You just need to tell Frederique Irwin, founder and CEO of Her Corner, that you are a small business owner and you can see a true, genuine interest in you, waves of passion towards your success. Her Corner is a global community of women business owners committed to growth in their businesses.
Frederique’s fourth business grew out of a personal need for access to other motivated and ambitious women business owners with whom she could collaborate in order to accelerate growth in their businesses. When Frederique is not managing the business operations of Her Corner, she can be found either running accelerator programs for Her Corner members or at the Kogod School of Business at American University, where she teaches entrepreneurship, business management and organizational behavior.
**What are you passionate about?**
Educating women entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses.
**How would you define your style?**
I would define myself as more of a traditionalist; I like makeup that doesn’t make me feel overdone, but makes me feel accessible and open when I’m talking and meeting with people. My hair — well that depends on whether it’s a curly day (which I embrace) or a straight day (that sometimes makes me feel a bit more polished). And clothing-wise I like a look that looks pulled together, professional and chic, but not over the top. Again, I want to feel connected to as many women as possible, so I don’t want to look like I’m off-putting.
**Why it is important for women to invest in their look?**
Simply put, because when you look your best, you feel your best. You’re more likely to go into a meeting feeling more confident, to speak up for yourself and to put yourself out there. And especially in business, women need to feel that way every single day.
**Outfits (Ifat Pridan, LiLi The First boutique Georgetown):** Frederique came in with such a good energy, opened to think outside of the box and find an outfit that not only will make her feel beautiful, but will also be comfortable and be herself. The key was her willingness to try new things and if they don’t work, whatever, but if they do, what a great pleasure to the wardrobe.
**Hair (Amanda Amos, Illusions Salon Georgetown):** We had the pleasure of working with Frederique for the October “Women in Style.” The moment she walked into the salon, we couldn’t help but notice her stunning blue eyes and fabulous natural curl. Amanda Amos, hairstylist at Illusions of Georgetown, designed a look that created a chic balance between her natural curl and a sleek blowout. By smoothing her natural curls and adding softer waves, Frederique left with a fun and sassy style perfect for her vibrant personality.
**Makeup (Christin Michelle, Conceptual Beauty):** I chose to use all cool tones on Frederique as she is a cool blonde and her outfit changes were shades of gray. Her eye makeup is a blend of dark gray, mauve and carnation pink. I also opted for a cream toned eyeliner on the lower lash line to balance the deeper shades on the top portion of the eye. Her skin is very well hydrated and clear so I used a lightweight liquid foundation and a medium coverage powder to set . To keep a natural look I used a deeper powder to warm up the perimeter of the face instead of using a bronzer. The plumy mauve on her lips creates a pop of color and completes Frederique’s “woman in charge” look.
**Photos (Elizabeth Dranitzke, PHOTOPIA):** Frederique was at ease in front of the camera, calm and confident and easily accommodated every pose we requested which made my job so easy. Her strength and joy shine through her amazing blue eyes — a dream for any photographer.
