Stories of quiet confidence.
At the centre of our world sits something simple: quiet confidence. The kind that builds over time, shaped by movement, routine, and feeling comfortable in your own skin.
As part of Chelsea in Bloom, we invited a collective of women we admire to explore what confidence means to them. From creativity and entrepreneurship to wellbeing, culture, and connection, each conversation offers a different perspective on the strength found in authenticity and self-assurance.
These stories offer a closer look into the women, ideas, and communities that continue to shape the Varley world.
Lara Mead
Co-Founder & CCO, Varley
What does confidence mean to you today?
I used to think confidence meant feeling capable and having all the answers. Now I see it as something quieter. It’s about resilience, self-trust, and finding ways to still feel like yourself, even in difficult moments. The months after my diagnosis changed how I understood it completely.
I’ve realised that how we look is often deeply tied to how we feel, and when so much is out of your control, holding onto the parts of yourself that still feel familiar becomes incredibly important.
For me now, confidence feels much quieter. It’s about resilience, self-trust, and finding ways to still feel like yourself.
- Lara Mead
How does confidence live within Varley as a brand?
Ben and I created Varley to help women feel comfortable, capable, and confident in their everyday lives. We combined the things we loved in a way that felt authentic to us. That idea of quiet confidence runs through everything we do.
What role do community, support and shared experience play in building confidence?
A huge one. I don’t think confidence exists in isolation; we build it through connection and shared understanding. During some of the hardest moments in my own life, hearing other women speak openly about their experiences gave me strength and comfort. There’s something incredibly powerful about honesty because it reminds people, they’re not alone.
Laura Shepherd
Partnerships Officer, Look Good Feel Better
Confidence can look different for everybody, and thats why we should always remember to be kind to one another.
- Laura Shepherd
Whitney Bromberg Hawkings
Founder, FLOWERBX
What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence means cutting out the noise, staying focused, and keeping my eye on the prize. Instinct is everything. I was filled with self-doubt and plagued by imposter syndrome when I started FLOWERBX, but I have since understood to trust my instincts and to remain authentic and true to the brand that I created.
Has your relationship with confidence changed as your business has grown?
I have learned to trust my gut! It's always right!
How do you lead with confidence while still leaving room for collaboration?
Having an incredible team makes collaboration easy. Hiring talented people who support me and our shared vision for FLOWERBX boosts me to no end.
Having an incredible team makes collaboration easy. Hiring talented people who support me and our shared vision for FLOWERBX boosts me to no end.
- Whitney Bromberg Hawkings
Whitney Bromberg Hawkings
Founder, FLOWERBX
What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence means cutting out the noise, staying focused, and keeping my eye on the prize. Instinct is everything. I was filled with self-doubt and plagued by imposter syndrome when I started FLOWERBX, but I have since understood to trust my instincts and to remain authentic and true to the brand that I created.
Has your relationship with confidence changed as your business has grown?
I have learned to trust my gut! It's always right!
How do you lead with confidence while still leaving room for collaboration?
Having an incredible team makes collaboration easy. Hiring talented people who support me and our shared vision for FLOWERBX boosts me to no end.
Amanda Wakeley OBE
Creative Director, Writer, Commentator, Podcast Host
What does confidence mean to you when it comes to personal style?
Feeling totally relaxed in whatever I have chosen to wear for that particular moment/event.
How can the way we dress change the way we feel?
Seismically … the way we dress can empower us, cocoon us, or even provide a layer of armour.
Amanda Wakeley OBE
Creative Director, Writer, Commentator, Podcast Host
What does confidence mean to you when it comes to personal style?
Feeling totally relaxed in whatever I have chosen to wear for that particular moment/event.
How can the way we dress change the way we feel?
Seismically … the way we dress can empower us, cocoon us, or even provide a layer of armour.
What makes an outfit feel truly confident?
The person wearing it should look completely effortless, relaxed, and happy. There should be no fiddling with the outfit or making adjustments… if the outfit is right the wearer shouldn’t even be that aware of what they are wearing just how good it makes them feel.
What would your advice be to anyone wanting to dress with more confidence?
They could get a copy of my book… Style DNA: how to dress with confidence, launching 25th June.
Confidence comes from knowing yourself.
- Amanda Wakeley
What makes an outfit feel truly confident?
The person wearing it should look completely effortless, relaxed, and happy. There should be no fiddling with the outfit or making adjustments… if the outfit is right the wearer shouldn’t even be that aware of what they are wearing just how good it makes them feel.
What would your advice be to anyone wanting to dress with more confidence?
They could get a copy of my book… Style DNA: how to dress with confidence, launching 25th June.