A Story of Rebirth & Identity
Why Flamingos?
If you've ever wondered why flamingos are everywhere in my world – from my wallpaper to my branding – it’s not just because I love a bit of kitsch pink fabulousness (although I do). Our house is full of them. Friends send me flamingo bits and bobs in the post. I even walked into our wedding ceremony to Pretty Flamingo by Manfred Mann (and yes, we had flamingo cake toppers too – obviously). They’ve become part of my world, part of my business brand, and part of my identity. But it wasn’t always like this.
Flamingos became my symbol of rebirth after a time when life knocked me sideways. I’d spent years blending in, playing small, making myself “acceptable” – at home, in life, even in how I dressed.But when everything fell apart in 2013, I knew it was time to rebuild – not as the muted version of myself I’d become, but as me, unapologetically.
Since then, flamingos have become part of everything I stand for - individuality, standing tall, embracing your true colours, and finding your place within a supportive, fabulous flock.
Because flamingos aren’t born pink – they become pink by nourishing themselves properly and it’s the same for us.
When you feed your soul what it truly needs, that’s when you shine.
My 'Flaming GO! Moment
Back in 2013, life threw me a curveball that completely blindsided me. I was desperately spinning plates, trying to keep everything together... but eventually, it all came crashing down. Maybe you know that feeling? When you're hanging on by your fingertips, until suddenly you just can't anymore.
I needed to rebuild. To rise again. like a phoenix but flamingos became my symbol of rebirth. It all started with expensive pink flamingo wallpaper I couldn’t really afford. It wasn’t just about decorating a wall, it was more about reclaiming my identity.
I’d always loved flamingos and their mid-century, slightly camp, unapologetic vibe. But over 23 years with my ex, I’d dulled myself and my personal taste down. Our home was... well, nice enough, but safe. Bland. Not really reflecting my true style and taste.
After we separated, I decided enough was enough and i was going to reclaim my space in my way. I saw this gloriously pink flamingo wallpaper and just knew. I had to have it. It cost a small fortune that I couldn’t really afford for those three rolls of pure joy, and my sister helped me hang it. A friend quipped that it was a sign - “Flamingo!” or rather, “Flaming GO!” It stuck. Every time I look at that wallpaper that is still looking great on the bedroom wall, I even now get a little buzz over 11 years later.
That was the start of reclaiming me.
Finding My Flamboyance Again
Once I opened the door to the flamingos, they started flocking into my life. (Did you know a group of flamingos is actually called a flamboyance? Perfect!)
You see, somewhere along the way, I'd lost my flamboyance. I’d become so... normal. My wardrobe, my home, even my energy had all gone a bit beige. I felt fat, fed up and frumpy at one particularly low point, completely out of touch with my spark.
Slowly but surely, that started to change.
I dyed my hair magenta. I embraced my love of glitter, pink and leopard print. I stopped trying to blend in and started standing out again. I felt like a flamingo amongst a flock of pigeons, finally recognising my old self again when I looked in the mirror.
Funny thing about flamingos: they’re not born pink. They have to nourish themselves properly to get that stunning plumage. Without feeding themselves the right stuff, they fade. It’s a great reminder, isn’t it? You’ve got to fuel yourself properly, inside and out, to truly shine.
My Flamingo Business (and Spirit Animal)
When I rebranded my business as Lisa Newport Style a few years later, it felt like another layer of shedding the old and stepping into the new. No hiding behind a business name – even though i did love it. Now it was time to be me. Bold. Out there. Claiming my space.
And now, I love that people can’t see a flamingo without thinking of me. This makes me ridiculously happy.
There’s also a lovely bit of synchronicity in flamingos being a spirit animal for people who are open-hearted, creative, and collaborative. They’re emotional, expressive, and thrive best when they belong to a strong, supportive community but always with their individuality intact. That absolutely resonates with me, and with my clients too.
It’s about quality of relationships, not just quantity.
Flamingos: A Deeper Sybolism
When I dug a bit deeper, I found flamingos symbolise:
🦩 Love and passion (Aztec tradition)
🦩 Speaking your truth (Christianity and Judaism)
🦩 Purity, wisdom, and enlightenment (Indian tradition)
🦩 Life, death, rebirth and transformation (Greek mythology)
Honestly, I could’ve cried reading some of that. It felt like such a clear mirror of the journey I’d been on, and the journey so many of my clients are on too. Flamingos have taught me a lot about visibility, self-expression, and why it’s never too late to become the fullest, most fabulous version of yourself.
If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost your spark somewhere along the way, you’re not alone. You know I know what it’s like to blend in, to play small, to feel muted and drab. But you also know that I know what it feels like to reclaim your identity, your colours, and your confidence, one bold step at a time and that I can help you do the same.
Because let’s face it, we don’t just wake up one day fully formed and fabulous after we’ve lost ourselves. It’s a process. Sometimes painful. Sometimes messy. But oh so joyous when you finally start seeing your true colours shining through again, reclaim your identity and align how you show up on the outside with who you are inside.
The shift is life-changing. Every time I see a flamingo, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. From muted and mediocre to vibrant, visible, and unapologetic.
Are you ready to find your flamingo energy too?
The Benefits of Finding Your Flamingo Energy
✅ You become instantly recognisable
Not just well-dressed – fully self-expressed iconic. Your presence lands before you say a word. This opens doors, sparks conversations, and helps you stand out in your industry.
Think: LinkedIn profile that stops people scrolling, walking into a room and owning it, showing up as your brand.
✅ You attract aligned opportunities
When your outer style reflects your inner energy, it creates resonance. People feel your authenticity and magnetism. Clients, collaborators, speaking gigs — they start finding you. You’re no longer invisible or blending in.
✅ You stop wasting time and money
No more panic-buying for events. No more wardrobe meltdowns. No more "maybe this will do" outfits. You know what works, why it works, and how to pull it together. Your wardrobe becomes a streamlined, joy-filled space that supports your goals.
✅ You feel in control of your image
Style becomes a strategic tool, not an afterthought. You stop second-guessing what to wear and start using clothes to amplify your message. It’s leadership energy. Quiet power. Happy high status.
✅ You reclaim your confidence and identity
You feel like yourself again — just a more visible, elevated, expressed version. You show up fully. No more dimming. You experience an energetic shift that makes people take notice and treat you differently, because you’re treating yourself differently.
You Deserve to Shine
SO:
· If you’re feeling a bit meh when you look in the mirror or scroll your own LinkedIn feed...
· If your wardrobe isn’t reflecting the quality of your work or the level of your expertise...
· If you’re playing small, playing safe, or just feel like you’ve lost your sparkle along the way...
It’s time to find your flamingo energy. Not for pink feathers but for the power it gives you.Let’s make sure how you show up is doing the heavy lifting FOR you. Because being brilliant at what you do isn’t enough, you need to look like the go-to, too.
Start your transformation with a ‘GLOW’ Style Strategy Taster Session just £99 to unlock your next level. You deserve to shine.
Fabulous
Leaders
Always
Make an
Impression and
Never
Get
Overlooked
Share this post: