The setting: A chic, high-end designer boutique.
The atmosphere: Sleek, trendy and cool. Glossy black walls frame the colorful collection of clothing, heels, handbags and other accessories.
My Life: Unhappily married, no children, and a part-time job.
I stand and stare, never daring to enter. I admire the perfectly dressed, ebony mannequins. Footage of runway shows airs on the large screen t.v. just inside the window. I am completely mesmerized.
How am I perceived?
Shy, insecure, frightened, lonely.
My perception of this store is that it is off-limits and unattainable.
The Following Year
Same setting / Same Atmosphere
My Life: New Husband, New Baby, New Responsibilities (running a business with my husband).
I have gained enough confidence to actually step foot inside this wondrous boutique! My heart races as I touch the clothing. What are these sizes? 42? 40? I don’t understand. No one approaches me. I’m here, yet invisible. The staff are indifferent as I depart.
How am I perceived?
Curious, bold, naive.
This visit changes my perception. I CAN enter, and I CAN touch.
2 Years Later
Same setting / Same Atmosphere
My Life: Happily Married, 2nd Baby Arrives, Business is Booming.
I am now FULL of confidence. I’ve strolled in and out of designer boutiques throughout the city. During this particular visit, the added bonus is that my best friend is visiting. Arm in arm, we admire the latest collection. We stop in front of a particularly beautiful piece, the little black dress lined in silk animal print. Something happened this day that had never happened before. We were approached! Yes, Ricardo made his way over to see if we needed assistance. My size: 46 or 48, in stock just off the main floor. Knock me over with a feather! I AM TRYING ON THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS! The staff is no longer too busy or uninterested as they bring me shoes, purses and little jackets attempting to complete the look.
How am I perceived?
Emboldened, confident.
My perception of this store has now changed 180 degrees.
What changed? My perception of self.
Tags: confidence, D&G, designer, perception, self esteem, Shopping
