This month’s First Friday Female Founder post features Mary Michele Nidiffer, the Master Style Coach who has created a boutique, style school, system for identifying one’s true style, podcast, consulting business and public speaking platform... I’m often complimented for wearing moto jackets, and it was Michele who first introduced me to my favorites, which are Clara Sunwoo’s liquid leather jackets. However, my connection to Michele doesn’t end there. Back in 2008, we were introduced by a mutual friend for Michele to help me determine my best colors, and she’s been educating me on my style and what types of clothing will convey my best to others ever since. Michele is my friend, style maven, client and fellow woman business owner striving to make this community better every day, particularly evident in Michele’s creating the nonprofit I Am Beautiful Foundation. I’m so grateful for all the care and warmth she brings to this world. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

Mary Michele Nidiffer

is on a mission to help women discover how beautiful they really are. As a **Master Style Coach**, Founder of **StyleFinder Boutique** as well as the **StyleFinder School of Style,** Creator of the **StyleFinder ID® System** and Host of the podcast, **Style by Mary Michele**, she knows firsthand that you can be pleased with nothing if you are not pleased with yourself and is committed to creating resources to empower women to feel beautiful from the inside out
Michele is a North Carolina native who knows how challenging it can be to have low self-esteem and zero self-confidence. Struggling as a pre-teen and into adulthood with these issues, she sought to make herself over from the inside out and understands how empowering it can be to feel great in your own skin as well as in your clothes.
In 2008, she launched her style coaching practice after being asked by countless women to help them “find their style”. Michele realized she had stepped into more than just a new career path – she had uncovered her purpose! Passionate about helping women discover their unique signature style, she created her proprietary StyleFinder ID® System to empower her clients with a clear understanding of their true style and how to dress for who they are. It’s been magical to see these transformations again and again!
Michele is a national speaker, freelance writer, wine enthusiast and foodie who lives with her husband and StyleFinder co-Founder, Jim, in Raleigh, NC.

Where to find Michele

Email Mary Michele via michele@shopstylefinder.com.

Shop the boutique via https://www.stylefinderboutique.com/.

Connect on social media: Facebook group, Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Listen to her podcast, Style by Mary Michele.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Mary Michele Nidiffer

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

StyleFinder Boutique offers upscale casual women’s apparel to women 35+. Our mission is for our clients to know what to wear and how to wear it. We deliver style tips and advice through personal styling sessions, private style services, LIVE shows, fit videos and more. I also have a podcast, Style by Mary Michele, which I view as a library of my best style tips as well as interviews with other experts in the realm of self-care, coaching, organizing and other complementary fields. I became a style coach in 2008, we opened the boutique in 2015, and I started my podcast, Style by Mary Michele, in April of 2021.

Why did you start your company?

I have always had a passion for style, but, after having kids and struggling with my own style, I realized that other women struggle as well. I gave myself a makeover from the inside out, and others started to ask for help. Something clicked, and I realized it is my purpose to help women feel beautiful and confident through finding their style.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

Seeing women become confident about themselves and their style, learning to love their wardrobes.

About what are you most proud?

That I have been able to overcome my own challenges with self-esteem to go on to empower women around the world to live their best lives and believe in themselves.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

It depends. When it comes to certain things, I am super organized, but I have had to learn to be more organized when it comes to what’s on my computer, my workflow and all things office related. Emily has been a saving grace in this area!

Who’s the one person who changed your life, and why?

My husband, Jim. He has believed in me from the beginning and isn’t afraid to call me out or push me in areas that he knows I want/need to grow in. He’s been my rock through tough times, and he has taught me what it means to have a true partnership.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Forgive yourself; then, take baby steps. It doesn’t happen overnight, but, when you can begin to see yourself as an organized, productive person, you’re much closer to becoming one.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

Yes. I love Dropbox for keeping my files organized and Slack for communicating with my team.

How do you feel about work/life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

I feel that it’s a balance that always needs adjusting and every day is different. My best tips are to stay in touch with yourself and what your needs are. When you take care of you first, everything else falls into place.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I am very passionate about empowering women of all ages to feel confident. I have done some work with Dress for Success, InterAct and the Hope Center to help women learn what to wear in the workplace and to feel great about themselves as they start to become self-sufficient.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I love to take walks in nature, and the greenway near our home is a perfect place to unwind! I also love cooking a delicious meal and enjoying it with my husband along with a nice glass of wine!

What is your favorite author/book?

I am a voracious reader and can’t pinpoint just one. I love so many for different reasons.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” – Joseph Campbell

What is your go-to accessory?

My 4” silver Liquid Metal Bracelet and my boots!

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

It starts with eating well and drinking tons of water. I wash my face every day, exfoliate, use a great moisturizer and always wear a hat when I’m in the sun.

What is your favorite food?

Anything Italian!

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

Well, StyleFinder, of course! A couple of my favorite local restaurants include Farina and Dante’s. Both Italian!

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Paris. I loved everything about it and am overdue for another trip!

What movie could you watch on an endless loop?

Under the Tuscan Sun.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To bend time and space.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Stop taking everything personally. As an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), that has been a HUGE lesson for me.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

Coco Chanel and Frida Kahlo. They were both pioneers in many ways, and I’d love to hear their stories firsthand.

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