From Corporate Fashion to Heart-Centered Business: How I Left Toxicity Behind to Build Something Soulful
For nearly a decade and a half, I lived and breathed the world of corporate fashion. Working for one of the most iconic brands in the world as a designer felt like a dream come true. I loved every part of the creative process—the innovation, the design challenges, the thrill of bringing new collections to life. The perks of world travel, events, and an inspiring team made the experience feel incredibly rewarding. But behind the glitz and glamor, there was another side of the industry that began creeping in, one that began to weigh heavily on me.
Corporate environments, especially in fashion, can be fast-paced, competitive, and exciting. But they can also be toxic. After years of pouring my heart into my work, I found myself in an environment that drained me more than it fueled me. The very creativity that once sparked joy was dimmed by long hours, budget cuts, unhealthy expectations, and a lack of real connection. A toxic atmosphere presented itself, and the sense of camaraderie we once had began to fade. The values I held dear no longer aligned with the direction things were headed.
Over the next decade, I dipped in and out of similar environments, trying to find my way back to the passion that first drew me into the industry. This period of reflection made me realize that I needed to carve a new path—one where my values, creativity, and sense of purpose could thrive in harmony.
LESSONS LEARNED: THE GOOD, THE BAD, and THE EYE-OPENING
There were countless lessons I learned in my years working in corporate fashion. Some were invaluable, continuing to shape the way I approach business today, while others were stark reminders of what I didn’t want to carry forward.
On one hand, I learned the importance of structure and process—building a brand with a clear vision and consistent identity is essential to creating something powerful. A strong brand foundation allows creativity to flourish within a framework, ensuring that every detail reflects the brand’s core values and resonates with its audience.
But I also witnessed the downside when systems became too rigid and heart was lost in the process. As pressures to conform and prioritize profits took over, the once vibrant energy began to fade. Passion was replaced by burnout, and the creativity that had once sparked joy became stifled.
The most eye-opening lesson? No matter how iconic a brand may be, if it loses its soul, personal touch, and internal passion, even the most creative minds will struggle to thrive. This realization pushed me to value not just the work itself but also the people behind it. Today, I carry these lessons forward, focusing on building brands that stay true to their values while fostering real connection, creativity, and a human-centered approach.
Ultimately, by nurturing the people behind the brand, you build a brand that truly connects with its audience. After all, when the people within a business are thriving, they bring their best energy and passion to the work—and that’s what creates a brand that resonates on a deeper level.
WHY I LEFT: FINDING the COURAGE to WALK AWAY
When the company I had dedicated so many years to was acquired, everything shifted. The close-knit team that once felt like family started to unravel, and the environment that had once fueled my creativity and growth became increasingly toxic. Though I was let go during the acquisition, I spent nearly another decade dipping in and out of similar corporate spaces, seeking projects that felt more aligned and organizations that resonated with my values.
Leaving the corporate world wasn’t an easy decision. On one hand, I had reached what many would consider the pinnacle of success—working for a globally recognized brand in a role I had once dreamed of. But on the other hand, I could no longer ignore the misalignment between my values and the direction the industry was heading. If I wanted to build something meaningful, something that truly reflected my passion and values, I had to step away from the prestige and embrace the uncertainty of the unknown.
The hardest part of leaving wasn’t just walking away from the job—it was walking away from the identity I had built around it. There were moments of fear and moments of doubt, but through it all, there was also a sense of clarity: I wanted to create something heart-centered. A business where the work itself mattered, but the well-being and connection of those involved mattered just as much.
This realization became the turning point that set me on the path to building Sattva Creative—a space I envision where both creativity and people are nurtured, and where meaningful work thrives alongside personal connection. While it's still evolving, my dream is to cultivate a business that not only produces impactful work but also fosters genuine connection with everyone involved.
REIMAGINING BUSINESS with HEART and SOUL
The idea behind Sattva Creative isn’t just about starting another business; it’s about reimagining how we do business. I envision a space where entrepreneurs and my team can thrive without losing their souls—a village mentality where collaboration, heart, and community are at the core of everything we do.
At Sattva Creative, the work is deeply personal. It’s about building meaningful connections and ensuring that heart-centered entrepreneurs can scale their businesses without losing the personal touch that makes them unique. We collaborate in a way that feels human, soulful, and aligned with what truly matters.
This personal approach is woven into every aspect of the business. It’s about valuing relationships, creating a space where both clients and my team feel seen and heard, and fostering an environment where creativity flows naturally without the pressures of a toxic corporate structure. Here, the work is as much about the people as it is about the final product.
EMPOWERING HEART-CENTERED ENTREPRENEURS to DO the SAME
Now, my mission is clear: I want to empower entrepreneurs to build businesses that are both impactful and soulful. You don’t have to sacrifice your values for success or tolerate environments that drain your passion. Instead, you can create something deeply aligned with who you are and the positive change you want to bring to the world.
At the heart of it, I believe in building businesses that nurture well-being, foster genuine connection, and grow without losing their essence. It’s not just about scaling your business—it’s about creating something sustainable that supports both your vision and the people behind it.
BUILDING SOMETHING DIFFERENT, TOGETHER
The journey from corporate fashion to heart-centered entrepreneurship wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. It allowed me to realign with my values and build something that feels deeply personal. Now, my mission is to help other entrepreneurs do the same—craft brands that resonate on a soulful level, where creativity and connection flourish in equal measure.
If you’re ready to create a brand that truly reflects your values and resonates with your audience, let’s connect and explore how we can bring your vision to life, together. Book a call here and start building your heart-centered brand.
To all of your business success! Love and light– Pamela
WANT to ENSURE YOUR BRAND ALIGNS with YOUR VISION
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