Do you all devote as much time as you'd like adding to or enhancing your existing skills base?
I'm sure you all have items on your ‘to do' list that keep you focussed on your goals?
Do you always ‘get round to it?'  Perhaps not... This is my story:

Well, as well as running a successful (so far, award winning) image consultancy, I am also studying parttime for my BScHons degree in Psychology with the Open University. I have a few years left to go, but I will achieve it by my 40^th birthday. When I was younger, my parents took me to live in Spain so I missed out on the opportunity to go to Uni - perhaps that's why I rebelled so much during my 20's when I came back to the UK!? Anyway, CPD has always been high on my agenda. I believe it is an essential ingredient for success - however, as success is the journey, not the destination, it is something that will always focus in my life. Whether it is related to my current business or not, I have a thirst for knowledge and the buzz it gives my grey cells and energy levels.

With this mindset, I recently attended a Federation of Image Consultants seminar in London, where the speaker was Brenda Kinsel. She is one of the top image gurus over in the States, so when this opportunity came up, to learn her secrets, I jumped at the chance! What an amazing day...what an amazing woman? She explained how she runs her successful ‘Closet & Personal Shopping' business, which involves lots of repeat business from her loyal clients. Although her client list sounded more affluent and celebrity orientated, the basics message was how her clients really ‘value' her services. Brenda has been a style guru for over 20 years now, and her passion and enthusiasm to translate her client's wishes and make them a reality is what keeps them wanting more of her!

So, I have so many new ideas and will be using these to put together a new menu of Wardrobe Management services for 2009. My job of weeding client's wardrobes sometimes leaves me thinking I haven't finished my job and provided my clients with new outfits - which is why they want me to analyse their wardrobe selection in the first place. I usually allow 3 hours for the initial weed, then leave them with a shopping list of items to add or start making up their capsule wardrobe. This is only the first step - the benefits come with repeat visits, continuously assessing the client's needs and lifestyle. So, with success being a journey, this also applies to helping people with their image...it is ongoing, not a one hit wonder!

That said, image advice lasts a lifetime, so the investment certainly saves you time, money and frustration on your wardrobe and accessories, and ensures you are projecting the best possible ‘you' to others. As my aim is to ‘make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of others', the benefits to the client go well beyond the superficial and financial - this is what sets me apart from other image consultants...I really care about them and my creative side always needs nurturing. Seeing my clients flourish and ‘glow with confidence' makes my heart sing!

Until next time, Fiona x  style2you   mycapsulewardrobe