Can you share with us how you fell in love with Image Consulting?
After a year or so of soul-searching, research, career tests and lots of informational interviews, I landed on the AICI website. On the home page was a description of an image consultant, and that was my “ah-ha” moment. I knew I wanted to help others in a more personal way than I had been to that point in my corporate career. I was very excited, and I could not find a training program fast enough!
To say we are in uncertain times seems to be quite an understatement. What strategies have you been taking to adjust your business for the ‘new normal’?
My marketing has been aimed at selling my virtual shopping and closet management service to new clients and serving existing clients for the season. Since it looks like shopping in person may not happen soon, this system is the new normal for my business. I’ve begun sharing short educational videos on social media, which I hope gives my audience a new way of getting to know me. I am excited to begin virtual color analysis later this year after a four-year hiatus. Lastly, I will be doing monthly 30-minute Zoom 1×1’s in the fall, aimed at teaching basic image information to new clients who may not have the up-front investment for a full service with me. With the current economic pressure on many households, I want to meet new clients where they are, giving them this “bite-sized” option.
The unpredictability surrounding many entrepreneurs and small business owners can cause a bit of stress. What are your favorite ways to foster positivity, destress or unwind at the end of the day?
Sharing positivity through my social media posts helps me feel more positive! My favorite way to start my day with a fresh mindset is yoga on YouTube. Yoga with Adriene is my favorite. The stretching and breathing are immensely helpful. When I can, I love to end my day with a long soak with Epsom salts while listening to hertz 432 music, which is healing to the body. If nothing else, reading something light has helped me take my mind off the news. I’ve recently enjoyed The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz and The Asylum, True Tales of Madness from a Life in Fashion by Simon Doonan. I recommend both!
Beyond what I shared above, I honestly feel like right now is the birth of my company. There have been many starts and stops over the years. But I am glad to be back in Texas with the time to dedicate to my business at last. I am grateful to AICI and to the Chicago chapter for its support!