MEET Karen Kaufman

Pioneer image consultant Karen Kaufman has spent her career helping leaders show up with confidence, style and grace. Discover her secrets to making your every impression count in this interview with our new Real Woman of REALM.

Karen Kaufman is someone I share a special history with—way back to the beginning of our careers, when our paths first began to cross. She is one of those rare women who intuitively understands that style is an extension of our inner strength—a powerful visual statement of who we are before we even speak a word. It is a true joy to see how our paths continue to connect all these years later.

Karen is a true pioneer in image consulting and personal styling right here in Philadelphia. Long before “wardrobe curation” became a corporate buzzword, she was teaching ambitious professionals how to align their outer style with their inner substance. As a master stylist, she doesn’t just build outfits; she builds visual identities that unlock true confidence.

What I admire most about Karen is how she completely lives by her own principles. She is a woman who constantly puts her best foot forward, beautifully using her own personal growth and life evolution to guide, style, and elevate the people around her.

Her brilliant approach to showing up with grace is also captured in her book, MAGIC: Making A Good Impression Count On and Off the Golf Course, where she combines a sharp strategic mind with a warm, empowering eye for design.

In my world, Karen is the quintessential Empress—a stylist who teaches others how to design and reign in their space with absolute confidence. I am so honored to introduce her as a Real Woman of REALM.

Ann King Lagos
Founder + Designer
REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry

Q+A with Karen Kaufman

What do you do for work?
I’m President and Co-Founding Principal of KPartners and an entrepreneur devoted to elevating the success of others through their visual, vocal and verbal impact as leaders.

for play?
Competitive golf, painting, travel, walks in nature, learning new things.

for others? (such as a charitable organization dear to your heart)
I feel it’s my civic duty to contribute my time and talent to our community, national treasures and organizations that contribute to accelerating women’s success and impact.

Currently my pro bono and volunteer contributions include Treasurer of Independence National Historical Park, Union League of Philadelphia Veteran’s Mentor Program, Immediate Past Vice Chair for the Forum of Executive Women Foundation and Board Member of Thomas Jefferson University Women’s Board.

As a transformational coach and leadership mentor your motto is “What’s not in your closet is not in your life.” Can you expand on this?
I learned at a young age that one’s appearance communicates more than we realize, and many people underestimate the impact it has on your sense of self, confidence, well-being and the impression we make. It’s often hard to be objective about how to enhance our best assets. I have maximized this talent to offer services that bring out the best in others by amplifying their visual impact and therefore their confidence.

For example, until I was almost 40, I only had work and formal clothes in my closet. When I decided I wanted more “play” in my life, and to expand my life in new ways, I purchased golf clothing and a variety of athleisure wear. Now I have a hobby that has brought me great pleasure, brought me into new networks and circles, and keeps me physically active, challenged and present in beautiful environments. I have never looked back!

Each chapter in your book MAGIC: Making a Good Impression Count On and Off the Golf Course concludes with a reflection you call a “Magical Nugget.” Please share a few examples of these “nuggets” that can transform a person’s personal presence.

• Making a positive impression requires knowledge and preparation. This is true for any sport and business endeavor.
• Taking responsibility for our value and worth will increase personal power.
• Think progress, not perfection.

A core REALM value is to “Reign Thoughtfully”—to be both strong and kind. How does your “MAGIC”-al Kaufman Impression Management System® help women navigate that balance when they are the only woman at the tee or in the boardroom?
Be aware that as the only woman in previously male dominated spaces, we are not only representing ourselves but potential other women at the table. Our proprietary Kaufman Impression Management System® is a powerful tool that gives people a current snapshot of their development and pinpoints their strengths so that they may fully leverage them and identify opportunities for further development.

We love your style! At REALM, we talk about our jewelry and Empresses having a “Classic, Romantic or Rock Star” vibe (sometimes all three). How would you describe your personal style?
Timeless, memorable and distinctive.

Why do you love REALM?
They are pieces that I gravitate to each day that are timeless and appropriate.

What are your favorite pieces of REALM jewelry? Favorite REALM Collection and why?
I like pieces from different collections and love they come in many stone color options like the emerald-green CZ Vert, the deep blue CZ Azure, the red CZ Rouge and classic black CZ Noir. I adore the Mosaic Pavé Stack Rings from the EMPIRE Collection, the Spirit Python Collar & Cuff as well as the Talon Pavé Earrings from the SCEPTRE Collection, and the TRYST Collection’s Jardin Necklace and Tuileries Hoop Earrings for the versatility of the two-tone design.

How did you and Ann meet? What kind of connections did you have then? Now?
We met early in our career as entrepreneurs and have always admired each other.

What does it mean to...
Be Your Own Empress: Stepping into my potential brings new dimensions of myself and personal power to life.
Reign Thoughtfully: Every choice I make matters, because I matter.

CONNECT WITH KAREN

• Email: kk@kpartners.com
• Facebook: karen.kaufman.507
• LinkedIn: karendkaufman
• Website: kpartners.com
• Hashtags: #KPartners #MAGIC #ExecutivePresence