An Interview about Owner Heather Allen:
What interested you in the field of Image Consulting?
Originally, I was drawn to the field of Image Consulting because of my love of fashion. I love the way that a person can change their outlook, persona, and confidence by changing their overall appearance. I have always viewed an individuals look for the day as a personal message about who they are and what they plan to accomplish that day.
Your look sets the tone for what character you will play that day. Will you be a high powered executive? super parent? a top athlete?, a fabulous date?, etc. Whatever your day has in store you create a look to go with this activity.
As an Image Consultant I get the opportunity to help you create these looks, based on what you are doing that day and what path you are taking in this world. Along with the appearance, I can assist you with further enhancing your body language and voice tone.
What sort of training did you have to undergo to become an Image Consultant?
I started my fashion career studying fashion design from Parsons School of Design. While attending school I worked a few internships in the fashion industry as well as a job, which allowed me to explore the vast world of fashion from various angles. Finally, in 2007 I stumbled upon the world of Image Consulting. I was very intrigued by Image Consulting because of the fashion element but even more importantly the practical application and the ability to help a person or company look better thus increasing their confidence.
So I began my Image Consulting education studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and graduating with an advanced certificate from the the London Image Institute, the leading training organization in the image industry.
What types of things did you have to learn to do to become an Image Consultant?
Through this training I learned to assist clients in making the best personal and professional presentation they can make. This requires a thorough look at the clients current status and goals and combining that information with their personal coloring, style, facial and body shape to help them create the best look possible. My clients describe their experience of the consultation as invaluable and one that takes the daily confusion out of personal look. Other consultations include: closet analysis - personal shopping - event dress and speaking engagements. I also learned to take a persons goals and to coach them on ways to achieve these goals. Finally, I learned how to work with organizations as well as companies to teaches seminars in image, professional presence, personal branding, non-verbal communication and business protocol.
I heard you have a business background as well, is this true?
This is true, in addition to my image training I hold a degree in Marketing from Michigan State University. I also have worked many years in sales and marketing. My last position promoted me from a sales coordinator to managing my own team of eight in sales, customer services, and marketing within just one year.
Since Image Consulting is so new is there anything specific that we should look for when choosing an Image Consultant?
Yes, it is important to make sure your Image Consultant is a member of AICI (Association of Image Consultants International) which holds Image Consultants to high level of moral and educational standards.
**Heather has also been noted for her work with charitable organizations including The Shade Tree Womens Shelter and The Junior League of Las Vegas**
