We had the good fortune of connecting with Lillian Charles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LILLIAN, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
We are in constant evolution.

I’m in awe of the businesses that have had one product, one offer for 10+ years and have succeeded. For me, that just hasn’t been the case. While I would never tell an entrepreneur to change their course or their offers every year, one absolutely has to adapt with the landscape and the times.

Over the last thirteen years, I have seen that change and evolution is 100% necessary. Not simply because it’s what makes a business profitable, but because I, as a human being, continue to evolve. My offers have to evolve with me. What I love, my passion, remains, but my practices and the way I deliver what I love shift with the times. The moments when I least enjoy my work is when I’m dragging my feet, unwilling to scratch the service of the next level of offerings that I have in me.

The important lesson here is to embrace the shifts, changes and evolution, don’t fight it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I work with women to stay connected to themselves, honor their choices — in and outside of their wardrobes — and stay committed to their greater vision for their lives. And if they haven’t explored that “greater vision,” I’m an impeccable resource to support and guide that kind of growth.

What sets me apart is my vast experience in various healing and visual arts. I see my work as a holistic stylist and embodiment coach as a true helping hand for the woman who is ready to explore various parts of herself and the way she shows up in the world. A (very) large majority of my clientele have recently experienced some sort of transition, from motherhood, fertility challenges, divorce, marriage, relocating for jobs, relationships, to help ailing parents. Before, during and after such transitions we all need a real community of trusted and loyal guidance to help us along our path. What I see most often is that clothing, self expression, play and getting dressed are some of the self-care pieces to get tossed to the wayside in times of transition. In reality, if one can hold onto creativity, community, self expression and self care, the tougher times become more manageable, and the celebratory times are even more special.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My partner and I love to get out to our favorite spots in Kirkwood and beyond. We eat at Sun In My Belly (minimum!) once a week and love to grab coffee at Perc in the mornings. We take our mini Bernedoodle to Skiptown dog park in Kirkwood multiple times a week; I’ve loved the community they are building there. For fitness, I’m committed to F45 in Reynoldstown, it is a solid, unpretentious group of men and women at various stages, doing their best to be their best. Whether we need a little night out or we’re hosting friends or family for a good time, our go-to restaurants are Delbar or Bocca Lupo in Inman Park, or Kimball House, Chai Pani or Taquerila Del Sol in Decatur, or Fish Monger in our backyard here in Kirkwood. If I’m hosting a day-time weekend hang, my absolute favorite place to settle in for hours long hang outs is StapleHouse in Edgewood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Gosh, so many wonderful people to thank for their encouragement and support. Tallia Deljou has helped me with Inner Child healing so much over the last few years. Andrea Ward has been my Human Design guru, leading me to listen inward and tune out the noise of the masses. My best friend Indira Cruz is a constant sounding board and major cheerleader, my dear friend Katherine Rankin has challenged me to continue to think outside of the box, cheering for me as I bounce around wild concepts — thank you for that, Kat! Xun Qiu constantly reminds me to raise my standards by having impeccable ones, herself. Shout out to my sister Julia Charles and my mother, “Sam,” for listening to me daily and reminding that my growth spurts are always worth the work.

In 2023 I met my awesome assistant Sarah Patterson, she has made my life and my virtual business manageable and enjoyable!

But most of all my partner of 2.5 years. He has an incredibly heroic and exhausting career but always, always makes time to hear my wild ideas and breathe life into my big visions. He has sat with me for hours, troubleshooting concepts and seeing things from different angles. He encourages me to never give up, hold strong boundaries and put my best foot forward every single day. He is a true partner and the sweetest mate! Thank you for being my rock and my champion, H.

Website: https://www.lilliancharles.com

Instagram: @lilliangraycharles

Image Credits
Ali Folster, Essence Renata, Ellie Howard

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