In a world where presence, communication, and leadership are essential, the right tools can transform how a woman shows up in business. These accessories that enhance a woman entrepreneur’s professional identity aren’t about fashion—they’re functional anchors that support confidence, clarity, and authenticity. From a classic watch that signals focus to meaningful jewelry that expresses personal values, these items help entrepreneurs lead with intention and authority. Below, eight successful women share the accessories that shape their professional identity and strengthen their presence in everyday business interactions.
- Classic Watch Maintains Focus During Client Meetings
- Gold Cuff Reminds Me to Speak With Presence
- Tailored Blazer Projects Professional Real Estate Leadership
- Perfume Creates Invisible Confidence in Business Settings
- Meaningful Rings Tell My Entrepreneurial Story
- Apple Watch Enables Strategic Connection Without Distraction
- Bold Earrings Express Architectural Design Values
- Mental Health Pendant Opens Meaningful Leadership Conversations
Classic Watch Maintains Focus During Client Meetings
My signature piece is a classic analog watch — specifically a sleek steel Rolex Submariner. While everyone else is constantly checking their phones during meetings, I can glance at my wrist to track time without appearing distracted or disengaged.
This became crystal clear during a high-stakes client presentation where we were discussing a $2.3 million portfolio restructure. While other advisors kept pulling out phones to check time, I maintained eye contact and presence throughout the entire 90-minute session. The client later mentioned how “professional and focused” our team appeared compared to previous advisors they’d met with.
The watch also serves as a conversation starter that builds instant credibility. When I’m hosting my weekly Twitter business chats that generate 150MM+ impressions, or speaking at national conferences, people notice quality craftsmanship. It signals that I understand long-term value and investment — exactly what wealth management clients want to see.
Beyond the symbolism, there’s practical psychology at work. That weight on my wrist reminds me to be present and intentional with every interaction. When you’re managing other people’s life savings and appearing on CNBC regularly, that physical anchor keeps you grounded and confident.
Winnie Sun, Executive Producer, ModernMom
Gold Cuff Reminds Me to Speak With Presence
My one signature accessory is a slim, sand-gold cuff with a tiny inside engraving that reads “exhale.” I wear it to every pitch, workshop and negotiation that I’ve led. The weight on my wrist reminds me to slow my breathing, soften my jaw, and speak from steadiness instead of speed. Before I open a meeting, I touch the cuff and take three longer exhales — it’s my quiet ritual that drops me into presence and sets the tone in the room. The simplicity of this cuff also mirrors my brand: clear lines, no clutter, durable over decorative. People often ask about it, which opens a human moment before the agenda and that small connection makes the work sharper and the outcomes better.
Jeanette Brown, Personal and career coach; Founder, Jeanettebrown.net
Tailored Blazer Projects Professional Real Estate Leadership
The accessory that most defines my presence as a woman entrepreneur is my tailored blazer. In real estate, I’m often walking into homes, meeting families, or negotiating contracts, and the blazer represents both preparedness and professionalism. It signals that I’m here to lead with clarity and confidence, whether I’m advising a first-time homebuyer or collaborating with my team.
A well-fitted blazer makes me look more professional in the eyes of my clients, not only as a broker but as an entrepreneur and industry leader. It is something that resonates with the trust people have in me when they’re making one of the most important decisions of their lifetime: purchasing a home. The blazer is intentional, planned, and not something that will ever be outdated, just like the kind of service I have set for my staff.
When I’m mentoring agents or meeting with community partners through Pepine Gives, that same accessory transitions effortlessly. It reminds me that leadership doesn’t always require words; sometimes, presence alone speaks volumes. In the world of houses and investments, people don’t just buy property; they buy confidence, and this piece of attire reinforces mine.
It’s not fashion, it’s identity. The blazer closes the gap between the roles I play: entrepreneur, broker, mentor, and advocate.
Betsy Pepine, Owner and Real Estate Broker, Pepine Realty
Perfume Creates Invisible Confidence in Business Settings
As a perfumer, I am always conscious of scent, on myself as well as others. When I feel I smell good, I naturally feel more confident, especially in business settings where I might be nervous. Scent is like a statement jewelry piece or talisman; you can “anchor” confidence to it, so when you put it on, your body remembers how it feels to stand tall and confident. You don’t see it, but it is felt. For me, it’s a form of self-expression that can communicate confidence before you even speak.
Susan Ankersen, perfumer, Susan James Fragrances LLC
Meaningful Rings Tell My Entrepreneurial Story
One accessory that plays a crucial role in expressing my professional identity is my hands — specifically, the jewelry and nails that adorn them. I wear four capsule rings every day: my engagement ring, two rings that represent my children, and one that symbolizes the peace I’ve found after a turbulent past. Together, they tell my story at a glance.
Since my hands are often visible on camera and during presentations, I’ve also embraced high-quality gel press-on nails as part of my routine. I can have a fresh, polished manicure in 30 minutes every two weeks — something that fits my fast-paced entrepreneurial life far better than salon appointments or time-consuming DIY methods. The subtle, classy details make me feel put-together and confident, and because I talk with my hands a lot, they’ve become an extension of how I show up as a woman entrepreneur: strong, intentional, and refined.
Jennifer Sargeant, Founder, Digital Sargeant
Apple Watch Enables Strategic Connection Without Distraction
I’ve learned that a simple Apple Watch has become my most valuable professional accessory — not for the typical reasons you’d expect.
During board meetings at Sumo Logic when we were preparing for our public offering, I programmed specific vibration patterns for different types of urgent notifications. Marketing campaigns generating leads, investor calls, or critical customer issues each had unique alerts. This let me stay fully present in discussions about our 20% ARR contribution while never missing something that needed immediate attention.
The real game-changer came during a particularly intense fundraising period at LiveAction. I was running between investor meetings while managing our full marketing stack, and the watch let me quickly triage messages without constantly checking my phone. Investors noticed I stayed engaged in conversations rather than being distracted by devices.
Now, when I’m on calls with founders discussing their financial operations, I can discreetly monitor our own marketing metrics and team communications. It’s about being strategically connected without appearing disconnected from the human in front of you.
Maurina Venturelli, Head of GTM, OpStart
Bold Earrings Express Architectural Design Values
I like to wear bold, geometric earrings. They’ve become my signature. Their design comes from architecture, which relates to my work. When I wear them at work, they remind me of what I care about: creativity, sustainability, and good design. People often comment on them, and that helps me make real connections. It’s more than just liking fashion; it’s about carrying a bit of myself with me. That makes me feel confident and true to myself, wherever I am.
Ladina Schöpf, Co-Founder, Building Green Show
Mental Health Pendant Opens Meaningful Leadership Conversations
I always wear a small silver pendant engraved with the mental health awareness symbol, and it serves as both a personal reminder and a conversation starter. As someone who directs a behavioral healthcare organization, the necklace often opens meaningful discussions about advocacy and compassion. I’ve noticed that it softens professional settings, reminding people that leadership can be both empathetic and strong.
Aja Chavez, Executive Director, Mission Prep Healthcare
Conclusion
These eight accessories reveal how intentional choices can strengthen how women lead, communicate, and show up in their industries. Each item—whether practical, symbolic, or expressive—plays a meaningful role in shaping presence and authority. Ultimately, the most powerful accessories that enhance a woman entrepreneur’s professional identity are those that support authenticity, confidence, and connection. When used with purpose, they become tools that elevate not just style, but leadership itself.
