Afton Porter is the founder of Style Guide Society, LLC, fashion stylist, image expert and the host of the podcast Midlife Style School. “Style Guide Society is where style meets success, and confidence becomes a statement!” Porter said.
“At the intersection of style and success, we specialize in empowering women entrepreneurs, luxury real estate agents, and top executives to be seen as the experts they are. We lead the Iconic Women Mastermind, a unique style coaching program designed to polish not only your appearance but also your online presence through style.”
AZF: What is your “life motto”?
AP: “I don’t know if I have one but I am sure it would involve dancing.”
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path for you?
AP: “No, I didn’t always know. I thought I would be a buyer for a big fashion company in New York. I landed my dream job as the Retail Coordinator for Calvin Klein Jeans in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas right after college. I thought I would end up in New York City. But, after getting married and staying home while raising my kids, I found myself in the position of starting my own image consultancy five years ago. And I haven’t looked back.”
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
AP: “For me, having a coach is a lifeline. Being an entrepreneur can be a solitary journey, and despite the unwavering love from my spouse, the intricacies of this dynamic business world can be challenging to convey. That’s the very inspiration behind creating the Iconic Women Mastermind. I didn’t want fellow entrepreneurs to ever feel there was something wrong with them because of their own judgments about their appearance or hesitations in posting photos. As women entrepreneurs, these struggles are part of our shared experience. We need to push past these fears, and that’s the heart of the Iconic Women Mastermind. In the Mastermind, we create a haven where these fears are not only understood but embraced as a natural part of our journey. Together, we celebrate victories, big and small, and redefine what it truly means to be a confident, empowered woman in the business world. It goes beyond the external image; it’s about building a supportive community where no one feels alone on this exhilarating, sometimes crazy, entrepreneurial journey. It’s a space where authenticity thrives, and where the collective strength of women in business shines bright.”
AZF: What motivates you to keep going admist the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
AP: “Of all the struggles and trials I have experience on this journey, staying motivated isn’t one of them. It’s just how my brain is wired and who I am. Style isn’t what I do, it’s who I am.”
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
AP: “A perfect Saturday morning would be waking up in Paris!”
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
AP: “How you dress is what you are telling the world to think of you. Do you like what your saying?”
AZF: What’s excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
AP: “As a style coach, what excites me most about being an entrepreneur is witnessing the incredible transformation and empowerment that comes with aligning one’s personal style with their professional journey. The thrill lies in helping individuals discover and embrace their unique aesthetic, enabling them to not only look their best but also feel a profound sense of confidence. Entrepreneurship is a journey of self-discovery, and I’m passionate about guiding my clients through the process of refining their style, both in appearance and online presence. Witnessing the positive impact that a well-crafted image can have on their professional endeavors is truly gratifying. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about cultivating a presence that communicates expertise, authenticity, and authority.”
Follow the Afton Porter on Instagram and LinkedIn or visit Style Guide Society’s website or Porter’s personal site for more information.
About The Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co.
