January 25, 2023 5 min read
I observed grace under pressure in a high pitched environment when I met this month’s Bright Winter feature: Cindy Christi at the United States National Pageant several years ago. As founder of Cindy Christi TV, Cindy helps CEO’s, Speakers, Best Selling Authors, On-Air Personalities and Pageant Contestants fall in love with their brand voice, so they can step into the spotlight and lead their legacy with confidence, clarity and ease.
Our roles at the pageant were aligned in helping the contestants andNational Titleholders shine on stage and throughout their reign. Cindy’s professionalism and ease in front of the camera and steadying presence onstage set the tone for contestants and the pageant as a whole.
I noticed how she stood out in some of the bright clothing she wore and offered to determine which bright colors were her best; Bright Winter? Bright Spring?
It was clear right away thatshe was a Bright Winter when I started draping her. Wow! She truly lights up the room in the right pops of color.
Learn more about Cindy’s color-filled journey and how applying her perfect shades elevates her brand, business and homelife in this month’s Colorful Lives blog.
What prompted you to have a color analysis?
Kerry and I were both sponsors of The United States National Pageants together. I was asked to help her document the color analysis she provided to each newly crowned National titleholder.
In the process, she generously offered to gift me a color analysis too. Because of her eye she had already narrowed me down to a Bright Winter or Bright Spring. And once she color draped me, it was obvious right away that I was a Bright Winter!
While colors in both collections and even the Cool Winter were ones I naturally gravitated to; the Bright Winter collection felt as if it were custom tailored, just for me.
How has it changed your life?
I carry my Bright Winter deck with me whenever I shop. It helps me know exactly what shade of creamy dreamy, fiery fuschia and chocolate brown are mine and which ones are not.
Kerry also said once my closet was in harmony, it would begin to show me when items didn't belong. It’s true! As a result, I have given away so much and made room for new exciting pieces that make my wardrobe and heart light up.
I am also a believer that like attracts like. So the more intentional I am about aligning my colors, surroundings, and internal compass to my own true north, the more naturally, elegantly and colorfully God reflects back that I’m on the right path.
In what ways has it changed the way you approach your business?
I know my power colors and am intentional about wearing them. Knowing my colors also uplevels the way I plan for personal branding shoots!
I focus first on what I want my photos to communicate and then pull wardrobe props and colors that align with that message. I even look at potential backdrops when I scout and plan every detail around my colors so that they look fabulous when grouped together in my press kits and training materials.
Recently I planned a shoot on the beach wearing shimmery neutrals. And in my mind's eye I wanted to include hot pink. So I bought an extra long scarf in “my pink” and let it dance in the wind. These are some of my favorite photos of all time!
Any interesting things happen while you were wearing your colors?
I have always received compliments in hot pink. It's a driving color in my personal and business branding. When I wear the right shade I feel empowered and on-point. The wrong pink however falls flat and I always wondered why. Now I know.
What was the biggest surprise?
The biggest surprise was that yellow was actually one of my colors! Being Asian with yellow undertones it didn't make sense that a yellow would work for me.
I thought for sure that made me an anomaly but low and behold, bright yellow is one of the Bright Winter colors.
Also, I love wearing neutrals. Surprisingly it took more time to remove and replace my neutrals than my brights. Off white and gray come in sooooo many differnet shades! Some flattering and many not so much. Now I group my colors together so they show me which ones truly belong and which ones to lovingly release.
Tell me about your favorite color in your palette.
Hot pink! I also love wearing rich purples, fuchsias, oranges, vibrant greens and yellows on camera. And when I’m at home I looooove wearing dreamy neutrals. In fact half of my closet is filled with shades of white, off white, pewters and grays.
Tell me about your closet.
My closet is filled with organizing shelves and beautiful woven baskets. Neutrals are grouped together and brights are paired by color.
I love opening my closet doors and looking at my favorite outfits and colors smiling back at me.
I have curated each item so that it not only looks good but also feeeeels wonderful on.
Colors, textures and fit ALL carry equal weight for me. If a color looks great but the fabric isn’t soft, silky or snuggly, it goes. So does a snuggy top in the wrong shade! While there are still some items that don't check all three boxes, there are only a few and it’s because they have sentimental value to me.
What has been the biggest challenge?
Patience. I crave beautiful uplifting experiences and color plays a significant role in all of it.
Once I see the potential in something I want everything to uplevel right away. I’d love to go on endless shopping sprees for myself and those I love so that everything from my surroundings to my clothing, to my bedding to home goods - shines, sparkles and thrives together in harmony.
To help, I’ve adopted the mindset that curating is a joyful journey of creative decision making rather than an endless list of things to fix.
And in quiet, inspired moments, I envision my future world through journaling, vision and pinterest boards. Trusting that all things beautiful, harmonious and “color-coordinated just for me” will find me in their own divine timing!
Cindy has gained insider secrets from decades of hosting, directing, and producing content aired on TV and syndicated radio networks like HGTV, The Food Network, OWN, Hallmark Channel, PBS, iHeartRadio, K-LOVE, Bible Gateway, and Focus on the Family. To "Get Media Ready", Contact Cindy!
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March 27, 2025 5 min read
I am thrilled to introduce you to my friend, colleague and dreamwork mentor, Warm Spring Kristina Hutch Matthews. Kristina is an artist, writer, animal lover, healing arts practitioner and so much more! Her mother is also an accomplished and prolific artist and together they run the Penfield Arts Center.
We immediately clicked when we met and I was excited to give her a color analysis given her natural talent for all things aesthetic. I wasn't surprised to see her closet immediately following the analysis was filled with muted colors. That is typical these days, especially for those with a creative style. But, I was shocked to see her closet a few months ago. She has completely transformed it from the dusty colors of the past to lighter and brighter colors focused especially on the warmth of Warm Spring. She has learned that the golden browns of her hair and eyes work perfectly as neutrals replacing blacks and grays.
Over the years, I have utilized many personal development tools but it was Kristina's dreamwork class that has given me the most incredible AHA moments. I thought the class would be fun and interesting and help me understand why I saw a whale or something like that but dreamwork is so much more!! Kristina has a talent for giving feedback and fresh insight into a situation that may be challenging or lingering from the past. My understanding of how to remember and process dreams has truly been life changing and transformative. Kristina has brought so much color into my life! Read more about her journey with her artistry and healing practices as well as her personal color journey in this month's blog:
February 27, 2025 3 min read
What fun to introduce the incredibly colorful Bright Spring, Natalie Rae Dickerson! I met Natalie when she was in the process of taking over the fabulous fine clothing store, Panache Consignment from my client and colleague Joan Lincoln. Meeting Natalie was like a burst of fresh air. She radiated warmth and vibrancy and was very game to learn more about what colors would be ideal for her. It was no surprise that she absolutely popped in the bright colors and that she jumped right in head first into wearing them. Every time I pop in to the shop, she is shining in some new combination of her colors. She redesigned the store to be organized by color and I find it so easy to find colors for myself and my clients. Read more about her international journey in the world of fashion and color in this month's blog.
January 28, 2025 7 min read
It is a thrill to introduce you to Bright Winter, Bianca Calascibetta founder of UCO, a creative marketing firm. When she enthusiastically called me to schedule a color analysis after seeing another client of mine looking pulled together, I knew I had to get her in for a consultation asap. Her excitement was infectious and it only increased when she saw herself in her colors and out of the drab bronzers and muddy cosmetics she had been wearing. Her BRIGHT personality and dramatic but romantic style suited the bold, saturated colors. When I had the pleasure of helping her edit her closet, I could see that she was used to toning herself down with dull colors so that she didn't stand out. How refreshing to see her in colors and styles that suit her personality and coloring. The affect is harmonious and draws you in. Learn more about her experience and unique insights in this month's blog.
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