Become An Image Consultant

If you want to become an image consultant, or are considering becoming an image consultant, its helpful to know what to expect. I seem to remember after my initial image training expecting my days to be fairly similar with a mixture of colour analysis and style consultations. However, the reality is that my job as an image consultant is amazingly varied and interesting and no two days are ever the same.

Since a decided to become an image consultant, no two days are the same so it would be difficult for me to write about a day in the life of an image consultant. Instead Ive decided to give you a taste by recording diary-style a whole week of activities.

Monday

What an exhausting day! I had a new client in for the works. Her generous sister had bought her the package for a birthday present. She had informed me on the phone that her sister had put on a lot of weight in recent years, lost her confidence, doesnt seem to buy the right clothes and in her words 'always looks a mess'.

When the lady turned up, she looked scared to death and it took a while to reassure her that it was all going to be a positive experience. After a cup of tea we set to work on her colours. She had had a colour analysis with a different image company in the past so some of her colours were working but rather limited and she was pleased with the extended range. As a hairdresser, she wanted to look inspirational to her clients but her make-up look was a bit dated so we spent the next part of the consultation freshening it up in colours which suit her perfectly and managed to take a few years off her real age of 40.

The style consultation was the biggest revelation to her. She was initially so negative about her body and explained how she felt like a fat, frumpy blob! When I stood her in front of the mirror, however, I saw many positives. At 5 9" this woman was hardly short and dumpy and her broad shoulders gave her good posture. She had a full bust (although, as with so many of my clients, was wearing the wrong bra-size) and shapely legs. Her tummy area was her main problem, but nothing a little careful dressing couldnt solve. I knew I wouldnt have much in her size to try on so had agreed beforehand to pop her into town to try examples of clothes that would work on her body.

The first stop needed to be the lingerie shop for a bra fitting, after which her bust was supported highly and her tummy already looked flatter. After a few more shops her smile was growing and she was beginning to see that her body was not the disaster she thought. Id spent much longer than the consultation should have taken but it was very worthwhile when I saw how far shed come in a day!

Tuesday

I spent today preparing and packing up for a talk at a local doctors surgery which I then delivered this evening. The presentation was for all the staff - reception, doctors and nurses. The session was focused mainly on colour and they wanted to know how to use it at work and play.

We spent some time discussing the kind of impression they wanted to make: welcoming; approachable; clean; hygienic; efficient; professional; and how they could achieve this with colour. I then gave them a practical demonstration of the colours that would suit each of them. We spoke briefly about the importance of body language when dealing with patients and I gave them an idea of what I do in style consultations and presentations, hoping to be asked back. One of the doctors had realised her look wasnt professional enough and booked a style consultation - so, a good days work all round!

Wednesday

Had a personal shopping trip with a previous client today. Having booked me for some wardrobe weeding last week, she now had some spaces to fill. Im sure after her previous consultations with me, shes confident now on what to buy but insists that I find her things she wouldnt have found on her own. We spent three hours selecting everything she could possibly need for her summer wardrobe. Getting paid to spend other peoples money is what I call the perfect job! I even had some time to shop for myself before returning home.

Thursday

I welcomed back a previous client this morning. She rang me last week to say that after many years of colouring her hair she has gone grey. She is one of my oldest, most loyal clients and has used all of my services in the past. After a social catch-up, I re-analyse the colours she can now wear. This lady is very flexible and adapts quickly to change so she quickly understands why and how her new colours work.

I did some paperwork and marketing emails this afternoon as well as posting out some make-up orders that had come in.

Friday

I love my flexible job! No work booked in for today so I was able to go to an aerobics class with my friend this morning and the childrens sports day this afternoon. Looking forward to the make-up party Im running for a clients pre-hen party tomorrow - a good chance to promote my other services and make sales.

So you can see from the above that the life of an image consultant is varied, rewarding and fun. Its flexible and fits in easily with the family. If you would like to find out more about how to become an image consultant, a career in image or what is involved in image training, why not look at the various options available for this exciting career when you become an image consultant.