Chapter 34: Influencer Culture

Welcome to the 34th edition of Behind The Drapes, your exclusive, all-access pass to everything going on behind the scenes at My Authentic Colors. This isn’t just about fashion; it’s about uncovering who you are and expressing that with confidence and joy. Whether you're a longtime color enthusiast or just beginning your style journey, I’m so glad you’re here.

🏡 Studio Updates

New Service

For those who want clarity post Color Analysis, I will be offering an add-on service where you can Personal Shop with me. This Personal Shopping Trip is different from the Personal Shopping Service for the My Authentic Closet Signature Style Package. This is a service where we would meet at a designated location and we go shopping and put your Swatch Wallet to the test. This service we hope gets you feeling confident about going into the stores. :) Pricing and Launch Date Coming Soon.

New Sponsor for Miss Fall River & Miss Bristol County.

I have always been a believer in the pageant industry. In fact, when creating my business plan a year ago, the Miss Massachusetts organization was in my top 5 organizations to partner with. I currently Sponsor Miss New Bedford/Teen, Miss Southeastern Massachusetts/Teen, & Miss Somerset/Teen. So I’m excited to announce that I am a NEW Sponsor for the Miss Fall River/Teen and Miss Bristol County/Teen. Maybe I’ll grow even more and get more involved in the Miss Massachusetts or Miss America Organization.

YWCA Partnership

We are also a partner with the YWCA! We offer 10% discounts to all YWCA Members!

Gift Cards Now Available

Preferred Partner Program

I have recently partnered up with some of my clients who own small businesses to offer My Authentic Colors clients exclusive deals to their businesses! Their clients get 15% off discounts to any of our services! Go check them out below.

Signature Style Packages

Thoughtfully designed to help you align your style with your truest self. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or ready for a complete transformation, there’s a package created just for you:

🔹 POP UP Color Analysis – $130
A quick dive into the hues that highlight your natural beauty.

🔹 MINI Color Analysis – $187
A quick and powerful session to uncover your most flattering shades.

🔹 FULL Color Analysis - My Authentic Colors – $397
A full color analysis experience to help you wear your hues with confidence.

🔹 Align My Style – $750
A combination of color and body shape analysis to help you dress in alignment with your natural beauty.

🔹 Curated Masterpiece – $2500
Includes color and body shape analysis + a full wardrobe audit to elevate what’s already in your closet.

🔹 My Authentic Closet – $5700
The full transformation: color, body shape, wardrobe audit, personal shopping, and a full wardrobe remix.

These packages are more than services, they’re a gateway to confidence, clarity, and authenticity in how you show up every day. If you’ve already receieved a Color Analysis with me, the price will be reduced.

✨ New Travel Policy – Effective September 1st ✨

Beginning September 1st, all private house parties booked with My Authentic Colors will include a travel fee.

🔹 Mileage will be billed at $0.70 per mile (round trip).

🔹 A set travel fee will also apply based on the distance from the My Authentic Colors office to the event location

•    30 minutes or less → $50 travel fee + mileage

    •    30–60 minutes → $100 travel fee + mileage

    •    1–3 hours → $200 travel fee + mileage

    •    3+ hours → $350 travel fee + mileage

⚠️ Please note: All travel fees must be paid in full before our arrival to confirm your event.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to bringing the full My Authentic Colors experience directly to you!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us in our DM’s or email info@myauthenticcolors.com

We’ve launched our Instagram Broadcast Channel! 🎉
Get exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and first looks—straight from us to your inbox. Don’t miss a thing—join the channel now and stay in the loop! 🔗📲 www.instagram.com/my_authentic_colors

Did you know that I was a guest on the Wake Up New Bedford Podcast? I talk about my journey from being a fitness professional to talking about how I started the journey as a Color Analyst. My episode is broken into two parts and you can watch and listen to them down below.

📅 Upcoming Events

We will be doing MINI Color Analysis Consultations at this event.

Today’s Topic: Influencer Culture

Influencer culture is one of those things I think about a lot; probably because I sit right in the middle of it. As an entrepreneur trying to grow a business online, social media is part of the job. But as a person? I’m a lot more selective about what I consume and who I follow.

I don’t think influencer culture is all bad. At its best, it can be inspiring, creative, and genuinely helpful. I’ve discovered brands, ideas, and people I truly admire through social platforms. When someone shares thoughtfully, honestly, and with intention, it shows — and it resonates.

That said, I’m also very aware of what doesn’t sit right with me.

I’m not particularly interested in watching twenty-somethings push a new product every day, linking everything in their lives, or promoting constant overconsumption as if it’s normal or aspirational. The endless “you need this” messaging can start to feel noisy, performative, and disconnected from real life. And as a business owner, it forces you to ask: Is this really how I want my brand to show up?

For me, navigating social media means constantly balancing visibility with authenticity. I want to grow, yes — but not at the expense of my values or my voice. I don’t want to sell for the sake of selling. I want what I share to feel aligned, intentional, and honest, even if that means growing more slowly.

I’m particular about who I follow because I’m particular about what I let influence me. I gravitate toward creators who are thoughtful, transparent, and grounded — people who understand that influence is a responsibility, not just a revenue stream.

Building a business online doesn’t mean you have to blend in or shout the loudest. I truly believe there’s room for brands and creators who choose substance over saturation, and connection over constant promotion.

Call to action:
If you’re navigating this space too — as a consumer, a creator, or a business owner — I’d love to know: who are you choosing to listen to, and why? Be intentional with your follows, your purchases, and your attention. It all shapes the culture we’re part of.

The Weekly Style Note

The Weekly Style Note is a series dedicated to simple, wearable color and style tips you can actually use. Each week, we’ll highlight one idea related to Color or Style. Whether it’s how to style a trending color, make the most of what’s already in your closet, or elevate an everyday outfit with small, thoughtful details. Think of it as a quick style refresh: practical, approachable, and designed to make getting dressed feel easier and more fun.

1-26-26 Style Note: Outfit Proportions and Balance.

Trends come and go, but proportion is what makes an outfit truly work. When something feels off in an outfit, it’s usually not the color or the style—it’s the balance.

Great outfits are built on contrast and intention. Pair loose with fitted to avoid looking swallowed by fabric. Balance cropped pieces with high-waisted bottoms to create structure and length. If something is long and flowy, anchor it with a more tailored element. These small adjustments create harmony in the silhouette and allow your body—not the trend—to lead the look.

When proportion is right, outfits feel effortless, flattering, and confident. That’s why some looks just work—they’re balanced, not trendy.

Brand of the Week

Think of this as your Personal Style navigator. From brand breakdowns to seasonal essentials, I’ve got you covered. Everything you see here is available directly through my ShopMy Storefront, so you can grab your favorites in just a few clicks. Let’s make color your new best friend.

• A quick heads-up: this guide is based on what’s currently available on the brand’s website, combined with my take on seasonal color theory. Product photos can be edited, so colors may look slightly different in person—always double-check with your swatch wallet for the perfect match.

You might notice some seasons get more spotlight than others, or that only neutrals appear for certain palettes. That’s just a reflection of the brand’s current offerings, not a deliberate omission. Alright, with that out of the way, let’s dive into this week’s featured brand:

Athleta

Founded in 1998, Athleta was the first of its kind—a performance brand offering apparel that looked as good as it performed. Because borrowing from the boys wasn’t good enough, we set out to design differently and challenge the status quo. With the twist of a single vowel, a new category was born: an athletic brand that put women first. 

Acquired by Gap, Inc. in 2008, we opened our first store in Mill Valley, California in 2011. In 2016, we launched Athleta’s iconic Power of She platform and debuted Athleta Girl. In 2018, we became a certified B Corp, reinforcing our commitment to use business as a force for good.

SPRING – Fresh, Radiant, Uplifting

🍁 AUTUMN – Rich, Earthy, Grounded

🌊 SUMMER – Cool, Calm, Romantic

❄️ WINTER – Bold, Crisp, Dynamic

☀️ WARM – Radiant, Rich, Inviting.

🌊 COOL – Elegant, Fresh, Refined.

🌑 DEEP – Intense, Powerful, Grounded

☁️ LIGHT – Airy, Delicate, Soft

⚡ BRIGHT – Vivid, Energetic, Playful

🌫️ MUTED – Subtle, Calm, Understated

💸 Discount of the Week

This week, we are giving you a MINI Color Analysis for $97.00

Use code “97” at checkout. This code expires February 2nd at 11:59pm EST.

💌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Thanks for spending time Behind The Drapes. I’ve got so much more in store, and I want your input! Do you have a burning-style question? A favorite color combo? A topic you’d love me to cover next? Email me your ideas at info@myauthenticcolors.com—I’m all ears (and full spectrum lighting).

If you haven’t followed me on Instagram yet, this is where I hang out the most! I’m pretty cool on there if I say so myself.

Until next time, keep shining in your authentic colors. 🌈

With color and care,
Mac Carvalho
CEO, My Authentic Colors