WARDROBE
breaking Professional Norms:
Why Authentic Expression Wins
The Problem with "Professional" Standards
If you have ever been told to tone it down to look professional, explicitly or implicitly, know that I would never.
Traditional professional dress codes were created by and for a very specific demographic – typically white, male, corporate environments. These standards often require people to minimize or hide aspects of their identity to be taken seriously.
But that is not why you took the courageous step to go out on your own and follow your dream to have a successful business.
For women and femmes of color, following these narrow standards can mean:
Straightening natural hair textures
Avoiding colors that complement darker skin tones
Hiding cultural jewelry or accessories
Conforming to Eurocentric beauty standards
Suppressing personality and cultural identity
Not speaking to social issues that affect our communities
Your knowledge, skills, experiences and capacity to contribute to your clients’ success are not diminished by dressing authentically for you.
The Business Case for Authentic Expression
Attracts Ideal Clients: When you show up authentically, you attract clients who appreciate and resonate with that authenticity. These clients are often more loyal, easier to work with, and willing to pay premium prices.
Repels Wrong-Fit Clients: If someone is put off by your authentic expression, they weren't your ideal client anyway. Better to filter them out early than deal with microaggressions and misaligned expectations later.
Builds Trust Faster: Authenticity is rare in business. When potential clients see that you're willing to be yourself, they trust that you'll be honest and genuine in your work with them too.
Creates Memorable Branding: Generic professional photos blend together. Authentic, personality-filled images stick in people's minds and make you unforgettable.
Inspires Your Community: When you break norms successfully, you give others permission to do the same. This creates ripple effects in your community and industry.
Strategic Norm-Breaking Guidelines
Start with Your Values: What norms do you want to challenge? What change do you want to see in your industry?
Know Your Audience: While authentic expression is powerful, consider your specific ideal clients and what will resonate with them.
Own Your Choices: Whatever you choose to wear, wear it with confidence. Self-doubt reads in photos more than any clothing choice.
Your Controversial Take: How do you stand out in your industry? What about your personal style, contrarian ideas, energy and make you great at what you do?
The Ripple Effect
When you choose authentic expression in your brand photography, you're not just marketing your business, you're:
Creating representation for others who identify with you
Challenging industry norms and expanding definitions of professionalism
Building a more inclusive business environment
Inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves
Contributing to cultural shift and progress
If you need it, you have permission to come to your Branding Photography looking like your most authentic self. I am hear to hype you up every step of the way.
Hi
I’m Mónika
I am not afraid of a vibrant color on a bold background. My roots are firm in Caribbean culture where walking down the streets is a marvel of colorful homes and even more colorful flowers and fruit trees.
I firmly believe that our superpowers and greatest gifts lie in our diverse lived experiences. We lose so much in conformity. There is a someone out there that needs YOU. Not the you that a lifetime of systems and societal messaging tried to shape, but the you that thinks different, that has a different perspective and that that can solve the problems that haven’t been solved yet, because they need your particular set of skills and experiences.
My job as your Branding Photographer is to give that version of you visibility so that your marketing becomes a beacon to those your need you.
