Megan Evans, you’re a Certified Image Consultant. Some may think that, this is a pretty easy job. What is entailed in this kind of work and how did you get your start?
It’s definitely not an easy job, because every client is different. I like to work with my clients individually, to help them find their personal style. As a Certified Image Consultant, I am trained to analyze my clients’ body shape and proportions, colors, face shape, and what helps balance all of it, to create a cohesive look and to make them feel like the best, most confident version of themselves.
I got my start, when I used to help friends edit and style their closets for fun. People kept telling me I should do it as a business. After some research, I found the Image Consulting program at FIT in New York and signed up. Between my training and word of mouth, I was able to build my business quickly.
We don’t want to loop the two areas of responsibility together. What are the major differences between a wardrobe stylist and what you do as an image consultant?
The major difference between what I do and a wardrobe stylist, is that I am trained in the science behind fashion and why it works on certain people and not others, rather than on just instincts or personal taste. Not that, that’s a bad thing, because I rely on personal taste as a tool, as well as, all of my technical tools. I also work with real people to help them build their personal wardrobes through closet editing, personal shopping, and styling personal look books. On the other hand, most stylists style only editorial work, red carpet looks, films and TV shows.
What are some challenges that you typically encounter in your line of work and how can this affect the clients that you work with?
The biggest challenge I face, is that everyone’s body is different. So, I’m always on the hunt for the right pieces to fit my clients’ body types, perfectly. Sometimes, it’s that a particular client has gained or lost weight, so their body may have changed shape in between our sessions and that can be a challenge to work with their wardrobe, in a new way. Ultimately, I’m in the service industry. So, dealing with all kinds of different personalities and wardrobe needs can be a challenge, but that’s what makes it interesting and keeps me on my toes.
It’s obvious that a lot of hard work and preparation goes into what you do. What advice do you have for those wanting to get in the business of image consultation?
Practice on friends and family first, to get an understanding of various body types, styles and personal colors. There is a lot more to it than just what you think looks good. There are always underlying reasons as to why something works or doesn’t work. So, do more homework than just reading your fashion magazines.
This sounds like a luxury service that you provide. Do you only work with celebrities and affluent individuals?
Absolutely not. In fact, most of my clients are all everyday people, from stay at home moms to Fortune 500 CEOs. That’s what makes my job so fun, is that I get to help real people build confidence and see how they can maintain a fabulous personal style of their own all within their closet.
There’s nothing more rewarding than a sense of accomplishment. What have been some of your most memorable moments as you’ve assisted others with developing their style and confidence?
There is not one moment in particular, but in general I’m most proud of the relationships I have built with my clients. No matter what job they do or what their home life is like, going through someone’s closet is a very personal and intimate experience, so it’s my job to navigate that. My clients are comfortable enough with me to pretty much open up anything. I have done everything from help clients get promotions, to heal from a painful relationship, all through gaining confidence in their style.
Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to educate us on this avenue of the industry. What more can we expect from you in the near future?
I would love to create a training program for Image Consultants across the country, and even expand to more cities other than Los Angeles, New York, and Charleston South Carolina, where my team and I are now.
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