Coming from a small town, I’ll be honest – we were never really taught how to dress for the corporate world or how to apply makeup in a way that felt “professional.”
Our upbringing was simple. We wore what we had, we focused on our studies, and most of our energy went into helping our families, not curating our appearance.

In the beginning, I used to feel a bit out of place in corporate offices — not because I wasn’t capable, but because I didn’t “look the part.”

I’d see people around me who carried themselves so effortlessly — their clothes, their grooming, their confidence — and I’d wonder, “Am I missing something?”

Over time, I realised that appearance isn’t just about vanity — it’s about presence. It’s about feeling confident when you walk into a meeting. It’s about making sure your skills are heard, not overlooked because of your presentation.

Learning how to dress well and do subtle, corporate-appropriate makeup isn’t about changing who we are — it’s about evolving. It’s about giving yourself the permission to look as sharp as you think.

Because the truth is — when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you perform better, speak clearer, and show up with more conviction.

And for those of us from small towns — who weren’t born into this world of polish and professionalism — learning these things isn’t just a skill

It’s a quiet act of self-respect. Of saying,“I belong here too.”