I started
thinking about networking events.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
Yeah, right, not being afraid to go bold, stand
out.
Yeah, in a networking event,for the sheer fact that people
are going to have that memory.
They may not remember your name.
I like that, I like that youmay not even remember what you
talked about.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
I like that it you know what, I love it.
And I'm here listening to youand not realizing that I
actually do it myself.
I do it a lot actually.
When I go face to face withpeople, I just a certain way and
they always say to me Vicki,what are you wearing?
I'm like, don't mind what I'mwearing, right.
And then I come and they'relike, why didn't you tell me
(18:55):
that you're going to get dressedout Right?
So I think, not realizing thatI'm doing it, I think I do it a
lot.
Yes, on the weekend I went to ahouse function for New Year's
and everybody was like, oh mygosh, I didn't know that we're
dressing up.
I said, well, I just wanted youto dress up Right and I had my
(19:21):
accessory, my new year at Benand everything.
And they're like I coulddefinitely stand out Right.
Yes, so I think I think I do ita lot and that's just my
personality.
So, naturally, without evenrealizing.
Speaker 1 (19:39):
Without even realizing.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
Yeah, okay.
So let's get to the practicalaspects, because I want the
listeners to have practicalpieces, because I know it can be
daunting.
Yeah, especially if you'resomeone you know for the women
who are very fashionable.
This isn't for them, becausethey already know how to do.
(20:02):
This is for the lady who arelike I don't know where to.
I don't even know what storesgo to.
I don't know what to do how to.
What would you give if a womanwants to upgrade her wardrobe?
Practically speaking?
What are some core pieces thatwe can add that are going to be
going to help us make us feelconfident, you know,
(20:25):
self-assured and our best?
Speaker 2 (20:28):
Okay, Great question.
I would say investing in aversatile, timeless pieces can
truly transform a wardrobe.
Consider had in a well-tailoredblazer I have like maybe a few
of those and classic whitebutton down shirt, A little
(20:51):
black dress a few of those aswell, right, Cause you want to
switch it up every now and then.
A pair of well-fitted jeans, aquality letter bag comfortably
yet stylish shoes and aversatile trench coat or a
statement jacket.
These pieces form a solidfoundation for various looks and
can easily be mixed and matchedto suit different occasions.
(21:13):
So definitely yeah.
My advice to having your closetfor sure.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
Yes, I completely agree with the statement jacket.
Those are pieces where, even ifI'm wearing a sweatsuit
underneath, exactly, and I putthat coat on, I feel like a
million bucks.
Yes, and it's easy.
Yeah yeah, easy to do.
(21:44):
You mentioned the tailoredblazer.
Is this something that youpurchase and get tailored, or
you purchase it fitted?
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Yeah, purchase it fitted.
Okay, yeah.
So I have like a few of thosethrow them on over any little
dress or whatever.
I just change outfit, yeah.
Yes, okay, and would yourecommend potentially someone
feeling this out themselves orhiring a stylist, let's say, I
(22:21):
would say it all depends ontheir budget, right, if you have
the budget to go ahead and hirea stylist, why not?
That would be awesome.
But if you don't, I would sayjust experiment Something, go to
the store, purchase something,try it out and see how you feel.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Yes, love it.
Yes, I wasn't sure if you thinkit would be better for someone
to do that first, kind of gettheir own feel.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
For sure, absolutely, absolutely.
Why not Nothing wrong withgiving it a try and see.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
And experimenting.
Anything else you'd like toshare, vakisha, with women,
people who want to feel moreconfident, who want to bring
more romance into their life,whether they are in relationship
or single.
Any last words for?
Speaker 2 (23:23):
I would say just be your best self, just accept who
you are as a person and justlive lavishly, whatever that
looks like for you.
Listen, I am drinking orangejuice in my champagne glass.
To me, that's living lavishly.
I even drink water in mychampagne glass.
(23:46):
And a little simple thing.
It doesn't gotta be like awhole lot of spending or
whatever.
It is Just like daily, little,daily ritual that makes you feel
amazing.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Yes, I love that.
And where can people find youif they'd like to learn more?
See your gorgeous pictures,your content creation.
Speaker 2 (24:12):
Definitely reach out to me.
You follow me on Instagram atVakishaLevi.
I think that's it.
Yeah, vakishalevi, soV-I-C-K-E-I-S-H-A-Levi-L-E-B-Y.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
Amazing, and I'll put that in the show notes as well,
for anyone who wants to reachout.
Vakisha is also CEO of EliteExperiences I'm just gonna add
this in here who we had, and Idon't know if you offer this
anymore, but a couple years agowe had a picnic with Elite
Experiences and it was just themost lavish yeah love it.
(24:48):
Fantastic experience and itignited my passion to bring more
of that into my.
We were celebrating a birthday,but why not do that any day?
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Any day, any day.
Yeah, I do offer it mainly inthe summertime, but yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
Yes, so check that out.
I'll put that in the show notesas well.
Thank you, vakisha for comingon the show and sharing your
wisdom of confidence and fashion.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
Thank you.
Welcome to the show.
Today we have a very specialguest, Vakisha Levy.
She's a digital creator, amodel, an entrepreneur, CEO of
Elite Experiences and VakishaLevy Images.
She's also a friend and someonewho always impresses me with
(00:25):
her unapologetic level ofconfidence, her commitment to
style and romancing her life.
Vakisha, thank you for being onthe show.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Thank you for having me.
I love that introduction.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
I'm very excited to have you on the show, as we were
briefly chatting with before wegot on.
Every time I see your post onInstagram and you just are one
of those people and probably theonly person I know that
(01:02):
romances every part of her life,is so confident.
I'm doing it right now.
She's doing it right now.
I know you can't see, but shehas her beautiful glass, has
some orange juice in it, and Ithink what you're gonna share
with the listeners today isgonna be so powerful, especially
(01:26):
for women, female leaders, buteven the men are gonna gain
something from this, who may beso busy with their work and
creating things and puttingthings out in the world that
sometimes the romancing the lifeand prioritizing looking good
(01:53):
not to just look good, but tofeel good Absolutely it's put by
the wayside.
I know I can resonate with that.
There's been moments where I'vefelt slumpy, having slumpy
periods, and it affects yourconfidence.
It affects how you show up inthe world and this podcast is
all about how can we be our mostconfident and connected self,
(02:18):
and I believe that passion is anextension of ourselves and how
we feel and, whether we like itor not, we only have a split
second to make a firstimpression, especially in the
world of leadership and business.
So it's a big deal.
(02:40):
It is so I'd love to know yourjourney with confidence and
fashion.
Have you always been Confident,have you always had this knack
for fashion, what looks good, orhas it been an evolution?
Speaker 2 (03:00):
It has been an evolution.
I think most of us can testifyto that.
I've learned that confidenceisn't just about appearance, but
also about self-acceptance andfeeling comfortable in your skin
.
Over time, I've experiencedstyles and what works for me and
realized that true confidencecomes from embracing my
(03:21):
uniqueness rather than justconforming to different trends.
It's an ongoing journey ofself-discovery, self-discovery
and growth.
Speaker 1 (03:33):
I like how you said that about the self-accepted.
Can you tell me more about foryourself?
Was there a period in your lifewhere you felt you made the
shift from maybe not feeling ahigh level of self-acceptance to
(03:54):
just because when I see you nowit just gives me this aura of
unapologetic like?
This is me.
You either like me or you know.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
I don't care.
Honestly, I was always shy andalways reserved, sorry, but I
think over time I've learned tokind of like step outside of
that comfort zone and just bebold.
Yeah, I don't know what it is,but it's take some time.
(04:25):
I remember in high school I wasjust always quiet to myself,
even in college.
I guess it started aftercollege, just finding my way
around and just you know Wow.
Mm-hmm For the listeners me andand, as I said, I'm still
growing, I'm still exploringdifferent styles and, yeah, it's
(04:50):
just a continuous revolution.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Yes, yes, okay.
What advice would you giveleaders who may be stuck in a
style slum and possibly afraidto step out of their fashion
comfort zone?
Even though they know or theyfeel that they want to.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Hmm, I would say to start by experimenting.
Gradually incorporate newelements into your current style
.
Try different colors, accessorystiletto like, seek inspiration
from role models or evenfashion icon.
I'm always on Pinterest.
(05:33):
Pinterest is what I go to, evenon Instagram.
I follow a lot of fashion blogsand you know people like that
influencer that inspire me, sothat helps a lot as well.
Just anything that resonateswith who you are and your style,
right.
In addition, don't be afraid toseek guidance from stylists or
(05:56):
trusted friends that you, youknow, look up to or you admire
their style, and stepping out ofyour comfort zone is about
embracing authentic.
You know your authentic style,so go at your own space.
Sorry, gotta edit that out.
Go at your own pace and enjoythe process.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
What would you give to, let's say, a woman who has
no idea where to start?
Is there a starting point, ababy step that you would say for
someone who has?
You know, I'm thinking ofmyself, at one point in time
where I had disconnected from mycore self and gone into a place
(06:42):
where I thought I had to looklike this to be a professional,
and it was so far from who I wasthat when I started to get back
into it, it was really hard toknow where to start, to even
know what my style was.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
You have a baby step.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
For sure.
A baby step is really importantand I think, first off,
confidence stems from selfacceptance.
We touched on that earlier.
Not perfection, so embrace youruniqueness.
It's what makes you special.
Also, remember that confidenceis a journey, not a destination,
so it takes time to develop andit takes time to grow.
(07:22):
Practicing I also saypracticing self care, setting
boundaries and celebratingachievements, big or small, can
significantly boost yourconfidence and overall
well-being.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
What would you say are some of your favorite self
care rituals, Because I know youdo a lot of self.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness.
Sometimes I feel like I'moverindulged in self care.
Honestly, I do, I do, but itjust makes me feel really good
and it's about balance, right.
I work a lot, so I always tryto make sure that I'm also like,
(08:05):
mentally I'm in a good spaceand I think for me is so.
Some of the things that I enjoydoing is like going to the
sauna doing a facial.
I have a nice facial steamerthat I use on Sundays, my self
care day, so I do my steamer andthen a little facial routine
(08:28):
and then I would do like a nicebubble bath and, as I said, like
going down to the sauna, juststuff like that.
I'm making myself deliciousmeal as well, because I enjoy
cooking.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
So yeah, I love that.
How many?
What do you think?
Because again, when I see youknow it's funny that you
mentioned you think you engagetoo much in the self care.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
I think it's perfect because you every interaction
I've had with you, you'resmiling, you're feeling, you
seem like you're feeling great.
I don't think you evercomplained anytime we've been
together and that showed becauseyou're treating yourself well.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
And it's funny you said that because someone
mentioned that to me the otherday.
She was like oh my gosh, you'redoing so much.
Now You're back in school andhow are you managing everything
and you never look stressed outand all these kinds of things.
I'm like you're right, I'vealways, whenever I'm in like a
place where I feel like mentallydrained, I take a break and I
(09:41):
just kind of like give myselfsome time to like get through it
and I think just having that Idon't know what you call it Just
a way of you know how liketaking care of myself, like
knowing when to like reservethat time, to like sit down,
like I'll be at home on my couchjust sitting TV's off, like.
(10:04):
For me, tv is a distraction.
I like nice jazz music playingin the background and stuff like
that.
So I always create a nice calmenvironment so I can just relax
and stuff like that.
So I think it's easier and it'soutside distraction, even
sometime when I'm eating my TV'soff Like no noise.
(10:28):
I don't know, it's just yeah,yes, yeah, editative, yes, yes.
Everything that I do issurrounded that I don't like
noise.
I had my brother here recentlyand his phone was going off
nonstop.
Lisa, like I can't like thiskid was like I try not to call
him kid, he's 26.
(10:48):
My little brother.
So I said to him yeah, couldyou please turn on your phone?
I put it on silent because thenoise irritates me.
Right, I don't know what youguys, I just like the zen, just
like calmness.
Speaker 1 (11:05):
Yeah, yes, I think that's so important.
At least you know when we'reliving in the city which a lot
of my clients do live in thecity having those moments where
we're turning off thestimulation.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Right, yes, yeah, I have a moment where I put my
phone on pause, I put it onsilence and just like meditate.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Yeah, Do you think?
Speaker 2 (11:31):
that's go ahead.
That's definitely.
I think that's an help, cause Ialso have a friend of mine that
said exactly that to me.
She was like Vicky, I love howyou deal with situation, like
you don't let things bother you,you have a way of dealing with
things and I think that's just atest for you know, having like
a stress-free lifestyle andstuff like that.
I don't let it bother me and ifI'm upset about something, I
(11:54):
give myself like 24 hours to getthrough it.
Cry if I need to cry, let it go, move on.
So I think creating thatboundary it helps.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
Yes, I like how you said that you know you allow
yourself to process.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
And then do you have a specific time where you're
like, okay, now I'm going tomove forward.
Yeah, if it goes beyond thatday, that 24 hours.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Yeah a day, I definitely get through it.
I have time or situation whereI you know you stress about it,
you think about it, cry if youneed to, and then be like, okay,
let's go, cause there's nothingI can do, it's out of my
control.
I'm not going to sit hereanother day, waste another day
thinking about something, or youknow that I can't control, so
(12:43):
that has always been my routineor my.
You know my strategy, one ofthe secrets to you know, yeah,
maintaining yeah.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Okay, I love that.
I love that.
Do you have a personal storywhere a particular fashion
choice significantly influenceyour confidence and the way you
were perceived?
Speaker 2 (13:09):
Absolutely.
I can recall a time when Itried a bright, a bold, bright
colored blazer for aprofessional event.
Normally I'll stick to neutralcolor.
I do love, love, love my blackand white.
Ha ha, ha, bait, that's me.
But that day the vibrant blazermade me feel empowered and
(13:30):
confident.
Surprisingly, it ganderpositive attention and sparks
conversation that I might nothave initiated otherwise.
That experience taught me theimpact of using fashion as a
form of self-expression and Iwould can positively influence
bold confidence and perception.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Mm.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
And it's funny you mentioned that the neutral
colors, they're really you,because when I think of you, I
do think of bold colors.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
And dresses.
My personality is bold.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (14:10):
But then again, it's not bold, depends where it is.
I post something on Instagramthe other day saying that I'm
reserved, like I'm reserved in alot of way, but when I'm around
certain people I'm very likeyou know, or extroverted.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (14:28):
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (14:30):
Going into that, the blazer that you mentioned.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Is that something that you would recommend for
individuals leaders?
You know we're talking aboutwomen, but also relating to men.
To get outside the box even inthese professional Settings
where you think you need to looka certain way.
Yeah, yeah, go outside.
(14:56):
Don't be afraid to go outsidethe box and experiment.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
Absolutely it's.
It's it feels good goingoutside the box, you know it's
being creative and it allows youto like to think, you know,
instead of like putting on thesame thing over and over again
and not putting much effort intoit because it's something that
you used to.
But Having that, okay, I'mgonna change it up today.
(15:22):
What should I do?
What should I wear?
Mm-hmm, just give you adifferent feeling to make you
feel really good.
So Definitely something we'retrying.
Speaker 1 (15:32):
What would you say to someone who wants to do that?
Mm-hmm but is afraid ofpotentially the attention that
they May start garnering.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Hmm, nothing is wrong with attention.
What is wrong with attention?
Speaker 1 (15:55):
Nothing.
I mean I like attention, yeah,but when I can think of some
individual, when you kind ofhave, because it's funny,
because we can dress when wewant to hide, we can, we can do
that.
Yeah, and I think a lot ofpeople that I've spoken to Use
(16:17):
certain clothes to hidethemselves because they're not
feeling confident.
They're not feeling their bestself.
Yeah and when you step out andyou're wearing something more
Colorful or a different style.
You're gonna get more eyes onyou because, simply because
you're, you're standing outabsolutely, absolutely.
Speaker 2 (16:39):
That's where you make your time.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Take your time.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
Maybe start with a nice neutral color, a little bit
up from your normal, you knowmm-hmm and then work your way
into the more bright, brightColors yeah, yes, yeah, maybe
even a bold lip.
Yeah, exactly because I feel away I don't wear a lot of
(17:04):
lipstick and when I do, it'salways the same like neutral
tone, and when I wear red it'slike, oh my gosh, this this is a
lot right, but sometimes Idon't mind a lot.
I like to you know.
It makes a statement.
It makes a statement.
(17:26):
And it put you in a differentmood.
Speaker 1 (17:28):
So it will.
There was a woman that told thestory.
I won't use her name just incase for confidentiality, but
she would talk about and this isalways stuck in my mind where
she would go to auditions.
She would always wear a boldred lip.
She wanted to be remembered.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
Ooh, yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
Right when you're going to auditions for acting,
you know you get a lot of people.
Speaker 2 (17:56):
And I feel like I want to be remembered.
Speaker 1 (17:58):
So I always wear a red lip and I thought, oh, that
is really interesting.
Speaker 2 (18:05):
I like that.
I know I'm going to be thinkingnext time I go out.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Yes, yes, especially when I'm thinking oh, I started
thinking about networking events.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (18:15):
Yeah, right, not being afraid to go bold, stand
out.
Yeah, in a networking event,for the sheer fact that people
are going to have that memory.
They may not remember your name.
I like that, I like that youmay not even remember what you
talked about.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
I like that it you know what, I love it.
And I'm here listening to youand not realizing that I
actually do it myself.
I do it a lot actually.
When I go face to face withpeople, I just a certain way and
they always say to me Vicki,what are you wearing?
I'm like, don't mind what I'mwearing, right.
And then I come and they'relike, why didn't you tell me
(18:55):
that you're going to get dressedout Right?
So I think, not realizing thatI'm doing it, I think I do it a
lot.
Yes, on the weekend I went to ahouse function for New Year's
and everybody was like, oh mygosh, I didn't know that we're
dressing up.
I said, well, I just wanted youto dress up Right and I had my
(19:21):
accessory, my new year at Benand everything.
And they're like I coulddefinitely stand out Right.
Yes, so I think I think I do ita lot and that's just my
personality.
So, naturally, without evenrealizing.
Speaker 1 (19:39):
Without even realizing.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
Yeah, okay.
So let's get to the practicalaspects, because I want the
listeners to have practicalpieces, because I know it can be
daunting.
Yeah, especially if you'resomeone you know for the women
who are very fashionable.
This isn't for them, becausethey already know how to do.
(20:02):
This is for the lady who arelike I don't know where to.
I don't even know what storesgo to.
I don't know what to do how to.
What would you give if a womanwants to upgrade her wardrobe?
Practically speaking?
What are some core pieces thatwe can add that are going to be
going to help us make us feelconfident, you know,
(20:25):
self-assured and our best?
Speaker 2 (20:28):
Okay, Great question.
I would say investing in aversatile, timeless pieces can
truly transform a wardrobe.
Consider had in a well-tailoredblazer I have like maybe a few
of those and classic whitebutton down shirt, A little
(20:51):
black dress a few of those aswell, right, Cause you want to
switch it up every now and then.
A pair of well-fitted jeans, aquality letter bag comfortably
yet stylish shoes and aversatile trench coat or a
statement jacket.
These pieces form a solidfoundation for various looks and
can easily be mixed and matchedto suit different occasions.
(21:13):
So definitely yeah.
My advice to having your closetfor sure.
Speaker 1 (21:22):
Yes, I completely agree with the statement jacket.
Those are pieces where, even ifI'm wearing a sweatsuit
underneath, exactly, and I putthat coat on, I feel like a
million bucks.
Yes, and it's easy.
Yeah yeah, easy to do.
(21:44):
You mentioned the tailoredblazer.
Is this something that youpurchase and get tailored, or
you purchase it fitted?
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Yeah, purchase it fitted.
Okay, yeah.
So I have like a few of thosethrow them on over any little
dress or whatever.
I just change outfit, yeah.
Yes, okay, and would yourecommend potentially someone
feeling this out themselves orhiring a stylist, let's say, I
(22:21):
would say it all depends ontheir budget, right, if you have
the budget to go ahead and hirea stylist, why not?
That would be awesome.
But if you don't, I would sayjust experiment Something, go to
the store, purchase something,try it out and see how you feel.
Speaker 1 (22:44):
Yes, love it.
Yes, I wasn't sure if you thinkit would be better for someone
to do that first, kind of gettheir own feel.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
For sure, absolutely, absolutely.
Why not Nothing wrong withgiving it a try and see.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
And experimenting.
Anything else you'd like toshare, vakisha, with women,
people who want to feel moreconfident, who want to bring
more romance into their life,whether they are in relationship
or single.
Any last words for?
Speaker 2 (23:23):
I would say just be your best self, just accept who
you are as a person and justlive lavishly, whatever that
looks like for you.
Listen, I am drinking orangejuice in my champagne glass.
To me, that's living lavishly.
I even drink water in mychampagne glass.
(23:46):
And a little simple thing.
It doesn't gotta be like awhole lot of spending or
whatever.
It is Just like daily, little,daily ritual that makes you feel
amazing.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Yes, I love that.
And where can people find youif they'd like to learn more?
See your gorgeous pictures,your content creation.
Speaker 2 (24:12):
Definitely reach out to me.
You follow me on Instagram atVakishaLevi.
I think that's it.
Yeah, vakishalevi, soV-I-C-K-E-I-S-H-A-Levi-L-E-B-Y.
Speaker 1 (24:25):
Amazing, and I'll put that in the show notes as well,
for anyone who wants to reachout.
Vakisha is also CEO of EliteExperiences I'm just gonna add
this in here who we had, and Idon't know if you offer this
anymore, but a couple years agowe had a picnic with Elite
Experiences and it was just themost lavish yeah love it.
(24:48):
Fantastic experience and itignited my passion to bring more
of that into my.
We were celebrating a birthday,but why not do that any day?
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Any day, any day.
Yeah, I do offer it mainly inthe summertime, but yeah.
Speaker 1 (25:08):
Yes, so check that out.
I'll put that in the show notesas well.
Thank you, vakisha for comingon the show and sharing your
wisdom of confidence and fashion.
Speaker 2 (25:21):
Thank you.
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