Are you interested in a fashion career but lack the creative ability to be a designer? Are you looking for a home based fashion business that will allow you to indulge you passion for fashion while helping others look their best? Why not consider becoming an image consultant? This article will provide you with an overview to help you become an image consultant.
What is an image consultant?
Image consultants create the persona that their clients present to the world through use of wardrobe, accessories and in some instances makeup.
What does an image consultant do?
As an image consultant you will assess, evaluate and make recommendations to your clients to help them project the image that they want in their personal and professional lives. For example, you may help newly promoted executives dress more professionally or a client who recently lost a large amount of weight, update their look.
As an image consultant you will be responsible for providing your clients with color analysis, style analysis, silhouette analysis, closet auditing, personal shopping, makeovers and more.
Where do image consultants work?
Some image consultants are employed by image consulting firms others are self employed. Image consultants can run their businesses in various ways. If you prefer more personal one-on-one interaction with others you may want to work with individuals or couples. In this case you would likely visit clients in their home and work from your office.
If you prefer public speaking and teaching, you may want to consider starting an image consulting seminar business where you will instruct groups such as corporations or private groups on issues relating to color, hair and clothing choices. These seminars can be conducted at corporate offices, country clubs, hotels etc.
How much do image consultants make?
As an image consultant you can make anywhere from 20,000 to 100,000+ depending on who your clients are, what your rates are and sales of additional items or services such as books, CDs, personal shopping etc.
Who makes a good image consultant?
A good image consultant needs to be patient and genuinely concerned with helping others create change in their lives. Many people that will utilize your services do not have the knowledge and skills that you have when it pertains to fashion, hair, grooming, makeup etc, which is why they are seeking your services in the first place. Secondly, to be a good image consultant you will also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Image consulting is a people business. You must be able to speak effectively, persuasively and confidently with your clients and prospective clients. Lastly, a good image consultant needs to be organized, energetic and willing to network. Your business is only as good as your client list. When you have no clients there is no income. You must be willing to introduce yourself to people and promote your business.
How can I become an image consultant?
Go online and research image consultant training. You will find that there are various platforms for training to become image consultant. One way is to work as an intern or apprentice with an image consultant and gain hands on experience. There are also many web-based training courses, correspondence courses, seminars and downloadable books that provide information and training on becoming an image consultant. While certification is not necessary for becoming an image consultant you can obtain certification through the Association of Image Consultants (AICI).
Tips and Considerations
Study fashion. Keep abreast of the latest fashion, hair and makeup trends. If you work with corporate clients be knowledgeable about current and future corporate culture as it relates to wardrobe and lifestyle.
Research training programs and courses thoroughly. Ask for referrals and speak with other students regarding the value and delivery of the information they were provided.
You are your best advertising. Remember you are in the business of image and presentation. Make sure that you always look your best. You never know where you will meet your next client.
