Tell us what you did before image consultancy?
Before image consultancy I looked how how IT could be used to improve business processes. I still do this work alongside my image consultancy business. I find there are a large number of similarities – both are based on science with a little bit of creative flair and both involve working with people. I love how thinking about one area can stimulate ideas for the other and vice versa.
What made you choose to become an image consultant? What drew you to it?
I was never very stylish growing up. My family friends would have voted me the last person they thought would be an image consultant. When I found out about the science behind it, it suddenly all made sense. As I found out little and my style improved, I wanted to know more for myself. Once I finished my training and friends started requesting my advice, I released that I could help other people too. I love helping and coaching people so becoming an image consultant and using my skills was an obvious next step.
What made you decide that it was time to do your training and take up this new career?
I started to go grey and lightened my hair to avoid the regrowth showing as much. Overnight clothes that looked okay on me before looked terrible so I realised that I needed to learn more for myself. The rest, as they say, is history.
What are you passionate about?
Science, growing as a person and challenging myself, the environment, and helping others to be their best.
Who do you most enjoy working with? How do you love to help them?
Everyone! I have worked with children as young as 7, retirees, men and women. They are all different and I love the variety. Helping people choose what to wear for special occasions is very rewarding.
I offer colour consultations, body shape analysis, wardrobe audits and shopping help.
Of these my favourite is wardrobe audits. They bring everything else together and make image consultancy come alive. Helping people go from a cluttered closet to a wardrobe that works for them, helping them see the gaps in their wardrobe and prioritise their shopping, and most of all seeing their face light up when they see new new ideas on how to use their existing clothes is incredibly rewarding.
How does having a good image help people in their lives?
He biggest change I see in my clients is an increase in confidence. Wearing flattering clothing shows that you respect yourself, which means that others respect you more, which leads to more confidence. It’s a positive reinforcement cycle.
How can you help people create a more impactful and relevant image for themselves?
Helping people understand themselves and how they want to be perceived is a huge part in this. Another part is understanding societal norms and the two work together. I usually include this as part of a wardrobe audit.
The final part is in teaching clients how to use the information they are given. For example, I always include training in how to recognise colours as part of a regular colour consultation. I have found very few people who can pick out their colours when first given a swatch. I also offer a Facebook support group so that if people want advice on how to apply anything they have learnt, they know they aren’t alone.
