Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Sallis.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
From sewing tiny outfits for my Barbie dolls in Waterloo, Iowa, to styling celebrities in the buzzing streets of New York City—my journey has been one stylish adventure after another. Growing up, fashion wasn’t just clothes to me; it was storytelling, identity, and expression. Naturally, I took that passion straight to Iowa State University, ready to dive deep into design.
But I knew my dreams needed a bigger stage, so I packed up my ambitions and headed to New York City, stepping into the world of high fashion. Early on, I found myself assisting celebrity stylists, absorbing every bit of glamour and grit behind the scenes. That experience quickly led me to the iconic Neiman Marcus, where I develop high-end sales and the subtle art of styling, learning firsthand how style could transform someone’s confidence and presence.
For a decade, I thrived as a designer, turning creative visions into tangible, trendsetting pieces. But soon, my fascination shifted from designing clothes to predicting what would come next in fashion. I became deeply involved in trend forecasting, and this opened up a whole new layer—color theory. I saw how powerful colors were, influencing moods, impressions, and personal power.
From there, my path evolved naturally into personal branding and identity coaching. I started helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams show up authentically, confidently, and stylishly—no matter the setting. This work took me global, hosting transformational retreats around the world that blended style, personal growth, and empowerment in stunning, inspiring locations.
Now, as a four-time published author, My latest book, “The Art of Showing Up in Style: 25 Strategies to Command Any Room,” is my personal playbook, revealing how style isn’t just about fashion—it’s psychology, branding, and influence rolled into one. And my signature approach, The Identity Style System, helps anyone master their presence and truly show up as their best self, inside and out.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh my goodness, absolutely NOT—it’s been far from smooth! Honestly, coming from Iowa into the heart of the fashion industry in NYC, I felt like I was already starting from behind. I didn’t have the flashy internships with major brands or a degree from an elite fashion school backing me up. It felt like I was constantly having to prove myself and fight just to be seen as credible.
Right after graduation, there was a huge gap between what I had learned and what the industry expected me to know. I struggled big time trying to land my first job. In fact, things got so tough I ended up homeless for a short period, bouncing between couches, subway stations, and airports in New York City until I finally secured that first break.
Along the way, my personal journey also took some tough turns. I became certified as a coach initially because I was navigating my own battles with depression and struggling deeply with my identity. Coaching became a lifeline, helping me understand and rebuild myself from the inside out.
And these past four years have challenged absolutely everything I thought I knew. Transition after transition hit me—career shifts, relocating, and even battling health issues that surfaced dramatically in 2020. It took me by surprise to learn that grief isn’t only about losing people; it can also be triggered by changes in career, location, and lifestyle.
Then I moved back home to Iowa and jumped into a new role as Director of Communication—a position with high visibility at what felt like one of the most insecure times in my life. Talk about needing to dig deep! I found myself leaning heavily into the very strategies and tools I developed through my coaching and career experience. That’s how I know the Identity Style System works—it’s evidence-based, but I also live by it personally every single day.
My latest book, The Art of Showing Up in Style: 25 Strategies to Command Any Room, is a collection of the tools and strategies that helped me find my footing and show up confidently, even in moments of chaos and uncertainty. It’s my way of sharing these tools so others can learn to navigate their own journeys with grace, power, and undeniable style.
We’ve been impressed with Design+Her+Life , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Absolutely! My business is called Design+Her+Life, and at the heart of it, I’m all about helping women leaders and business owners navigate life’s transitions in a way that allows them to show up powerfully—with clarity, confidence, and of course, incredible style.
What sets me apart is the unique blend of my expertise: I started as a fashion designer, worked my way through trend forecasting, and deeply studied color theory and style psychology. I’ve been behind the scenes at places like Neiman Marcus, worked with celebrities, and traveled internationally to lead retreats. But my passion has always been bigger than fashion alone—it’s about identity and how we express who we truly are.
That’s exactly why I created The Identity Style System—it’s evidence-based coaching combined with styling principles. Think of it as an inside-out makeover. It’s not just about the clothes you wear; it’s about knowing yourself deeply and using style, communication, and self-awareness to achieve the outcomes you desire in life and business.
I’m proud to say I’m now a four-time published author, and my newest book, The Art of Showing Up in Style: 25 Strategies to Command Any Room, embodies everything I’ve learned and taught. It’s playful, strategic, and practical—think The Devil Wears Prada meets The 48 Laws of Power. It teaches readers tangible ways to elevate their presence, own their power, and truly command every room they enter.
What I’m most proud of is seeing my clients and workshop attendees experience those ‘aha moments’ when they finally step into their authentic identity. It’s transformative, empowering, and deeply personal.
From group identity coaching and corporate training workshops to immersive retreats and style consulting, every service I offer is designed to empower women to confidently step into their next chapter with style, strategy, and authenticity. For more information checkout www.nicolesallis.com
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Oh, hands down—it’s sewing at my grandma’s house. I can still remember sitting at her sewing machine, my little feet barely reaching the pedals, surrounded by colorful fabrics and sketches scattered everywhere. There’s something magical about imagining an idea in your mind and then watching it actually come to life stitch by stitch. My grandma’s house felt like my first design studio—filled with creativity, encouragement, and endless possibilities. Those moments sparked everything for me. Even today, whenever I see a vision become reality, it takes me straight back to grandma’s sewing room—where it all started.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolesallis.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design.her.life/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolelyricc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-sallis-cdmp-b9a90b190/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2b2abcW4tQ
