After 20+ years in wealth management and building Sun Group Wealth Partners from the ground up, my signature piece is a classic analog watch--specifically a sleek steel Rolex Submariner. While everyone else is constantly checking their phones during meetings, I can glance at my wrist to track time without appearing distracted or disengaged. This became crystal clear during a high-stakes client presentation where we were discussing a $2.3 million portfolio restructure. While other advisors kept pulling out phones to check time, I maintained eye contact and presence throughout the entire 90-minute session. The client later mentioned how "professional and focused" our team appeared compared to previous advisors they'd met with. The watch also serves as a conversation starter that builds instant credibility. When I'm hosting my weekly Twitter business chats that generate 150MM+ impressions, or speaking at national conferences, people notice quality craftsmanship. It signals that I understand long-term value and investment--exactly what wealth management clients want to see. Beyond the symbolism, there's practical psychology at work. That weight on my wrist reminds me to be present and intentional with every interaction. When you're managing other people's life savings and appearing on CNBC regularly, that physical anchor keeps you grounded and confident.
Hi there, I'm Jeanette Brown, a personal coach and founder in my early 60s. My one signature accessory is a slim, sand-gold cuff with a tiny inside engraving that reads "exhale." I wear it to every pitch, workshop and negotiation that I've led. The weight on my wrist reminds me to slow my breathing, soften my jaw, and speak from steadiness instead of speed. Before I open a meeting, I touch the cuff and take three longer exhales—it's my quiet ritual that drops me into presence and sets the tone in the room. The simplicity of this cuff also mirrors my brand: clear lines, no clutter, durable over decorative. People often ask about it, which opens a human moment before the agenda and that small connection makes the work sharper and the outcomes better. Hope this is inspiring enough for other women entrepreneurs! Best, Jeanette Brown Founder, jeanettebrown.net
The accessory that most defines my presence as a woman entrepreneur is my tailored blazer. In real estate, I'm often walking into homes, meeting families, or negotiating contracts, and the blazer represents both preparedness and professionalism. It signals that I'm here to lead with clarity and confidence, whether I'm advising a first-time homebuyer or collaborating with my team. A well-fitted blazer makes me look more professional in the eyes of my clients, not only as a broker but as an entrepreneur and industry leader. It is something that resonates with the trust people have in me when they're making one of the most important decisions of their lifetime: purchasing a home. The blazer is intentional, planned, and not something that will ever be outdated, just like the kind of service I have set for my staff. When I'm mentoring agents or meeting with community partners through Pepine Gives, that same accessory transitions effortlessly. It reminds me that leadership doesn't always require words; sometimes, presence alone speaks volumes. In the world of houses and investments, people don't just buy property; they buy confidence, and this piece of attire reinforces mine. It's not fashion, it's identity. The blazer closes the gap between the roles I play: entrepreneur, broker, mentor, and advocate.
As a perfumer I am always conscious of scent, on myself as well as others. When I feel I smell good, I naturally feel more confident, especially in business setting where I might be nervous. Scent is like a statement jewelry piece or talisman, you can "anchor" confidence to it, so when you put it on, your body remembers how it feels to stand tall and confident. You don't see it, but it is felt. For me it's a form of self-expression that can communicate confidence before you even speak.
One accessory that plays a crucial role in expressing my professional identity is my hands—specifically, the jewelry and nails that adorn them. I wear four capsule rings every day: my engagement ring, two rings that represent my children, and one that symbolizes the peace I've found after a turbulent past. Together, they tell my story at a glance. Since my hands are often visible on camera and during presentations, I've also embraced high-quality gel press-on nails as part of my routine. I can have a fresh, polished manicure in 30 minutes every two weeks—something that fits my fast-paced entrepreneurial life far better than salon appointments or time-consuming DIY methods. The subtle, classy details make me feel put-together and confident, and because I talk with my hands a lot, they've become an extension of how I show up as a woman entrepreneur: strong, intentional, and refined.
As someone who's led marketing teams through IPOs and scaled companies from startup to market leader, I've learned that a simple Apple Watch has become my most valuable professional accessory - not for the typical reasons you'd expect. During board meetings at Sumo Logic when we were preparing for our public offering, I programmed specific vibration patterns for different types of urgent notifications. Marketing campaigns generating leads, investor calls, or critical customer issues each had unique alerts. This let me stay fully present in discussions about our 20% ARR contribution while never missing something that needed immediate attention. The real game-changer came during a particularly intense fundraising period at LiveAction. I was running between investor meetings while managing our full marketing stack, and the watch let me quickly triage messages without constantly checking my phone. Investors noticed I stayed engaged in conversations rather than being distracted by devices. Now at OpStart, when I'm on calls with founders discussing their financial operations, I can discretely monitor our own marketing metrics and team communications. It's about being strategically connected without appearing disconnected from the human in front of you.
I like to wear bold, geometric earrings. They've become my signature. Their design comes from architecture, which relates to my work. When I wear them at work, they remind me of what I care about: creativity, sustainability, and good design. People often comment on them, and that helps me make real connections. It's more than just liking fashion; it's about carrying a bit of myself with me. That makes me feel confident and true to myself, wherever I am.
I always wear a small silver pendant engraved with the mental health awareness symbol, and it serves as both a personal reminder and a conversation starter. As someone who directs a behavioral healthcare organization, the necklace often opens meaningful discussions about advocacy and compassion. I've noticed that it softens professional settings, reminding people that leadership can be both empathetic and strong.
My entire healing practice shifted when I started wearing mala beads to client consultations and business meetings. These aren't just accessories--they're my energetic anchor after meditating with them since I was 10 years old. When I'm mentoring women through Woman 360 or negotiating with spa vendors, touching those beads instantly grounds me and connects me to Source. During one particularly intense custody battle while building my spa, those beads kept me centered enough to make clear business decisions instead of emotional ones. The beads also signal to clients that I'm not your typical clinical esthetician--I'm someone who understands the spiritual component of healing. Women immediately sense this authenticity, which is why my trauma-informed approach resonates so deeply with clients seeking more than surface-level treatments. Most business advice focuses on looking powerful, but as a holistic healer and mother of three, my strength comes from staying connected to my spiritual practice. Those beads remind me that my intuition built this business, not just strategy.
A belted suit is the accessory that changes everything for me. There's something about being in pants and a suit that makes me feel more powerful and on the same playing field, since men usually show up in suits. I don't feel as dainty as I would in a dress, and that structure gives me confidence in a way that works for me, even if it might not be the same for everyone else.
As someone who's built a $100M+ client base over 19 years, I'll tell you it's not jewelry or clothes--it's a high-quality leather portfolio that holds my tax strategy session materials. When I walk into a room with potential clients, that portfolio immediately signals I'm prepared and professional. During my endorsement meeting with Les Brown, he noticed how organized my materials were when I pulled out specific tax code examples and client case studies. That preparation led to him featuring my book "More Relaxing Less Taxing" on his platform, which generated thousands in new business. The portfolio does something psychological--it transforms me from "just another accountant" into a strategic advisor. When I'm showing a client how they can save $4,000-$8,000 annually by switching from W-2 employee tax system to business owner deductions, having everything laid out professionally makes the difference between skepticism and trust. Most importantly, it reflects my mission of freeing up money for clients. If I'm asking someone to invest in tax strategy that could save them thousands, I need to show I've invested in presenting that strategy with excellence.
I usually go for a necklace, since it's easier to complement any outfit I put on and does a good job at completing the entire fit. Instead of going for over-the-top designs though, I prefer them clean and simple since they complement my tastes better. I particularly switch between two necklaces, with one bearing the initials of my name and the other designed with a dainty diamond. The former was a gift I got during Cafely's successful launch while the latter I bought during a recent crafts fair in my local neighborhood. Both hold sentimental values for me, so wearing them makes me feel more put together, and influences me to stay composed especially when dealing with complex issues at work.
One of my main accessories is my statement jewelry which helps to define who I am as a woman entrepreneur. Be it a colorful pair of earrings or a hefty necklace, these special items contribute character to my outfit and make me sparkle in a mass of other similar suits and blouses. They do not only make me feel and look more confident, but also initiate development of discussions during networking events. By doing so, I would be able to show my personality and creativity and still have a professional image in business.
The handbag is one of the basic accessories I need as a women entrepreneur. Not only does it hold my business necessities, it enhances my visibility and confidence in the business environment. Having a good hand bag enhances any dress and it becomes very refined and well developed. The selection of the suitable one allows me to demonstrate my style and character and stay professional.
Closed-toe heels are definitely my go-to accessorythey make me feel grounded and capable when touring properties or negotiating with clients. The real headache with real estate is switching from dusty home inspections to sharp client meetings, and heels help me transition seamlessly. Comfort and posture matter too, and when I wear the right pair, I stand taller and naturally project more confidence.