For Caitlin Costello, true wealth comes from having the knowledge and confidence to make financial decisions that support her values and goals. As a successful wardrobe stylist and business owner, she’s learned that financial empowerment is about more than just money—it’s about making choices that create stability and freedom.
Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap
A pivotal moment in Costello’s financial journey came when she decided to leave the security of a full-time job to start her own company. This bold move forced her to completely reimagine her relationship with money, both personally and professionally. “I had to make many financial decisions to make my business happen,” she reflects. As the sole decision-maker, she faces daily questions about budgeting—which have shaped her into a more disciplined and thoughtful financial manager.
Breaking Stereotypes in Style
In an industry often dismissed as superficial, Costello has had to overcome unique challenges. “The barrier I often face is being taken seriously,” she shares. “I am not only a woman but a woman who works in fashion. Because of this, people often assume I don’t know how to do so many things.” Yet she has proven them wrong, skillfully wearing multiple hats as accountant, employer, and legal team for her growing business.
The Evolution of Success
Costello’s early perceptions of success were influenced by material items. However, her journey as an entrepreneur has led her to constantly reevaluate what success means. Today, she defines wealth not by possessions, but by the ability to make informed financial decisions that support her goals and values.
Finding Financial Balance
For Costello, financial success is about striking the right balance between stability and flexibility. She prioritizes essential expenses like her mortgage and healthcare while ensuring she can invest in areas that bring joy—whether that’s dining out with friends, traveling, or maintaining the polished appearance her profession demands. “I often spend more money on clothes and beauty because of my line of work,” she explains, demonstrating how she aligns her financial choices with her professional needs.
The Power of Mentorship
A turning point in Costello’s financial education came through an unexpected connection with Teresa J.W. Bailey, who was initially a client. Their professional relationship evolved into a mentorship that opened Costello’s eyes to an important truth: financial journeys aren’t one-size-fits-all. “Finances aren’t cookie cutter: they are different for everyone,” she recalls Teresa saying, a perspective that validated her unique approach to financial management.
Early Money Lessons
Costello’s financial independence was nurtured from an early age. Her mother and grandmother emphasized the importance of maintaining their own bank accounts, and she learned the value of earning through childhood chores. These early experiences laid the foundation for her current financial mindset.
Looking Forward
Today, Costello describes her relationship with money as a “work in progress,” acknowledging that financial journeys evolve with life’s changes. As a single business owner, she embraces the possibility of future transitions while maintaining focus on her current goals.
Words of Wisdom
For other women on their financial journeys, Costello offers encouraging advice: “It is really scary to go out on your own in anything. Whether buying a house, starting a company, or whatever your financial endeavor may be, I encourage women to ask for help.” She emphasizes the importance of building a support network and starting financial planning early, no matter how small the initial steps may be.
Through her story, Costello exemplifies how embracing financial empowerment while staying true to one’s values and profession can lead to a more authentic and sustainable definition of wealth.
