SAMINA's StorY

Style After Cancer

In 2015 at the age of 45 Samina underwent treatment for breast cancer. It was horrific and not what she expected as there was no family history of the disease. She went through the diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy.

Then breast surgery left her feeling mutilated, unloved and low. The treatment meant she gained weight, she became slow, tired and had no energy. Her diagnosis was immense, yet she also had to continue to be a mother, wife, sister and grandmother.

It was during her recovery she focussed on weight loss and learning to love herself again. Here’s her story.

“I met Claire and what a breath of fresh air! A beautiful soul, she took me on a journey of self-love – how to connect with my inner self, my inner child and to love my curves”.

What I Got Style taught me as a woman, as a cancer survivor, as a south Asian woman, was how to be confident and to love myself. How to connect with my mojo and how to be me. That was so powerful.

For so many years, even before I had cancer, everything was about big clothes that just covered me. I Got Style showed me how I could dress myself with modesty, love, passion and really have some fun. I love colour and that came to life through the “What’s Your Style Vibe” session.

A big takeaway was the use of undergarments. Due to my surgery, I wore sports bras. Claire educated me on the importance of wearing the right underwear. That enhanced my shape and made me feel confident. I could take pride in how I looked which helped with my mental wellbeing around my whole cancer journey.

"The beautiful thing that Claire offers is the ability to show you how to love yourself, come into your own space and create your own style."

The beautiful thing that Claire offers is the ability to show you how to love yourself, come into your own space and create your own style. What I liked too was how cultural sensitivity she was. She took onboard my values and my ethical views around modesty – what was permissible and what wasn’t.

A big moment was going to a friend’s birthday party. I’d invested in a jumpsuit a few years ago but never had the confidence to wear it. Claire asked me to put it on. I said no at first, but then I trusted her so I tried it on. She asked if I had a belt, so I went and found one which was bright orange against the beige cotton jumpsuit. It literately brought it to life! Then we tried bits of jewellery to enhance the neck area – it was phenomenal and transformational.

All Claire’s tips have stayed with me when I’m out shopping or I’m going out. And she followed up with lots of advice and links to outfits. It helped me think about finding key items to enhance what I already have.

Claire is so full of life and an amazing style coach. She is immaculate in the way she presents! It is so authentic and genuine and that inspires all women to step forward and take pride in their own style, health, wellbeing and image. I feel so blessed that I’ve found my style with her help.”

If Samina’s story resonates with you and you want to find your style, contact me today to find out how I can help you.