Rosa Hart sits down with Louisville keynote speaker and confidence curator Chris Fulkerson to talk about personal reinvention, empowering women, and the "F Words to Live By" framework she teaches across the country.

In this episode:

How Barbie birthday parties became a symbol of joy and resilience after profound personal loss

The journey from image consulting (closets, fashion shows, feng shui!) to full-time keynote speaking

Why dressing women on the outside can't work if they're not supported on the inside

The "F Words to Live By": Food, Fashion, Fitness, Fun & Friendship

A moving story from a Dress for Success Louisville fashion show that illustrates the power of community and saying yes to yourself

How Toastmasters and the National Speakers Association transformed Chris's speaking career

Dress for Success Louisville's work — including outreach to teachers and rural counties

Timestamps:

1:17 – Meeting through Toastmasters & NSA Louisville

1:38 – The Barbie birthday party origin story

2:17 – Grief and the mindset shift behind the parties

7:00 – Goal: a 100th Barbie party

11:17 – What image consulting really involves

14:45 – The mission: women saying yes to themselves

17:00 – The F Words to Live By framework

20:40 – Self-care is not selfish

22:35 – Breaking cycles of self-sacrifice for our kids

26:00 – Toastmasters & NSA journey

30:20 – The power of storytelling

36:38 – What Chris's business looks like today

38:00 – Dress for Success: "Turning Over a New Leaf" story

44:14 – Dress for Success mobile outreach

46:07 – How to book Chris

47:05 – Wags Pet Therapy & dog fashion show

49:59 – Outro

Find Chris: fwordstoliveby.com

Instagram: @chris_fulkerson

The Lou Review podcast highlights powerful conversations around business, branding, entrepreneurship, and community stories from Louisville and beyond.

We feature inspiring founders, creatives, and leaders sharing real insights, growth strategies, and behind-the-scenes journeys.

Topics Covered:- Business Growth & Marketing- Branding & Creative Strategy- Entrepreneurship & Startups- Local Louisville Stories & CultureSubscribe for weekly podcast episodes and real conversations that matter.

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Connect with host, Rosa Hart on Instagram: @RosaRaves