Finding My Colors: A Journey of Rediscovery and Radiance - by Rita

After several years working in a laboratory—always dressed in a white coat and surrounded by white and grey—I gradually became disconnected from color… and from my personal style.

When I received a promotion that took me out of the lab and into meeting rooms, the lab coat was left behind—and with it, a version of myself.  Suddenly, I found myself asking: “What do I even like to wear?” “How do I want to show up in the world?”

A Wardrobe Without Joy

Every morning, I opened my wardrobe to the same colors: white, beige, black, navy. Getting dressed didn’t excite me—it left me uninspired. And inspiration was something my new role demanded. I felt invisible in my clothes, dull, like I was blending into the background.

How could I inspire others when I didn’t even feel empowered myself?

That’s when my journey began—a journey to rediscover my color palette, reconnect with my identity, and transform my wardrobe into a place that brought me joy.

The First Colour Analysis: A New Beginning

Around that time, I came across color analysis and booked a session with a consultant in my area. I was excited. I had my first analysis, came home with a palette, and thought, “This is it. Problem solved.”

But what I believed was the end turned out to be just the beginning.

The colors I was given were bold, bright, and completely different from the neutrals in my closet. When I started testing them, some worked—but others didn’t. I started to wonder: Was the system flawed? Were these really my colors?

Despite the doubts, a few of those colors made me feel seen—and others began to see me differently, too. That alone convinced me: this was worth exploring further.

Chasing the Perfect Palette

I became determined to find my perfect palette and my season. Over the next two years, I had several analyses done, in different systems. I was told I was a Summer, then a Spring, then a Winter. The inconsistency confused me.

After all, if we go to different doctors, we still expect one diagnosis. Shouldn’t color consultants at least agree on the season, even if their palettes vary?

That was a turning point. I decided I didn’t just want to receive color analysis—I wanted to understand it deeply. I wanted to study the best system I could find and help myself and others connect with the colors that were truly theirs.

Becoming a Consultant… and Still Feeling Lost

I trained in a widely respected system that uses pre-made seasonal palettes. During the course, I was told I was a Winter. I felt like I’d finally found the answer.

I updated my wardrobe, started wearing my new colous, and the compliments came pouring in. People kept asking what I’d changed.

At first, I was thrilled. But after a few months, I started to notice something wasn’t right. The high contrast recommended to me as a Winter felt too harsh. My wardrobe started to feel heavy and dark. Some colors didn’t flatter me at all.

Worse, as I began working with clients using this system, I saw the same inconsistencies I’d experienced—reflected in the color palettes I’d given them.

I felt frustrated. I was closer to my true self, but not quite there. Still, I couldn't let it go. Something inside me said: Keep going. Don’t settle. The answer is out there.

Finding the Missing Piece

I had always known about Suzanne Caygill, the founder of seasonal color analysis. I’d read her book and felt drawn to her philosophy—particularly her belief in custom palettes, tailored to each individual.

If we are all unique, why do so many systems rely on generic, pre-made palettes that don’t fully reflect who we are?

I knew I needed to learn this method—the original approach to seasonal colour analysis, the Caygill way. I needed a mentor who truly understood it.

After much searching, I found Joan. From our very first conversation, I knew she was the one. She had the depth, the warmth, and the expertise I had been looking for. I wanted to learn from her—and I wanted her to help me find my colours.

The Real Transformation

I started training with Joan online, and from day one, it was clear: this was different.

I finally understood why the other systems hadn’t worked. Joan is a true master of color analysis—deeply passionate, incredibly knowledgeable, and a gifted teacher. Her sessions were the highlight of my week. The depth, the clarity, the structure, the personal attention—nothing else compared.

After completing the online foundational training, I travelled to California to work with her in person and have my palette created by her hands.

Joan’s color studio is a dream—like a fabric-filled treasure trove. The sheer variety allowed her to find colors that matched me exactly.

In my case, that was essential. My natural harmony required very specific shades. Creating my palette was a long and meticulous process—but Joan never rushed, never settled. She kept testing this swatch and that until the colors felt right. Not just to her, but to me as well. 

That’s when I finally discovered who I am:

I’m a Radiant Spring

…with a touch of Winter influence.

It all made sense. That Winter edge explained the past diagnoses—but it wasn’t the full picture. My contrast level is medium, which is why the high-contrast Winter look never truly fit. And my Spring nature explained why wearing endless neutrals had left me feeling drained and joyless.

Now, my colors feel like home. They bring me joy, energy, clarity. I feel more like myself than I ever have before.

Joan also created a stunning visual collage to help me see myself reflected in nature. To understand what kind of Spring I truly am. That visual connection brought a deep sense of belonging. It’s a beautiful, powerful way to celebrate who we are—and the beauty we carry.

A Radiant Spring

A New Chapter Begins

Watching Joan work in person and assisting in creating palettes alongside her was an honor. I gained a deep appreciation for the care, intuition, and expertise that go into this art.

This experience was the highlight of my year, and one of the most meaningful memories of my life.

You could say that my journey has finally come to an end—but I don’t believe that anymore. This is not the end. It’s a new beginning.

Now I know how to dress and present myself as my most authentic self. But I also know that personal style—and self-discovery—are ongoing journeys.

The difference now is: I have the right tools and the right mentor to continue evolving.

My Mission Moving Forward

This journey sparked something bigger in me:
A desire to share this transformation with others.
To offer the kind of accurate, soul-aligned color analysis that truly sees people.

I hope my search, my mistakes, and everything I’ve learned can help make this journey easier and more meaningful for others.

Because once you find your colors, you find so much more.

I’m a Radiant Spring.

I have my happy colors.
And I have my Spring mentor, Joan—the sunlight lighting my way.

P.S.   If you live near Geneve, Switzerland, and would love to have a traditional Suzanne Caygill Seasonal Color Analysis, Rita’s seasonal color analysis studio is “coming soon”.