Sparkle, Solo, and Spectacularly Herself: Sarah McLeod on the Joy of Choosing You

What does it take to come home to yourself? For Sarah McLeod, personal stylist and founder of SJM Styling, the answer involved leaving Sydney's traffic jams behind, returning to Perth's beaches, and embarking on the biggest personal development project of her life: opening a cafe as a single woman building a new life from scratch.In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah takes us through the decades, from the sports-mad kid who expressed herself through bold fashion choices, to navigating university and hospitality careers, to facing family health crises that shaped her perspective on what truly matters.We explore her decision to remain single by choice, the reality of making that work financially and emotionally, and what it really means to build community and friendship in a new chapter of life. Sarah shares the challenges and triumphs of business ownership, the journey to unshakeable self-confidence, and how she discovered that helping women feel spectacular in their clothes was her true calling.This episode is for anyone who's ever wondered if it's too late to start over, if choosing yourself is selfish, or if the life you're building on your own terms is enough. Spoiler: it absolutely is.Topics covered:Growing up with sports as identity and fashion as self-expressionThe reality of single life by choice in your 40sMaking the move from big city to hometownBuilding new friendships and community after 40The personal development crucible of business ownershipFinding confidence through personal stylingLiving by your values and celebrating who you areConnect with Sarah: SJM StylingChapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges05:58 Exploring Teenage Diaries and Personal Growth11:52 High School Experiences and Identity Formation17:54 Fashion and Self-Expression in Adolescence23:58 Body Positivity and Self-Confidence29:55 University Life and Freedom of Expression30:27 Uniforms and Self-Expression31:16 The Transition from High School to University32:46 Choosing a Career Path in Hospitality34:30 Life in Your 30s: Career and Personal Growth37:03 Balancing Personal Life and Career40:36 The Impact of the Sydney Olympics42:05 Returning to Perth: A New Chapter44:08 Finding Balance in Life Choices46:11 Career Changes and New Beginnings49:15 Building a New Life in Perth52:14 Reflections on Personal Growth53:14 Owning a Cafe: Challenges and Rewards59:18 The Struggles of Business Ownership01:02:30 Navigating Friendship and Business Challenges01:06:05 The Journey to Personal Styling01:11:54 Empowering Women Through Fashion01:17:58 The Transformative Power of Self-Image01:29:07 Life Lessons and Personal Mantras Sonnet 4.5 Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Unravelling: The Diary of a Midlife Mess.If something resonated with you today, I’d love to hear your thoughts,  come join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @theglowupguide_au or visit sharonwilkesburt.com for more resources and support.Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you’re enjoying the journey so far!