Tell us what you did before image consultancy?
Before becoming an image consultant, I was a high school teacher. I taught English, German and Maths and absolutely loved it. I love seeing someone’s face light up when they learn something new and it fills them with wonder.
What made you choose to become an image consultant? What drew you to it?
My grandmother always looked ever so “well put together”. She dressed and accessorised in a way that put everyone around her to shame. After she passed away and we went through her things, we were surprised to learn that her clothes and jewellery were really quite inexpensive. I then realised that she just had a knack for wearing the right colours and styles, and putting great outfits together, and wondered if I could do that too.
Then, when a close friend of mine enrolled in a course in image consulting, she made a habit of coming over to my house every afternoon after her class to practice her new-found skills – draping me with colour, showing me my best styles etc. This impromptu “second-hand style course” piqued my interest, and I started reading books on style and colour to learn more about the subject.
What made you decide that it was time to do your training and take up this new career?
After moving to Australia in 2006 with a busy 2-year-old in tow, the cost of childcare made teaching a less viable option. I spent about a year working in fashion retail, where I discovered that I was able to advise women on which colours and styles suited them best. I did not earn much commission for volume of sales, because I was too honest with my customers and would tell them if I thought a garment didn’t look good on them.
This is when I had an “aha” moment; perhaps I could do image consulting and earn a living from that instead of being a mediocre sales assistant or an overworked teacher! I started looking for training and came across Imogen Lamport after a long and frustrating search for a colour system that made sense to me. I enrolled immediately and completed my colour training in 2010, and style training in 2011.
What are you passionate about?
I am still passionate about teaching, which is really what we do as image consultants!
I also feel strongly about the environment, and the negative impact the fast fashion industry has on it, which is why I sew a lot of my own clothes, and buy second hand where possible. I also encourage my clients to build a coordinating wardrobe of good quality items, so that they are able to spend less time and money shopping for clothes, and yet have more wonderful outfits to wear.
Who do you most enjoy working with? How do you love to help them?
I love working with women who are transitioning in some aspect in their lives, whether it is applying for a new job, finding their confidence after a bad relationship, or even just getting older. I love walking with them for a little while on their new path, helping them feel supported, encouraged and empowered.
How does having a good image help people in their lives?
Life can be challenging for anyone. Just knowing that you are stepping out looking your best can give people the confidence they need to face everyday challenges. Also, having an outward appearance that is consistent with your values and personality traits can bring a clarity to other people’s perception of you and help you communicate your needs and goals better.
How can you help people create a more impactful and relevant image for themselves?
Teaching my clients the basic tenets of colour and style – and how it applies to them as individuals – helps them to look objectively at their own colouring, shape and style personality, thereby removing self-judgement and introducing the power to control their own image. This in itself is enough to elevate their level of self-confidence to the degree that it can make a lasting impact in their life, both personally and professionally.
