by ESR Team | Feb 26, 2021 | Image Consulting, Personal Styling
Do you want to turn your passion for fashion and self-esteem into a profession? The image consulting market is only growing today.
In an increasingly fast-paced and changing world, what we can perceive about a person within seconds has become extremely important. In the era of the digitalisation of communication, the weight of verbal communication would be less and less important. It is in this context that the growth of the image consulting market is situated. To feel beautiful is also to see yourself beautiful. And show off. In this age of picture, expert advice on being the best version of yourself is increasingly sought after!
The purpose of the image consultant is to enhance the image of an individual, a brand or a company. He supports his client in relation to his image, restores his confidence and self-esteem. According to a study conducted by Createst, out of 4,000 people surveyed, 79% would be willing to pay for such a service.
To work on your image with an expert is to be in harmony with yourself, it is to gain confidence, to be more confident and to bring out your unique personality. It’s also a way to better communicate with others by sending the right message! The communication sector and professions through image enhancement are currently booming. These professions have never been so trendy, however, there are still few structures sufficiently developed to recruit these new profiles.
It is therefore essential for future consultants to be graduates and thus take part in the development of this sector: today’s graduates will become the leaders of the profession of tomorrow. It is therefore essential that their training organisation gives them the basics to get started in their business. This involves both a specific program to acquire the technical skills of the trade, but also personalised support for the project, throughout the duration of the training as well as after graduation.
The image consultant must master many disciplines: he can advise his clients on colorimetry, morphology, clothing style, hairstyle, make-up, fashion and trends but also provide advice on the mastery of verbal and non-verbal communication ( gestures, posture, etc.). All this while mastering its support through coaching techniques.
He must also meet criteria in terms of human quality (courtesy, thoroughness, attentiveness, etc.). Beyond their professional skills, the image consultant must highlight some of these qualities to differentiate themselves from the competition.
To succeed in this new profession, you have to diversify as much as possible your clientele (individuals and companies) and your activities (by also offering the sale of products for example), acquire a good reputation, make yourself known by all means: the profession is as much commercial as technical.
If the professions of the communication sector by enhancing the image have been booming for some time. These professions, which were still struggling a few years ago to be recognised as such, are now enjoying unprecedented enthusiasm.
If this job interests you and you want to do it seriously, do not hesitate to contact us! Our courses offer international certification (RNCP Level 2 in France / Level 6 in Europe – Bachelor equivalent), this title makes us the school with the best level of learning recognised by the State in the sector of Image Consulting.
So, are you ready for a career in image consulting?
To learn more about our different training formats ⬅️⬅️⬅️ click here
by ESR Team | Jan 28, 2021 | Image Consulting, Personal Styling
First let’s start to define the difference between an image consultant and a personal stylist?
The personal stylist is characterised by the one-off action in the image. It is an isolated and brief action that consists of choosing suitable clothes, taking the client to a hairdresser and makeup artist, perfecting the client’s appearance, for an event or simply for the purpose of responding to his desire.
The image consultant profession is oriented towards individual development; by deeply studying the client’s personality, but also the lifestyle and professional life. Understanding the image goals in both areas and develop them through colour analysis, body shapes, verbal & non verbal communication, styles representation etc… And then applying all of this to the visual identity (by the use of clothing and accessories).
As an image consultant you will also be able to work as personal stylist, the range of jobs opportunities are wider than just becoming personal stylist…
Have you ever thought about becoming an image consultant? Know that this profession is developing more and more in the world. In addition to being a promising activity, it offers flexible hours, different types of activities and the possibility to provide assistance online, in person, individually or in groups.
But, how do you really start this career? Read on and discover 5 tips that will make you more confident and self-confident when entering the image consulting market.
1.Invest in a good training
In the image consulting market, it is common to find courses that offer quick and easy solutions to the trade. The web has a multitude of offers and it is difficult to understand what is really consistent.
Anyone who thinks that a career in image consulting is all about “personal good taste” is wrong. To become an image consultant in addition to using the appropriate techniques and methodologies, it requires a lot of study and commitment.
Therefore, invest in serious and thorough training, with recognised certification, experienced teachers and a methodology that will truly prepare you for the job market
2.Adopt an entrepreneurial attitude
From the moment you decide to become an image consultant, you must adopt an entrepreneurial attitude of performance. In addition to managing your career, you will also be responsible for managing your customer service, attracting your customers, the results of your services, and the reputation of your business. Even if you don’t have employees, seeing yourself as an entrepreneur can expand your possibilities.
But do not worry. Contrary to what many people think, you don’t have to be “born” entrepreneur. Anyone can develop the skills needed to be successful. Therefore, do not limit yourself to finding content related only to the image consulting business. Research entrepreneurship knowledge, read, attend events, and apply for your new career.
3.Use social networks
Use social media to your advantage. They are great allies in the dissemination and visibility of your new business. With a small investment in social media, it is possible to attract new customers and legitimise your business on the internet.
Prepare a content schedule, stand out from the crowd, form partnerships and use all available resources: images, videos and texts. Showcase your services, create campaigns, test, observe, collect feedback from your followers and analyse the market via social media. They are the best way to leverage your business.
4.Get to know yourself and make use of your difference as an image consultant
In the career of image consulting, as in so many other fields, it is important to focus on your core skills, to discover your differences, and thus to value your work. By discovering that in the midst of so many possibilities for action, it is possible to find that niche that will showcase its full potential, in addition to encouraging you, it will give you that energy not to give up.
Do you already know yourself well enough to be able to list your main skills and apply them in the practice of image consulting? If so, you can get started now!
For example, if you like to talk in a group and work with several people at the same time, meetings with retail groups and workshops for women can be more promising and enjoyable formats for your consultations.
On the other hand, if you like and are used to the business environment, you can think of image consulting service packages that can be carried out within these spaces.
5.Practice
In the career of image consulting, practice is essential to consolidate learning and knowledge about the trade. Analysing colours, observing styles, training in active listening, empathy, respect and not judgment, are fundamental practices for success and asserting oneself in the field.
So practice a lot. With friends, family, acquaintances, review, test and adjust. Don’t wait or procrastinate with practice. Even with fear, uncertainty, and insecurity, start. It is very important that you practice during your learning and personal development process.
Familiarise yourself with the domain, participate in professional meetings, exchange ideas with those already active and present on the market and try your luck! Make this happen and understand that, like in any other profession, it takes patience to build a stable and solid career.
The important thing to be a successful image consultant is that you enjoy working with people and understand that, through fashion, you will contribute to the personal and professional development of everyone.
by ESR Team | Dec 21, 2020 | Image Consulting, Fashion
Sustainability is a theme that impregnates our daily life in many aspects and areas. In fact, a revolution is needed in sustainable fashion and in various economic sectors to ensure the survival of the planet’s natural resources.
Ecologically and economically sustainable, socially and culturally diverse ideas, strategies and attitudes also give rise to so-called sustainable fashion.
The fashion industry and the economy, although at a slow pace, are rethinking their production system, with consumers increasingly demanding and sensitive to the issue of sustainability, the industry must adapt to new forms of consumption. It is a fact that this movement and the cultural and global needs demand new ways of doing things and oblige to rethink the processes of the different professions and services.
This, in addition to innovations in existing fields, ends up offering us new professions and new opportunities.
In the field of image consulting, new services and proposals are emerging which align and adapt to this new demand for sustainable fashion.
But what can the sensitive image consultant wish on the subject, in order to propose a new way of consuming?
The image consultant can help his client lead a more sustainable lifestyle:
1. The creation of a “capsule” collection that can be easily combined with each other, allowing the creation of multiple looks with a reduced number of clothes and a minimalist wardrobe, thus avoiding excessive consumption, without experiencing the feeling of being “always dressed the same way”.
2. Support towards a better knowledge of yourself, your tastes and needs, your personality and your goals, this awareness translates into a more conscious choice of clothes and accessories which inevitably leads you to resist to the calls of fast fashion and more reasonable consumption practice. We only buy what really makes sense and reflects our personality and needs.
3. The possibility of reusing old items, discovering them with the eyes of a professional and giving them a new life. Recycling is also an interesting “sustainable fashion” option that the image consultant can offer to his client. However, parts to throw away, in good condition (or because they no longer make sense, do not fit) can be given to charity shop. Often times, people who are not familiar with image consulting think it is giving away your entire wardrobe and buy more…but in fact there is buying less in the image consulting process. It is even an advantage for the client not to have to buy during and after an image consulting session.
But if necessary and when the customer wishes to buy new parts, the purchase being well thought out and privileging the versatile parts for their durability, as well as the longevity of the production process, the image consultant specialised in sustainable fashion can target more ethical, fair and eco-sustainable brands, bringing real added value to its customers.
If each of us, in our daily habits and in our trades and professions, implements a more sustainable and prudent behaviour and attitude, in a world of more than 7 billion people, we could really make a difference!
Buy Less, Choose well, Make it last!
by ESR Team | Dec 5, 2020 | Image Consulting, Coaching, Personal Development
Let’s talk about body shapes…
If you are an image consultant and you come up with a disruptive consulting process, you can’t go through the body shapes analysis stage without a – almost complete – deconstruction of how this service is traditionally done.
This is perhaps one of the most difficult steps for some clients. We are talking here of facing the real mirror, of managing what “can and cannot” dress, of imposed rules that question the beauty of bodies. Here we find the frustration of clients who “dream of wearing a crop top”, but who say they don’t have the ideal body for it. There are many pains and limitations that women have related to their bodies and the possibilities that clothing offers.
When the purpose of the counselling service is to go much further than dressing, guiding self-esteem and self-love, it is essential that everything be re-meant: tools used , approach and active listening. But, in addition, the main thing is to question the need for visual corrections and aesthetic balance for your client.
That’s right, dear consultant. If you wish to breathe new life into this focus, you must also leave aside aesthetic balance, the rules of “lengthening, increasing and decreasing”, and understanding the moment and the relationship of your client with the body silhouette itself. Encouraging them to accept themselves and allowing them to use the items they want, even if it is not the “standard indication” of their body shapes. This is the ideal path for this stage.
Body shapes: learn more about the ESR methodology.
At ESR, our methodology addresses the “mirror technique”. We eliminate the measure and, on the contrary, put our bodily positive band into play. In addition, we listen to the wishes of clients on the wearing of certain pieces, going beyond studies on body shapes. Starting with the teaching that in addition to dressing well, you must first love and accept yourself. We value the positives, deconstruct inaccessible bodies and do our best to deliver what was previously unimaginable for them. And this is our main achievement: a methodology that deconstructs the culture of the label, values differences and reinforces personalisation.
When we choose to be a positive vehicle for transforming the lives of others, our performance begins to make more sense. Giving ourselves self-confidence and true client development is a never-ending road. It is not something easier, on the contrary, it requires a lot of study, dedication, tools and differentiated methodology.
It is a deconstruction and an acceptance which are above all ours. In practice, it’s even more rewarding. We are sure of it and we say it knowingly. ESR is always there to think differently, to do differently and to bring that look that matches our identity.
Discover to the link below to learn more about our online or face-to-face image consulting diploma courses.
Text Vandressa Pretto – Director ECOLE BRASIL
by ESR Team | Nov 26, 2020 | Image Consulting
1 – How to become an image consultant and succeed in your career?
Invest in quality training, complete and with a methodology updated to market demands such as our Image Consulting Master Diploma Course. Another important point is that this courses offers you all the material included so that you can put the content into practice and meet your customers needs.
All of this, of course, without you incurring finance charges that were not planned.
In this case, we advise you to search on the courses of our School which is complete and has material exclusive.
2 – Have a professional support network and be in contact with consultants already active.
They can be great partners for your company, don’t see them as competitors. Have a support to heal all your
professional doubts are very important to you feel secure and find real support for your needs. AT ESR, we have
WhatsApp groups organized by region, with the presence of local ambassadors, experienced consultants, teachers
available for questions and many opportunities to be present. In addition, we offer a free monthly lesson with teachers, grouping students together to answer all doubts they can have. It’s like group mentoring, where you can learn even more with the doubts of colleagues or with the slightest need healed.
3 – Go to practice.
Maybe with family, friends, maybe trade in or charge an initial amount that you feel comfortable with. There’s no how to be an image consultant without “eye training”, “active listening” and so many other skills that require practice to perfect.
There is no way to be an image consultant who only learns theory!
4 – Act differently.
Offer your creative services, stay tuned to your request and work on your social networks. Do not offer just one type of
package or service. Think about different niches such as luxury. How can you operate in retail? What is to serve a group of women through a different dynamic? Think about it.
5 – Make partnerships.
Think about your network and think about the people to whom you can offer your services, or some of them.
Digital influencers whose audience is the same as you may be good partners. How about an exchange of disclosure advice?
This nutritionist you know, how can you partner with her, something different for the network of customers it already has? And the aesthetic you frequent? What can we offer these customers? Make a script via your calendar, your Instagram contacts and your card which are the professionals who best match your target audience and who, in return, they will have potential
customers for you. Book a coffee, talk about your ideas, be open to listen the needs and people’s pain and “_voilá_”!
A promising partnership can emerge during these meetings. It is important to think like an entrepreneur, because from the time you embark on a career as an image consultant, you takes over the “reins” of this new business, even if you are the only employee. And if you’ve never undertaken it, don’t worry, it’s still possible to learn.Roll up your sleeves, don’t be lazy and don’t letting fear stop you, these are great tips to help you on this career path.
At ESR, we offer support in all these stages. We are proud that the students who trusted us and start this incredible journey with us, can get all the help and encouragement they need and are working constantly in this growing market.
Good luck, good deeds and count on us!
Text write by Vandressa Pretto Director of ESR Brazil
Want to discover more about this incredible profession? subscribe to our VIRTUAL OPEN DAY on the 23rd of January 2021.
by ESR Team | Nov 17, 2020 | Fashion, Image Consulting
Does expression of style decrease or become more pronounced with age? Many mature women can end up changing their style due to established labels that women over 60 can’t wear this or that, can’t have long hair, can’t let their hair gray, can’t wear tight clothes, etc. On the other hand, other women know very well how to assert their choices and “offer them” regardless of the opinions of others.
Baby boomer women are often experimenters, pioneers, they have already changed the world a lot (and continue to change). Their consumption habits and orientations are therefore innovative for this age group. Creating fashion for this niche is quite different, as the challenges start with modeling: the body keeps changing. Read shorter torso, enlarged waist, sharp spine curves, lower torso, and often limited movement for health reasons.
Thin and more sensitive skin also requires natural materials, preferably organic. Image and fashion consultants must be attentive to these changes if they are to serve this audience well.
Fabrics are also important points: quality, malleable fabrics, comfortable shoes, practicality when dressing and undressing must prevail. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean the outfit is un styled.
Comfort yes, but with authenticity. The new seniors are a challenge for fashion, because they are demanding consumers, experienced and transformers of habits … After all, Baby Boomer has been transforming the world since the 1960s!
Cliché or not, we see that maturity and financial freedom allow these grandmothers to be themselves, let emerge the deepest aspects of themselves. The clothes have been a beautiful way of expressing to the world how beautiful, elegant, happy they feel in life, with themselves, with the choices they have made or still make today. More and more this generation, once “forgotten” by the fashion industry, by the youngest, is now integrating us into this wonderful world of knowledge, power, wisdom presented to us by advanced style.
