As I prepared for one of my speaking opportunities, I reached out to Andy Paige, author of Style on a Shoestring. After a brief conversation, she suggested the colors for my suit based on my brand and the topic I was going to speak on, “Feminine Fear.” She indicated that I should stay away from white or black but recommended colors that were bold like red. As we continued to talk about my wardrobe, she requested I consider something that stood out for my shoes. She said, “How about a pair of leopard heels?” What did I hear her say, LEOPARD? No Way!
Leopard was not in the dress code
I spent forty years in the financial world, and leopard was not in the dress code. Black or Navy fit the norm, and these colors are comfortable with any business suit. How was I going to step out and be bold? Fear overcame my thoughts. What will people say when they see my shoes? Would they think that I had lost my mind? No longer conservative, I am stepping out in a new venture? However, I listened as she explained that I needed to make a statement about not being afraid and stepping out of my comfort zone.
For the next few weeks, I found myself browsing the shoe department looking at leopard shoes. First, I would look around the store to ensure that I did not know anyone. Then I would pick up a pair of shoes and look them over. It felt like the shoes were alive. I would quickly set them down and laugh at myself as I made my way to my car.
I had to make a decision
As the speaking engagement date neared, I knew I had to make a decision. The day before the event, I walked into a shoe store with the intention of just looking at the sales items. The salesperson walked over and shared with me that leopard shoes were on sale– 50% off. Was this meant to be? Well, I tried on the shoes, and they fit like a glove. I closed my eyes and said, wrap them up. As I walked to the car, I thought, well I cannot return them because it was a final sale item.
The day of the event, I was in the dressing room getting ready to go on stage. I had my essential black and navy shoes with me, but the leopard shoe box kept tugging at me. I opened the box and said, let’s do this. Fear or not, I was going to walk out on the stage in my leopard shoes and give the best speech ever. I told myself, do not look down.
As I shared my thoughts about Feminine Fear, I could not help but laugh at myself knowing that I was overcoming my fear of wearing leopard shoes.
Step out and do something bold
I challenge you to step out and do something bold. Put on your leopard shoes, and make a statement that fear will not hold you back from accomplishing your dream.
