Let me start by saying that Heidi would have hated that I’m posting these photos. But, they are the only ones I’ve got and they remind me of a really lovely evening with some of my very first clients. Each one went from an acquaintance to a good friend. So I’m posting them. It’s also a reminder that we are our own worst critics.

Six years ago this month, I started Poplin Style. Jumping into an entirely new career based entirely on my feeling that I’d be good at it and it would make me happy, I announced to the world that I was now a Personal Stylist.

I never could have done this without the intricate, vast, surprising support system all around me. Yes, my husband is incredible. And, yes, I have great friends, too. Yet, surprisingly, it was the friendly acquaintances who took a chance on me that were integral to building this business.

When I decided to reinvent my career, I happened to meet my husband’s boss, Heidi. She insisted on using my services. In fact, my first client was a good friend, Lauren, and Heidi was my next. But, Heidi was different. She saw what I had to offer, the early incarnation of the Style 360. But, it wasn’t for her.

“I know what I like. I just hate to shop. I don’t want to go to the store together. Can’t you do something else?”

And the Uber Wishlist was born.

I poured over her Uber Wishlist for hours next to the pool on a family vacation. When I finally completed it, she was elated. And that kicked off wishlist subscriptions. Heidi subscribed to a monthly list for a year.

The rest is history.

We lost Heidi a couple of weeks ago, now. I’ve been thinking all about this post since that day. But, it’s taken me some time to sit down and write it.

Here’s what I’m taking away.

1. It’s easy to miss what a profound impact you’ve had on someone else’s life.

   We all do it. And in the hard times, we all forget. Yes, Heidi’s desire to skip shopping and still become a client had an immeasurable impact on my business and my life. I’ll bet you’ve had an equally profound impact on someone and you may not even know it.

2. More often than not, we all hate how we look in photos.

   But, having them to document memories is the purpose, not looking thinner/ happier/ fill in the blank - than we actually were.

3. Your impact goes much further than you realize.

   I’ve always given Heidi credit for helping build this business. I think she understood how helpful she was for me. But, I doubt that she fully grasped the ripple effect of her demand to skip shopping. Every client who has received a wishlist or an Uber Wishlist had that experience- the thrill of the list, the questions answered, the clear direction, the ability to shop from her bed instead of in a store- thanks to Heidi.

So while you go about your day, remember that I appreciate you being here, reading this blog. Really. Looking at those analytics. Hearing from readers. It truly humbles me every time.

And, I’m just one person that you have affected today. Go out there and look good. Do good. Feel good. And maybe think of Heidi when you do.