Embracing menopause
Embracing menopause as pathway for positive change.
For years, I dedicated myself to a demanding corporate job, balancing it all like many other working mums. But as I entered menopause, I realised that balancing act became harder and harder. The physical and emotional changes brought on by menopause challenged me in ways I never imagined—changes in my body, mood swings, energy dips, and unexpected skin concerns became a daily battle. I often felt like I was fighting an invisible enemy. Yet, there was one thing that helped me face each day: my clothes.
Using Fashion as My Armour
I would stand in front of my wardrobe every morning and choose clothes that made me feel strong, powerful, and confident—even on days when I didn’t feel that way inside. Fashion became my armour.
Some days, I chose outfits as a shield to hide how I was really feeling, concealing my emotional and physical struggles. On other days, the clothes reflected the powerful, resilient woman I was striving to be, helping me rise above the chaos inside. In the working world, the challenges woman face with the menopause go unnoticed in the workplace. There simply still isn’t enough awareness about it for employers and most women don’t feel that they can be open about how they are feeling and push through as though everything is fine.
But the truth was, for me at least, it wasn’t fine. Menopause was wreaking havoc on my well-being, and I felt alone and misunderstood. I realised that the corporate world, in general, is woefully behind in acknowledging the impact menopause has on women’s lives.
A Turning Point: From Struggles to Purpose
As the demands of the job and the physical toll of menopause collided, I started to feel a deep disconnect. I was no longer thriving; I was surviving. Something had to change. After much reflection, I made a bold decision to leave my corporate career and channel my passion for fashion into something meaningful and start my own retail business - taking advantage of course of my 30 years of marketing experience.
I wanted to take something negative—the challenges I faced during menopause—and turn it into something positive. My boutique is more than just a clothing store; it’s a space where women can find pieces that help them feel empowered, comfortable, and beautiful, regardless of what stage of life they’re in.
Fashion has helped me in so many ways in my life. I would choose ‘power pieces’ to help me feel in control and capable, comfy loungewear to help me relax and unwind, a flow number on those bloated days that we know all too well! Now, I want to offer that same feeling to other women who may be struggling like I was. Clothing is more than just fabric; it can be a tool for self-expression, confidence, and sometimes even survival.
Employers Need to Step Up
One of the key lessons I’ve learned through this journey is that the corporate world has a long way to go in understanding menopause. There is a glaring lack of awareness and education about the menopause and how it affects women in the workplace.
Women in the workforce are often encouraged to ‘push through’ or ‘carry on,’ but at what cost? We need to start talking about menopause openly, and employers need to create supportive environments where women feel comfortable expressing what they’re going through. This isn’t about asking for special treatment, but about fostering understanding and making reasonable adjustments that can make the workplace more bearable.
A woman going through menopause shouldn’t have to hide behind her clothes or mask her struggles with a brave face. Employers can be ahead of the curve by offering flexible work hours, considering climate control for women experiencing hot flushes, and above all, creating a culture of empathy and openness. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ companies will be forced to address this, and forward-thinking businesses should start now.
Moving Forward
Leaving my job wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one. I’m proud of the boutique I’ve created—it’s a reflection of resilience, transformation, and the power of fashion to inspire confidence and strength. I want all of my customers to feel seen, understood, and empowered.
If you’re an employer reading this, I hope my story encourages you to be proactive. Menopause isn’t a taboo subject, and it’s time we stop treating it like one. Women deserve support during this stage of life, and by fostering that, you create a workplace where everyone thrives.
If you’re a woman going through the same struggles, know that you’re not alone. Whether you find your confidence in fashion, in a new passion, or in speaking up for yourself, embrace it. This isn’t the end of your story—it’s a powerful new chapter.
Through my boutique, I’ve found a way to turn my personal challenges into something positive, and my hope is that others—both employers and women—will recognise the strength that lies in addressing, rather than hiding, these challenges. Fashion helped me reclaim my confidence, and now I’m here to help other women do the same.
