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Lemonade Leaders
Real stories of turning life’s toughest lemons into something good. Each week, host Riannon Palmer chats with founders and changemakers about resilience, purpose, and building impact from adversity.
Lemonade Leaders
How Toxic Bosses Led to Fashioning a New Path
For 10 years, Louise Duncum thrived in the creativity of designing clothes for High Street brands, but something was missing: a deeper connection with the women wearing her designs. After enduring one toxic boss too many, she decided life was too short to stay unhappy. Retraining as a personal stylist, she launched Weiz Styles, helping ambitious women align their wardrobes with their potential.
In this episode of Lemonade Leaders, Louise shares how she turned frustration into freedom, why there was no plan B, and the ripple effect that confidence through style can have on every part of life and work.
Find out more about Louise: https://weizstyles.com/
Welcome to Lemonade Leaders, the podcast about conversations that do good and feel good. I'm your host, Riannon Palmer, founder of Lem-uhn, A Feel Good PR agency for brands that care. Each episode, I'll be chatting to brilliant people who've turned life's lemons into something meaningful. Today I'm joined by Louise Duncum, a leader whose career journey is filled with pivotal moments, resilience and a passion for purpose-led work. For a decade, she worked as a clothing designer for High Street brands, loving the creativity, but missing a deeper connection with the woman wearing her designs. The turning point came when she found herself dealing with yet another toxic manager. That was the moment she decided life was too short, retrained as a personal stylist, and launched Weiz Styles, a business helping ambitious women align their wardrobe with their potential. This is a conversation about turning one of life's toughest moments. Into the opportunity to follow your dream. hi Louise. Thanks for coming on the podcast.
Louise:you so much for having me. I'm very excited to be here.
Riannon Palmer:Well take us back to those days when you were working in the corporate life, and how that was for you.
Louise:I spent 10 years working as a clothing designer for various High Street brands that we all know and love throughout the UK and Europe. I feel like very much so at the start of my career, it was like the dream that everyone kind of expects it to be in that type of role. I was working in all sorts of places across the world from Asia to lovely European cities, and then had a great team in my office at the time, and I thought, oh my gosh, this is what I've worked so hard to achieve. I was very lucky, I think at the start to have an amazing boss. unfortunately frequently I hear more and more steroids like this, but as you work the way through the career ladder and improving, and getting those promotions along the way, the management team above doesn't always live up to that first lovely manager that I had That's what kept happening throughout each career change I had, regardless of which company it was. I just had an unfortunate, stream of toxic bosses,
Riannon Palmer:I know the feeling.
Louise:Yeah.
Riannon Palmer:And what was the, moment that you were like, this is enough. I want to go out and do my own thing and follow my passion.
Louise:again, I think I've always been quite lucky in knowing that I wanted to be in the fashion industry so I did my degree in fashion design and then very luckily got that first job, working for next actually, which was my dream role. and then as I'd worked my way through and changed companies a couple of times. It was then when I realized, like most people in lockdown, I had a bit of extra time on my hands. and I started an outfit of the day Instagram. So literally every day for a year and a half, I would post what I was wearing. and people absolutely loved it.
Riannon Palmer:Was this when we were all at home?
Louise:at home.
Riannon Palmer:I love that you are still putting the effort into having the outfit of the day. I think I was in my cozy trousers.
Louise:were a few lounge looks. I just felt like I needed to get that creativity out in a different way that I wasn't able to do, obviously normal day to day. I started in Instagram, which is called We Wears, which I still have, but I'm not. As active on at the moment. the feedback that I got from that, everyone was saying, oh my gosh, like I'm gonna buy this, but when I'm out of lockdown. And then when people did, when that time came, people were like, oh my God, I've been wearing this 'cause you inspired me before. And I felt so confident and I suddenly had that kind of. Moment that made me realize, oh my gosh, personal styling actually could be that route that gives such a positive outcome to the women that are wearing these clothes that I've been designing for all these years. then it was only when I went back to another couple of toxic bosses that I suddenly thought Life is too short for this. And I just took that risk very suddenly, quit my job. I'd say I. in on the tube one day and thought, enough's enough, my notice, and, and that was it. And then over two years later, here I am. And we styles now instead of we wears is, Is up and running.
Riannon Palmer:I think it's that bravery and that's fun step is always the scariest because everyone probably has these dreams of doing careers, especially a stylist I think when you're growing up and Ugly Betty was huge when I was younger. So it sounded like the dream career of actually taking that step to do it is a huge leap. And what gave you that courage? Was it just 'cause you were tired and you needed to leave? Or was there something else that made you think, I can do this, I can go and follow what I wanna do.
Louise:think 'cause I had that little taste of this independence of what I could achieve from that Instagram account, in lockdown. felt like I hadn't gone completely blind into this. I just thought, okay, again, being badly treated a another boss, another manager, I just thought do I really want to have this for the rest of my life? It was making me so unhappy. and now I can honestly say me, two and a half years ago, to me now is a completely different person. I actually feel so happy, which I think is a great sign that I've made the right decision. But when I look back at that time, you do realize, but you don't know what you can do about it. And I think when you're constantly, every day being bashed down by this same person again and again, it's suddenly enough is enough. And I just thought, I have this glimmer of hope over here. It is a big risk, but I know I can do it. So I just had to believe in that and then take that risk. And of course, if it hadn't worked out, I could always get another job. But that also is something that I always had in my head was that there is no plan B, this is the plan. There's no way I want to be back over here in this toxic space, so to make this work. And I feel like when you have that, like there's no plan B in your head, it makes it like you. Into this, this one plan. So I think that's also been a great force behind making my business work.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah, and I think that's the big thing I always say to people when they're nervous about following their side hustle or something like that, that actually there's always a way back. Nothing has to be final, but will you probably regret more? Not trying. So actually to take the leap and try like you have is a huge achieve.
Louise:definitely. And in some ways I feel that push that I had from all these toxic bosses almost did me a huge favor because I could have easily stuck in that cycle of yes, I've got guaranteed income. Yes, I'm in an industry I love, maybe not necessarily in the team that I loved, but it's that safety net. And then obviously when you start a business that safety net is completely eradicated and it's up to you to decide. But, I am super grateful for that because here I am now.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah, sometimes you need those toxic, horrible people to make you do that push that actually makes your lives better. And what was the first step? Because I would have no idea where to start.
Louise:So, I did obviously have that 10 year designing clothes, and then I had my degree in fashion. but I also wanted to make sure that I was fully prepared to go into the styling world because don't know really what you don't know. So I thought, let's over qualify myself. So I went to London College of Style. I got my styling qualification, and I got my color analysis qualification. So from that, I knew I was fully. Set up to go with all the knowledge I could possibly have, in terms of my area of expertise. And then I got help at the start in terms of, I knew that I wanted my brand to look polished right at the start. So I invested in photo shoot and I invested in a website and just all the things I knew where my skillset didn't lie. tech for example. I feel like designing a website for me would've tipped me over the edge right at the start. So I knew that I needed to outsource these things when I first launched, people thought I'd been in business for years because my website looked so professional and my photos looked great. And that, I think set me up to flourish at the start. then I think it was again, not having that plan B was like, let's take all the chances I can. Let's put myself out for stuff before I'm ready. Let's put myself into these rooms and feel uncomfortable and go through all these phases that you have to go through when you start a business, but. No one really tells you about. I did think as soon as I launch, the phone will start ringing and I'll be off, going shopping. But we
Riannon Palmer:We wish.
Louise:there's so many hats that you have to wear and you know, I'm content creator. Marketing, newsletter writer, doing all this stuff on top of all the work that I do with my amazing clients. there are a lot of hats and I hope as my business grows, I can do even more outsourcing. it's a constant learning curve. But that start was really just make sure that I had all the knowledge that I could possibly have to set myself up for success.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah, a hundred percent. I completely agree, and I was the same when I started my business. I was. Like, let's make it look bigger than it is, even though it's just little old me. Let's make a polished website and a polished brand. And I think it's really important to sell yourself bigger and sell yourself of the value that you actually can present. Even if at this minute it's new to you, you still have all that skills and experience and you can deliver it. but people unfortunately, as you know, they buy into the first appearance that you see of someone. So that's why it's really important to have a style in your professional sense, like as a business and a website and a brand, but also then what you do is to get professional women looking and feeling more confident.
Louise:a hundred percent. The whole mission behind everything I'm doing was sparked from realizing that impact that I could have on helping people feel that confidence and feel like they could step into whatever they're doing with their shoulders high and their head held high. and I think now that amplifies everything that I'm doing. So are so many women out there with so many great ideas, so many great passions that are doing so much good for the world, and I want to help them on that journey so they can feel like they can go out and, pitch to their dream client and win that pitch or show up for PR opportunities and feel like, okay, yes, I can do this, I can talk as the expert. I've got my head shots ready to send, to speak on stage, to start a podcast, to have a photo shoot and feel empowered by the images that they're getting back and feeling like it's really authentic. And there's a whole ripple effect of opportunities when you step into that confidence element and your business can just flourish. And I love being a part of that journey for so many amazing women, whether that's founder or whether that's, a woman that's working their way up the corporate ladder.
Riannon Palmer:And have there been any moments that. When you've been doing your job and you've felt, this is what I'm doing it for?
Louise:I've been super lucky and I hope it continues this way to work with so many, really lovely, kind, very passionate. That kindness is everything. That's my whole ethos really, is like, I don't want anyone to feel like I'm there to judge them. I'm there to aid them on this journey, and that kindness is a huge part of it. But once I've been obviously able to work with them, then it's seeing them achieve their goals. I recently, just last week actually went to see one of my amazing clients at a talk on her on a stage, on a panel. and saw her in her amazing outfit, just excelling in her area of expertise. And that's when I suddenly realized like, only is it great to be invited, but I'm actually seeing them achieve these goals in person. And that for me is a huge, rewarding part of what I'm doing.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah, and I think people think it's just a pair of clothes, but actually clothes can really change how you feel about yourself and your confidence. And when you've got confidence, the whole world can change.
Louise:percent. I think there's so many different factors, of the whole style journey itself. it's not like an overnight quick fix. I think if it was just to flip a switch and it this suddenly works, I think definitely wouldn't have a job in itself, but also a lot more people wouldn't feel as uncomfortable as they do and the things that they wear. but it's when you get that clarity on what does work, including, not just the necklines and shapes and everything, it's the colors and what prints to wear that's gonna express who you are rather than. What you've seen someone else wear. And then when you try it and you feel that deflation, because nothing is feeling quite the way it looks on that other person, it doesn't feel right for you. So I feel like when you have that clarity and understanding and then you can use those tools to feel that confident self, it has that ripple effect.
Riannon Palmer:And have you got any tips for, someone that's going for a promotion and they wanna dress for that promotion? What free tips would you advise them on?
Louise:I think the first one is always to that makes you feel comfortable. want to be walking into a room and like. Pulling at your trousers or adjusting your waistband or, pulling at your shirt or whatever because something doesn't feel right. So comfort is always key, and that doesn't mean that you can't wear that isn't, a lovely dress or a lovely suit it can still be comfortable. next tip I'd say is something that feels. Authentic to you. So like I briefly said before, just 'cause you've seen someone else wear something doesn't mean that that's gonna feel or look good for you. Once you put something on and you feel like, okay, this feels good, that's a great sign that you're going in the right direction of it, feeling authentic. And the next tip is actually using a pop of color. I am a very big fan of color and I know a lot of people hide behind shades because it feels safe. But once you. Understand the colors that work for you and a bit more about psychology to amplify that. Then you can use color as a whole part of your brand. I know for you, yellow would make a lot of sense for you and your brand and using that and to amplify.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah, you see. I have, lemons on my top today. I've been seeing lots more about that, being able to sell your brand with your brand colors and wearing more of it. So I have been trying to Explore that a little bit more, making sure I wear yellow and I think when you go to networking events, it's so, interesting to be able to show people who you are before they even have a conversation with you.
Louise:percent. So again, it's just using whether you're a founder and you're using your brand colors or whether you are going into a corporate role, The advice for that would be wearing a pop of red, just 'cause that's the color of confidence, but also it's the color that people notice more than any other is that pop of red. So maybe adding a pop of red in, and it doesn't have to be a head to post suit. It could be lipstick, a nail varnish, a shoe, belt. Just add a bit of confidence in your outfit and hopefully that will help.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah. And you talk also a lot about color analysis where you wear the colors for your skin tones and everything. How did you get into that? It feels like that trend has been just kicking off for the past few years, but I'm sure there's a lot of history behind it.
Louise:With my fashion design background, I already knew a lot about color, but I never really knew about color analysis. So when I was doing my training, it was like a whole New world of knowledge. and as I said before, you never know what you don't know. So this was a big one of those. and it has literally amplified everything within my business because not only has it given me an extra level of knowledge, but I've been able to share that in so many key ways, especially now when personal brand is such an important part. It doesn't matter if you're in a corporate job or if you're building a business, you still need to get out there and build a personal brand because that's how you're gonna build and amplify and grow. So using color within that and having color analysis is a great part. But it's also such a fun thing to do, and it's been very helpful that it's had a trending moment, which has boosted a lot of business my way. It's something that I encourage everyone to try if they haven't already.
Riannon Palmer:Are you ever walking in the street and you see someone and you think, oh, I wish you were wearing different colors. 'cause it would compliment you so much more.
Louise:that's the thing about trends again, is when we think about, there's so many different trends out there, but once you know the ones that are gonna suit you, makes it so much easier to buy the right ones. what I see all the time with color. There's been a lot of lilac around and very pale lilac does tend to wash a lot of people out, and I look at them in a completely different way because I'm like, oh, I can see all the colors drained away from your face. But if you were wearing maybe. A deeper shade or a brighter shade of purple instead of that pale, pale li look, your whole complexion would change. I do notice it when I'm going around, but, it's all part of the style journey and learning and unlocking. So then, you don't make the colorful parts going forward.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah, I'm exactly the same with PR and business. I always spot things when going around. So style is so part of everyone's lives. It must just be a constant thing going off in your head.
Louise:But it's also really exciting.
Riannon Palmer:And the other big trend, which I have actually done myself, is, putting a photo of yourself into chat GBT and asking for glow up trends, which, I've tried. I don't know if it said the best things it said I should wear some more peach blush. And a peach lipstick. But it's so interesting how AI now is driving everything and everyone's hopping on these trends. What are your thoughts about all this AI getting into style and people using that as their stylist at the minute?
Louise:actually I wrote about this recently in one of my newsletters. 'cause I do think obviously there's so many benefits to AI and all the stuff that's going on with that to boost us all. but I do think with personal style, it's a bit of a gamble to trust.
Riannon Palmer:It is why there's the personal
Louise:Exactly. And it is that human element. I mean, there's only so much that chat two BT and other AI tools can help you with. So I would take it with a bit of a pinch of salt. obviously we all want guidance and a bit of a boost, but, I don't think there's anything quite like that kind of personal touch and the real advice from someone that's fully been trained in it all. give you the correct knowledge, to go forward. But I love all the little tools that you can use. I've got even an app in my business now that has really elevated everything that I'm doing can literally go on and I've created their look books with them so they can find out how to style the outfits that they own and open it and all that technology is amazing, but in terms of giving you the consultation to start with, I don't believe it's quite as accurate as it could be. So take it with a pinch of salt.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah, always good fun to try, but definitely not the same. but that's amazing that you've got an app. I think the thing with style and with anything really is everyone's so busy these days. If you can make it easy for them, then it's gonna be something they continue. But if it becomes a chore or you have to spend loads of money on loads of new clothes and not use what you've got as well. it's something that maybe people won't be able to continue on the long term.
Louise:exactly. it does make it so much easier. Again, if you think about getting up in the morning. So many people open their wardrobe and feel that instant overwhelm. But if you just look at this app, it's all there for you with all the bit you own and how to accessorize it and make your wardrobe work hard for you, rather than you having that constant overwhelm. It all helps.
Riannon Palmer:And what has been the biggest challenge since you started your company two years ago?
Louise:I think it's just keeping up with everything. There's so many hats that we have to wear as business owners, and obviously we show a highlight reel of All the amazing things that can happen on the business journey, but there's a lot of stuff that happens behind the scenes that people aren't seeing. a lot of sleepless nights and, a massive task to keep up with. And I think the challenge is really having that balance of I'm doing this to have a better life and to facilitate a better life for other people. So I need to take a step back sometimes, and actually that's something that in the past six months, I've really got a lot better with this thinking, I guess I want my best business to succeed, but having a long weekend isn't gonna mean that everything's gonna crumble overnight. So to allow myself to have that space and to have that time be what my business is meant to be for, and use it in that way to be in control of my life. So the challenge has definitely been to manage and balance all of those hats, but I'm getting slowly better at it.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah, I think that's the important thing is if we don't balance it and make sure that work fits into our life, then it's not something that're gonna, we're gonna be able to maintain long term. So, I think it's definitely finding your balance, but the first couple of years it's always crazy 'cause you're wearing so many different hats and juggling so many different things, that is trying to find your path and your balance.
Louise:there's always challenges throughout, and I know that there's gonna be challenges future, but it's just, juggling them all.
Riannon Palmer:Yeah, a hundred percent. And if you were gonna take yourself back to the person who was working under the toxic boss and had this idea under their head that started doing the fashion moments as well, the wise words, what would you say to you two years ago?
Louise:trust the journey. I think a lot of people say this and it feels like almost like a buzz phrase in itself, but I think I would tell myself everything's gonna be okay things are gonna happen that you would've never even dreamt of happening, that you didn't even think were on your radar or possible Just from taking that leap and getting out of the situation that wasn't serving me. So I think, just to say that everything turns out for the best, and to keep going.
Riannon Palmer:thank you so much for being so open today and sharing your story. Where can people find you if they want to reach out to you or hear more about what you do?
Louise:I'm on Instagram as we style, so that's WEIZ. and I've got a website as well, which is we styles.com. and I'm on LinkedIn as well for those that are on LinkedIn, just as Louise Duncum. I have a free weekly newsletter for anyone that needs a bit of inspiration from color to outfit ideas So hopefully that's a good resource for people to know that they can get access to.
Riannon Palmer:Amazing. Yeah, it sounds like it. Well, thank you so much for joining us.
Louise:I see you in a bit more yellow. I know you already,
Riannon Palmer:More yellow. Yeah. I always say to people, if you ever see a lemons or yellow colors when you're out, you have to let me know 'cause there's not a lot of it. Even though I think lemon, the color is in season at the minute. So there's been lots more available. Thanks so much, Louise. Thank you, Louise, for sharing your story. If you enjoyed today's episode of Lemonade Leaders, hit follow and like. Until next time, keep making your own lemonade.