Leah Gust is more than a personal stylist—she’s a confidence architect. With nearly 20 years in commercial and editorial styling, Leah now empowers individuals to own their look and align their wardrobe with their personal and professional brand. She helps her clients make an authentic impression in under seven seconds—the amount of time it takes to form a first impression. Leah believes that what we wear shapes how we feel, and how we show up. Her mission? To make sure you walk into every room looking and feeling like the most aligned version of yourself.

What Inspired the Business

After two decades behind the scenes of high-impact styling projects, Leah knew she wanted to bring that same transformation to individuals on a more personal level. Her own story speaks volumes about the power of an aligned wardrobe. What started as a passion project evolved into a calling—helping others elevate their personal style to reflect their true selves. For Leah, a good fit doesn’t just flatter—it empowers.

How BACD Helped

Launching a business can feel like juggling a dozen puzzle pieces. Leah turned to the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) to help bring clarity to the chaos. She then joined the Starter Company Plus program (funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade), she received tailored mentorship, expert-led workshops, and access to funding that became a launchpad for her evergreen marketing funnel and newly designed website.

“Without my advisor, I wouldn’t have known how to optimize my Google Business Profile or fully grasp the importance of networking,” Leah shares. “They helped me turn overwhelm into action.”

Business Growth & Impact

Leah’s business is already turning a profit in its first year—a major milestone that she credits to the strategic insights and support from BACD. From sharpening her business plan to confidently identifying her target audience, Leah now has the systems in place to build lasting relationships and long-term growth.

She continues to expand her reach through Google, LinkedIn, and face-to-face networking. Her studio sessions are gaining attention, and her calendar is filling with clients ready to discover their signature style.

Marketing That Works

Leah has leaned heavily on:

• Networking – both online and in-person
• Google Business Profile – a consistent driver of leads
• LinkedIn – for visibility and thought leadership

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Book a meeting with a BACD advisor. Take the workshops. So much of entrepreneurship is about what you don’t know yet. A solid plan is just the start—you need practical skills and a whole lot of hard work to bring it to life.”

Final Thoughts

“I can say with 100% certainty, I would not have the connections, confidence, or success I have today without BACD. They’ve been with me every step of the way—and continue to be part of my journey.”