Member spotlight - Cathryn

13 Sep

“From stuck in jeans & dressing to be "comfy", to dresses and feeling AMAZING. Joyfully Dressed has done wonders for my confidence and mental health. "

Cathryn joined Joyfully Dressed in March last year, she is a full time content creator - you probably already follow her @cathrynlaurawood and has two young girls.

If you follow Cathryn on Instagram I think you can truly seen the change that has happened in the way she dresses over the last few months and how much her confidence has changed. It’s been incredible to witness and watch how that has also transformed the way she shows up on Instagram and for herself.

Here is what she said when she first signed up and her reasons for joining “I've joined because honestly I am lost. I love pretty clothes but I spend most of my days in jeans. I have two girls who are 5 and 7.5. And I've lost 4 stone in the last 2 years and love running so I don't even know what my body is I want to feel more confident again! And feel good!”

It can be really difficult when your body changes shape (even if thats a goal you have had for a while) to know how to dress your new shape. That feeling of being lost, is such a common one!

Cathryn sharing a few photos in the group of how she used to dress.

I asked Cathryn some questions about the membership and this is what she had to say:

What has been your most significant transformation since joining Joyfully Dressed—whether in your style, confidence, or daily routine?

“I mean it has to be my confidence doesn’t it?! The fact I now share my outfits online and people ask me where my clothes are from . I feel put together with very little effort now because I know I can open my cupboard and everything will work. Looking good makes me feel good and I know that has a direct link with my confidence.”

Can you share a specific outfit or moment when you felt truly proud of your style, and how it made you feel?

“There’s not one specific moment. It’s the fact I look at photos now and my face is in them. I used to post photos and cleverly hide myself or feel embarrassed by how I looked. I met an old friend I haven't seen in ages for coffee a few months ago and she said “you are actually in your photos now”.

Photos of Cathryn before she joined the membership and this summer.

How has being part of the Joyfully Dressed changed the way you approach dressing, and how has it  boosted your confidence?

“Honestly Joyfully Dressed was a catalyst for me. I started in March last year and I was at such an incredibly low point in my life. Struggling with secondary infertility and looking back now feeling extremely depressed each day. The moment I started investing in myself things started working in my favour. My mental health is a millions times better, I now have confidence in myself and that led me to sharing more things online, which led to my book deal.”

“Honestly investing in yourself is the biggest and best thing you can do!”

Cathryn has the most gorgeous Instagram feed (you can take a look here) where she shares gorgeous bakes and life on the Norfolk cost - she has just finished writing a cute backed cookbook which is currently available for preorder and I feel so proud of her.

Has there been an unexpected benefit of being part of this membership that surprised you?

“I can now go into a shop or online and I know instantly what works and what doesn’t without trying it on. I know black won’t suit me, I know what necklines will work and I know that gold jewellery will always compliment me! It’s like a superhero power.”

Why would you recommend Joyfully Dressed to someone unsure about joining? What type of person do you think would benefit the most from this program?

“I would recommend Joyfully Dressed to someone who thinks they don’t have the time to look put together and nice. Especially mums who often put everyone else's needs above their own.”

“Invest in yourself and everyone will feel the benefit.”

“I’d rate the Joyfully Dressed experience is 10/10. The course is a game changer and the ongoing support in the membership, the group and emails is amazing. I used to think because I worked from home I didn't need to make an effort but now it's no extra effort and I feel a million times better for it.”