Getting to Know our Style Expert
Being your own boss: why did you do it?
After many years of working in the retail industry, mostly as a manager, I grew tired of the unsociable hours and the falling standards of customer service. My efforts were not being matched by just rewards, both financially and emotionally, from my employers. How many Christmas Eve’s and late nights did I spend putting on the sale? Not to mention having to work bank holidays too. No work/life balance! It was time for a change, but nothing too far away from what I was doing – selling stylish and fashionable clothes. At first, my idea was to go freelance as a Personal Shopper, but then after researching the role, realised that I could make this transition more than just another job – I could educate people about the power of colour, finally guide them to the best clothes to flatter their body shape (rather than be stuck to selling the brand I was working for!), help them de-clutter their life by showing them how to prune their existing cupboards and enjoy the benefits of a capsule wardrobe – and then take them shopping with a carefully devised list....style2you was born February 2007. What’s good about being your own boss? I am no stranger to being my own boss....when I was 19 and living in Spain, I had my own boutique selling womenswear. This was my first experience of sales and customer service. The Spanish sales culture taught me the importance of how ‘people buy from people’. (This no doubt contributed to my retail guru status!) As a self-motivated individual I have no problem with picking up an idea and making it happen! Although the retail environment demands a certain amount of creativity – from visual merchandising to keeping your staff upbeat and productive – I found the structure quite stifling. So I did my image training, got certificated and achieved my professional Federation accreditation. These, coupled with my existing skills enable me to provide a more congruent service to my clients – and make a difference to their confidence and wellbeing. My job satisfaction now, is so much more than economics...the feel good factor I get when a client tells me of the compliments they get and report increased levels of self-esteem, makes my heart sing and reinforces that I am doing the job I was born to do! Why did you choose to be an autonomous Image Consultancy brand (rather than take on a well known franchise like Colour Me Beautiful or First Impressions)? Not being a fan of structure, I like bespoke rules. Whilst the benefits of taking on a franchise make brand recognition, administration and marketing easier, it would have made me territorial and not stretched me out of my comfort zone. I would be closed to certain opportunities and my mission “to help everyone feel good about themselves” would have been compromised. My decision to set up my own business and brand was therefore the right one and style2you now provides the balance I was seeking at the outset. I chose a fantastic training provider, who herself is actually a Fellow member of TFIC, so I knew the industry experience and quality I wanted for my company going forward was there. What makes you a success? Being true to myself, my life’s purpose and having a ‘can do’ attitude. I believe success is a journey, not a destination. Whilst I strive to teach others how to be more happy and accepting of their bodies, I’m also trying to make the most of what I have on a daily basis, by being an ambassador for the ‘real woman’. I would also attribute using the psychology of colour and law of attraction to keeping me supplied with like-minded people who appreciate the importance of first impressions, want to express their individuality via the clothes they wear, and directly influence their feeling of wellbeing (and their own bottom line – business wise!). How do you do work/life balance? When you are so passionate about your ‘work’ it can become your life, so this is a tricky one! I don’t have children, but a patient husband who knows how important my purpose is. I am also studying for a degree in Psychology, which I am on track to achieve before I am 40. Having said that, shopping is still a pleasurable past time – even for myself – as I only buy what suits my colouring, my body shape, my wardrobe personality, my lifestyle and my budget. We have a lovely large garden which takes up a lot of time and attention at weekends, however, it’s an endless source of pleasure – especially when you are eating your own organic produce and have a house full of hand picked flowers! So what makes you happy? Not ‘things’. Knowing that I create my own experience, am a master of my own thoughts and that life rewards action does. Sounds very clichéd but it works for me. Life is short but is full of lessons...helping make us the people we choose to be. Why do you keep doing it? I love a challenge. Each client is unique with their own image dilemmas. Not liking to introduce myself as an image consultant, I prefer to say “I help people feel good about themselves”. This is more in tune with the end result (or rather the start of their journey of discovery!) I’m essentially a match maker. I match people with the image that reflects the ‘real’ them. This might be a ‘yummy mummy’, a ‘fab 40+’ or a ‘slimming stunner’ after weight loss. Helping people maximise their potential, and seeing them flourish is addictive. I’m just a feel-good-junkie! What’s your advice for other women? As most of us females acknowledge, the outside view of ourselves echoes the inside, but the inside also affects the outside. By empowering women to embrace their uniqueness and showing them some easy colour and styling tips to look taller, slimmer, younger and well groomed, they will “glow with confidence”. This feeling will help them connect with others and conquer the world! Professionally, socially or even romantically. What do you value? Appreciative relationships – professional as well as personal. Through women’s networking I have met some fantastic characters and made lasting friendships. It has also brought me many rewards, beyond the financial. This is also true of my client relationships. Now you may understand a little more about why life has me on this valuable journey? View Fiona's profile here |
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