Tag Archives: working woman

Are you Influential?

Confidence, Faith, Life, , , , , ,

Ambitious. Hard-working. Multi-tasking–these words describe most  women in today’s culture. Dreamers, with great desires for ourselves and our families. We are strong and courageous and are willing to give up so that others can get.

Women are influential

As emotional and relational beings, our mood sets the atmosphere around us. When we are peaceful, others relax. When we are joyful, others enjoy themselves. We should not underestimate the power of our presence because, when we recognize our influence,  we can make a difference in our world.

We have the ability to  create a beautiful environment in our homes for our marriage to flourish and our children to blossom. We have it in us to become self-disciplined, and to discipline our children well and train them in the way they should go. When we build on our strengths and overcome our weaknesses, we increase our sphere of influence (as big or small as that may be) because women who are confident enough to bless others are women who people want to be around. Continue reading Are you Influential? →

The Mature Classic Woman

Life, Personal Style, , , ,

By definition, anything classic is the definitive, authoritative, long-lasting example. A Classic wardrobe is exactly that– at least for the professional look–just think of how long the blazer has been in vogue.

If you have a lot of “proper pieces” (fitted jackets and skirts, button down blouses, slacks, basically: business attire) in your closet and they have been there a long time, then you may be a Classic. The simple, traditional style of the Refined Beauty is not greatly inclined to change; neither is her nature.

Because she prefers quality clothing Continue reading The Mature Classic Woman →

Do You Feel Good or Guilty about “Me Time”?

Confidence, Life, , , , , , , , ,

It’s been nasty weather all week, but a rainy day off is a whole different game than a workday storm. It’s only natural to allow what is outside to determine our mood and motivation. As busy Americans, we may be frustrated at the inconvenience of the wet wind. The traffic is slower, the bank lines are longer, the  malls are crowded and our hair is a mess!

But a rainy day at home is a breath of fresh air–a day to relax and unwind while we catch up on housework or cuddle up with our kids. I love a rainy day off because I think I finally have time to write.

What do you like to do on a rainy day off? 

C: workout 

N: watch a movie

D: have a facial

I: do a craft

R: bake some cookies

G: organize the junk drawers 

Note: These choices represent the typical responses of each Image Identity. Click the letter to learn more about that style, including What2Wear.

On a rainy day off, do you actually do what you want?

Yea, I sabotaged my schedule, too. In fact, I thought I’d have extra writing time to work on my new book today, but I “had to” do a whole lot of other things before I would allow myself the “me time.” Now, suddenly it’s time to make dinner, and I still haven’t even gone to the market!

Why do we feel guilty about free time?

Guilt is such a distraction from reality. Think about it. When it’s gorgeous outside and we’re stuck inside, we feel like we waisted a great day. When it’s nasty out and we get to stay home, we feel ashamed if we weren’t productive. How many of us (besides Naturals) can just sit and enjoy that movie in the middle of the day without stressing over what we should be doing?

We tell each other to “stop and smell the roses” yet we believe that busy people are happy, successful people, so we keep running hard, thinking that one day we will earn some time in the garden of bliss.

Do you feel good or guilty on your rainy days off? 

If you ever beat yourself up over “me time,” I encourage you to take a deep breath and think for a moment. How do you feel when your kids laugh and play? What does your heart say when you watch them play their sports, do a craft, or laugh through a movie? Now picture them frustrated with themselves, striving to please you or someone else. Which feeling do you want others to experience when they are around you?

Personally, I’m tiered of punishing myself as if I never do enough. I’m tiered of feeling guilty whenever I take some time to do what my heart desires, whether it’s sitting at the computer or soaking in the tub. I want those around me to experience peace. I think of how satisfied I feel when my daughter practices her music. When she takes that time for herself I enjoy it just as much as she does! Granted, her angelic voice is far more satisfying to be around than the tapping of my keyboard is, but even if she sang out of tune, my mommy heart would rejoice with adoration, knowing she is pursuing what she loves.  I believe that is also how our Heavenly Father feels when we enjoy ourselves–especially when we are using our gifts–and if that’s how He feels, then we should all be working and playing with passion–guilt free!

So, go do your stretches, pull out your art, go to the spa, start the oven or pick out a movie! Do what you love to do… and you Gamines, go ahead, clean out the junk drawer, but at least dance while you do it.

Just sayin. It’s the peace that makes a woman a Confident Beauty.

“He who would love life
And see good days,

Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.

Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 
                                             1 Peter 3: 10-12

*****

As an “Image consultant without the shopping obsession,” I help women and girls overcome confidence conflicts by unveiling the power and purpose of their personal Image Identity (Img.ID) and teach them to accentuate their authentic beauty so they can forget about their appearance and think about others. Please consider me as a speaker for your next event. You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Goodreads. For ideas of What2Wear, find me on Pinterest where I have a board for each personal Img.ID.

 

The Beauty of Branding your Image 

Beauty, Confidence, Personal Style, , , , , , , , ,

It’s not just Hollywood that sets fashion trends. With so many of us bloggers posting opinions on which fashions to follow, it’s no wonder so many women deliberate over what to wear! In one day’s feed you may find a number of blogs that contradict each other. We can relate to some new styles when the models “wear it well” but is hard to figure out fashion on a hanger or in a flat photo.

Following Fashion Could be Destroying your Image. 

This “Fashion Friday,” for example, one popular blog promoted the latest trends with great enthusiasm. Every item displayed was beautiful; without a doubt most readers loved them all. The problem is, not every style is suitable for every fan.

Just as the front desk staff at a medical facility knows they are not required to wear scrubs (even though that’s the “trend” of their co-workers!), so should you be able to discern between which fashion to follow and which ones to leave for your colleagues. After all, wouldn’t you feel mislead if the secretary at your doctor’s office had a stethoscope hanging around her neck? Imagine asking her  for advice regarding your intimate ailments only to have her reply, “Oh, I’m sorry, I have no idea what to tell you, I’m not a doctor or nurse.” Wouldn’t that flair up a bit of frustration? Her image was deceptive!

Some fashions are very defined.

Everyone knows that certain uniforms are only for certain professions. A uniform, badge, color, style, etc defines a person’s identity. Certain outfits command immediate authority. When we are in need of help, we don’t even question the character of the person under the “branded” uniform (like the military, rescue, police…) we simply trust that they are qualified to meet our needs.

Anyone wearing a uniform without the qualifications to play that role will certainly offend others. There are other fashion rules that are also well defined–or at least they used to be. These rules, however, may be considered to be more like upper class edict. For example :

  • Never clash certain colors like pink and red.
  • Don not mix patterns like plaids and polka dots.
  • Only wear white after Memorial Day or before Labor Day.
  • Never wear all-black or all-white to a wedding.
  • Do not dress casually for church or court.

In today’s society (at least in America), fashion edict is no longer highly valued or respected. It’s more of an “anything goes” world now, but the thing is, even if we are not offending each other, all this freedom makes it easy to loose our identity.

You cannot brand a broad identity. 

If you are a professional or business woman, or even a single uneducated gal who is looking to “sell yourself,” then you must define who you are. No client, patron, patient or potential partner is going to be impressed with an image that contradicts what you are selling. If you are a doctor, then do not dress like the secretary. If you are artsy, don’t dress professionally. Being someone you are not will never win over any type of business, it will only make people loose their trust in you.

Granted, trust can be won over. Like an undercover cop in street clothes, you, too, can change other people’s first impression when you pull out your “badge” of qualifications. But first impressions are lasting impressions and if you want to lighten your workload, I highly recommend figuring out how to make your first impression tell the truth about who you are.

levis-brand-1472514-640x480Can street clothes be branded?

Not all professions have uniforms or dress codes. You may have total freedom with what to wear, but in order to build people’s trust in you, I highly recommend staying true to your style (or your personal Img.ID) and creating a brand for yourself:

• If you are a Classic: Your image should be classy and professional. It should say something about your elegant and refined nature.

• If you are a Natural: Your image should be simple and casual. It should say something about your practical and unpretentious personality.

• If you are a Dramatic: Your image should be exotic and extravagant. It should say something about your creative and exciting character.

• If you are an Ingénue: Your look should be soft and delicate. It should say something about your graceful and sweet nature.

• If you are a Romantic: Your look should be glamorous and alluring. It should say something about your sensitive and charming personality.

• If you are a Gamine: Your look should be bold and strong. It should say something about your fun and animated character.

Stay tune for more on the topic as I continue writing a new book for professional and business women!

*****

Confident Beauty available on audio soon!

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose passion is empowering women and girls to BE and LET BE. Her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach, as well as her personal experiences with abandonment and grief make her message relatable to anyone dealing with rejection, betrayal or loss.

 

 

What’s Your Brand?

Beauty, Life, Personal Style,

119px-Starbucks_Corporation_Logo_2011.svgBranding is a powerful marketing tool in the business world. One glance at the Starbucks logo and you can almost smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Why? Because the twin-tailed mermaid has represented the world-famous coffeehouse since 1971, and though the image has been refined as the business has grown, customers can expect quality product and excellent service wherever they see the green siren. siren.
Consistency is key to branding because it is key to building trust.
No one can really brand themselves if they do not know who they are. Imagine a Starbucks sign with bright orange and pink lettering in bubble font, wouldn’t you immediately consider them a phony? It is hard to trust anyone who is trying to be someone they are not.
One of the greatest benefits of knowing your Image Identity (Img.ID) is consistency–not to mention the ease of putting your wardrobe together. When you know who you are, you know which fashions to follow and the image you portray is true to your character. When you are not sure of your personal Img.ID, you may find yourself frustrated with your look and feeling phony.
Image isn’t everything, but it is worth a thousand words.
Whether it is your business or your beauty, the look that you create should speak the truth.
• If you are a Classic: Your image should be classy and professional. It should say something about your elegant and refined nature.
• If you are a Natural: Your image should be simple and casual. It should say something about your practical and unpretentious personality.
• If you are a Dramatic: Your image should be exotic and extravagant. It should say something about your creative and exciting character.
• If you are an Ingénue: Your look should be soft and delicate. It should say something about your graceful and sweet nature.
• If you are a Romantic: Your look should be glamorous and alluring. It should say something about your sensitive and charming personality.
• If you are a Gamine: Your look should be bold and strong. It should say something about your fun and animated character.

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing our Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Are Cliques Bad?

Confidence, Faith, Life, , , ,

cheering-momsCliques. Nobody likes them unless they are them.

Girlfriends who are having a good time together can (purposely or unmindfully) snub those around them, and if you are the one left out of the fun it can make you feel like an outsider. While these kinds of situations can rock the confidence of some women more than others, none of us like to be left out. But it happens. In fact, the more starved women are for “girlfriend time,” the more selfish we can be with what little of it we get and the more sensitive we can be about being snubbed.

When my kids were young I was able to be home with them and I had lots of time with friends in the same situation. It’s not that the kids, home and husbands didn’t keep us busy, but we would juggle our chores together. “Girlfriend time” was coffee in the minivan going on “lullaby rides.” We would go to the post office, dry cleaners, etc. while taking turns watching the sleeping babies so each mom could run in and out quickly. After stretching their naps out with a ride by the beaches, we would grab groceries together­–one of us would use plastic bags, the other paper–and then go to each others homes to put them away. Talking, laughing, holding each other’s babies while the chores got done. Good times. Productive, fulfilling times.

Now girlfriend time is more of a luxury that few women allow themselves. The only non-digital social time we really get is with the people who are involved in our already busy lives–they work, worship, network, carpool, or cheer at the kids games with us.

But really, is that so wrong?

 

Maybe what we need is to be more “cliquey” and start enjoying any girlfriend time we can get–even if it’s at the school event that we didn’t have time for and feel so awkward at. Maybe we need to notice more when others are longing to get in on our conversations and start include more people in our lives. Maybe it’s time we start juggling our chores together again and taking ourselves for a lullaby ride by the beaches.

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing our Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Take Care of You

Life, , ,

I love to analyze women. I love to assess which style of beauty they are and teach them what not to wear. I love to consider their personality and encourage them with their life’s mission in caring for their husband, kids, home, career and girlfriends. I love to search their hearts and minister to the wounds that have affected their confidence. But do you know who I do this to the most? Myself.

Whenever I feel a strong emotional twinge in my spirit I ask God, “why am I feeling this way?” I don’t always like the answer.

Washing hands

One day I snapped at my little girl for taking so long to wash her hands. She was only 5, she had no understanding of all the important things I had to get done as she played with her bubbles and sang her song. I broke her little heart by hurrying her. Then she broke mine as she tearfully told me how her teacher said she needed to finish the song before rinsing her hands so that she got rid of all the germs.

 

“God, why do I do this? Why do I make those around me feel so rushed? Now my daughter feels less important to me than my busyness.”

“Well, why do you feel so rushed, my daughter?”

 

Ooch! My daughter’s playfulness was cramping my style, but my style is what was wrong, not hers! This was the beginning of a powerful “cocoon time” when I really searched my heart for all the reasons I was always so rushed. Why did I keep myself so busy? There was a lot to it: man’s approval, God’s approval, my desire to control, impress, succeed…

I didn’t want to fail, disappoint, become lazy…

It all came down to fears and flesh and this realization was a bit like eating humble pie. The thing is, after eating it m eyes were opened (Maybe the pie was made with the same fruit Eve ate?) and I could see the root of it all: shameful pride. I was proud of my shame. It sounds twisted because it is twisted–or what I call a twisted-Truth.

The Truth is that Christians should serve others selflessly.

Philippians 2:3, 4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

The twist happens when we read the Truth without the words only and also and it speaks a lie that says we are selfish and conceited if we take care of ourselves. What a total misconception!

This twisted-Truth was causing me to neglect myself and consider myself unimportant.

God knows we have needs and that part of a woman’s desire is to get a little pampering now and then. God expects us to look out for our own interests and He wants us to use our understanding of our own needs to better help others with theirs. If we feel ashamed of our needs or unworthy of being cared for we cannot serve others well because we either make them feel weak and needy or they feel like they are depriving us. That’s what I did to Tori that day. Her need was a bother to me because I felt deprived of my own needs. Not anymore. I found the whole Truth and it set me free.

I may not sing out when I wash my hands, but I often whisper a little prayer of thanks for my moment to enjoy a little lathering with Bath and Body Works.

Tori’s teacher would be so pleased.

*****
Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

 

Let Him In Your Boat

Life, , , , ,

Christ_in_Storm_on_Sea_of_Galilee_Ludolf_Backhuysen2There are three accounts in the Gospels that tell the story of Jesus walking on water. Matthew (in chapter 14), Mark (in chapter 6) and John (in chapter 6) each give their viewpoint of what happened that amazing day.

The disciples were in a boat in the middle of the sea during a raging storm attempting to row to shore. They were struggling against the wind when they saw the shadow of Jesus coming toward them. Assuming He was a ghost His followers were frightened, but once they knew it was their Rabi, they gladly took Him into the boat with them and the storm calmed down. Immediately they arrived to where they were going.

Here’s the thing: Before Jesus got in the boat with them, when He told them not to worry, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Talk about faith being inspired! Wow. I love to see people do amazing things; it encourages me that I can, too. But I’m not sure I would have even thought of trying that one. I mean really, there are times when other people’s great accomplishments are not an inspiration to me. I may be impressed but if its over the top or out of my giftings I simply applaud and let them enjoy the fame.

Finding the faith to act out of our comfort zones can be too much work.

Honestly, I think sometimes we choose too much work trying to prove ourselves, don’t you? I mean, if Peter’s attempt at walking on water was so amazing, why is it that only Matthew mentions it? If this part of the story was so important, wouldn’t all the gospels mention it? Don’t get me wrong, I am not ditching Peter; I applaud him.

Jesus did invite Peter to “come” but remember Peter had asked Him to tell him to come out of the boat. Jesus didn’t ask anyone else to attempt what was unnatural to man. It’s normal to want to have super abilities, and I do believe our Lord is please with our attempts when our heart is to please Him, but I also believe that we sometimes put more on ourselves than He expects us to.

Maybe it’s time we stop trying to be amazing and just invite Jesus into our boat so we can be amazed at Him. Perhaps the storms in our lives will cease and we will swiftly and safely get to shore. Who knows? We, too, could end up where we have been struggling to get to immediately. I get the impression that Jesus was more pleased to be asked to get in the boat than He was to ask Peter to get out of it.

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

If you are interested in having Catrina come speak to your friends, colleagues or ministry you can contact her on facebook or by email at catrina@catrinawelch.com.

Walking on Water

Life, , , , , ,

images

Oh, what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to step out of this boat I’m in, onto the crashing waves…

 

Maybe you remember the popular Christian song, “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns? It was always one of my favorites, especially after watching two of my children do human videos (two separate ones) to the powerful lyrics years ago. The tune has been running through my mind for days now, and I simply must share my thoughts with you.

This is for you if you have ever wished you could be better, stronger, more successful. Especially if right now you feel like life is tossing you to and fro and you can’t catch your breath, never mind handle the storm you are in.

The churning seas I face right now is joyous, but still disrupting to my usual life. Confident Beauty has just been released and I am on the move to figure out book signings etc. My daughter has been performing with an elite group of artists and her dreams are soaring with mine. All the men in our lives are being amazing supporters and are helping with all the details that we should be handling-you know, like cooking and cleaning… oh, and decorating, shopping, wrapping…. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, yes, and for us Welch girls it’s the most wonderful time of our dreams, too.

Maybe your storm isn’t so fun. Maybe the waves causing you stress are finances, relationships, employment, weight or hurts, habits or hangups. Is there something you want to get under control, but The waves are calling out [your] name and they laugh at [you], reminding [you] of all the times [you’ve] tried before and failed. The waves they keep on telling [you[, time and time again, “boy[girl], you’ll never win!”?

I want to encourage you today that you do not have to listen to the waves!

… of all the voices calling out to [you]… choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth which (Who) says, “do not be afraid” and “this is for my glory” Trust Him who is able to make all things work together for your good (Romans 8:28)

But there is more.

I’ll share that with you tomorrow.

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

If you are interested in having Catrina come speak to your friends, colleagues or ministry you can contact her on facebook or by email at catrina@catrinawelch.com.

 

To Stay or Not to Stay at Home

Faith, Life,

 

There is a familiar debate rising in our society after Hilary Rosen’s comments last week about Ann Romney saying, she “has actually never worked a day in her life.” Many stay at home moms are insulted. Once again our nation is fighting out the question: does a stay-at-home-mom work? Is she less of a woman if she doesn’t have a job/career/business as well? Are working moms wrong to leave their children in someone else’s care?

I’ve had seasons of being a stay-at-home-mom and of being a career-mom, I’ve also been blessed to run a business from home with children under feet and I can tell you that they each option has its pros and cons. Personally, I believe we are accountable for our own lives and the choices we make should not be judged by each other. It’s hard enough to juggle our responsibilities as women, why do we torment ourselves with each other’s judgment?

The root of all unhappiness is comparison.

I think it’s time we rise up as Christian women and follow the advice in Titus 2. Instead of spending our energy debating who has a better life, let us join efforts to encourage and advise each other so that we can each do a good job at raising the next generation; whether we need a second income or not. We need each other. Let’s not let pride segregate us. We need to reach out to other moms who are also feeling alone in their efforts to do the right thing. It takes a village to raise a child.

If you are feeling the pressures of the debate today, I encourage you to live your life according to your convictions and do not let the pressures of this world deter you from what you need to do for your family. God is your judge, not them!

Proverbs 16:2  “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”