This week we spoke to digital creator, stylist and podcast host, Karina Marriot, also known as The Style Idealist. We caught up on everything from having the confidence to change careers, to dressing to feel good…
Tell us about you and the journey of how you got to where you are today.
“I started blogging as a hobby/passion project whilst in a dead-end job in 2014. I hated that there was zero career progression and the environment was very toxic, so I decided to create The Style Idealist!
My online blog and Instagram was a space just for me where I had complete creative control and I could be completely and unapologetically myself. I worked full time in the week, then concentrated on writing blog posts and creating content at weekends.
I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and how I’ve managed to turn this side hustle into my full-time dream job. It has and always will be an amazing form of escapism. I’m also really proud of myself for managing to turn a really hard and negative time into something so amazing with an incredible community of women.”
You’ve spoken openly about your relationship with toxic jobs online, and having the confidence to be able to move on to something new. What advice do you have for anyone going through a tough time with their career or work place?
“I would give you this reminder: This too shall pass. It's just a season, and more than likely a stepping stone to something else that's much more suited to you! You have to do what’s right for you, not everyone will be in a financial situation where they can quit a job without having another lined up. But for me, I had to make my mental health a priority after struggling for so long. It’s also worth making your exit plan. Have a date in mind of the latest you wish to leave your current job, research positions, companies and recruiters and make time to network! Life is too short to waste it doing something you don’t enjoy.”
How have you found spending more time at home, and how has that changed the way you work?
“It was very strange going into a pandemic and being officially full-time self-employed at the same time. I found it so much harder to build and settle into my routine! It’s taken a lot of trial and error but I’m grateful that things are easing as it means I’m able to switch up my days again by going into a co-working space, travelling for meetings and shooting content outside of the same four walls!”
What makes you feel good or boosts your confidence when you need it most?
“My clothes are definitely a big part of my confidence. I love wearing colour, mix and matching prints and big puff sleeve dresses for any occasion (not just the “special” ones). I also love to journal; whether it’s affirmations, writing down my wins however big or small and what I’m grateful for. It reminds me how far I’ve come and how well I’m doing. I also love to dance in the mirror in my underwear. This is such a confidence booster!”
We love your style and how you incorporate colour into your looks. Have the last 18 months changed your approach to fashion, style and getting ready each day?
“The novelty of pyjamas and loungewear wore off quite quickly for me and I didn’t realise how much I missed dressing up and putting outfits together. I think a lot more about how clothing makes me feel. I recently went through my wardrobe and asked myself, ‘Does it bring me joy? Can this piece be worn multiple ways?’ If the answer was yes, then it was a keeper!”
Tell us about the Pear-Shaped Podcast and what you wanted to achieve when you started it.
“It’s been so fun co-hosting the current season of Pear-Shaped Podcast with Sophie Edwards! It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and there’s something so liberating about taking our candid WhatsApp conversations and essentially sharing that with the world. When Sophie asked me to co-host this season with Pear-Shaped, it really spoke to me because it’s like listening to your two best friends. As a millennial woman, I felt a lot of pressure to have everything together and have multiple milestones ticked off already. Pear-Shaped is all about that self-discovery journey when you’re feeling lost (whether it’s your job, relationships or friendships) and building your confidence. It’s for millennial women learning to be their most authentic self, trust the process and in a nutshell, embrace when things go ‘pear-shaped’!”
Do you have any upcoming plans you can share with us?
“I feel so lucky to be have some amazing partnerships coming up with my DREAM brands as well as continuing building my business in styling, writing and hopefully presenting! Watch this space…“
Karina is wearing: Kiran Lace High Apex Triangle Bra and matching High Waist Knicker, Sienna Lace Trim Bralette and matching High Waist Knicker.
Find Karina here.
Listen to the Pear-Shaped Podcast here.
