I do not believe in chance! When my interest in image consulting as a career was aroused through a feature I read in a magazine aboard a Spanish airline in the summer of 2006, or when I found ImageAsia and the London Image Institute shortly after the holiday while searching the web for a consultant to recommend to a friend, I cannot deny the providential hand that had guided my education, experience and even creative inclinations to be aligned to this profession!

Like a “eureka” moment, everything of past, present and future seem to point towards this direction. It made easy the decision to cut corporate ties to enable myself to focus on developing this new career. Though it is, in a sense, new, the idea of helping people look and dress their best is not at all foreign to me as my work experience and training was in the related field of spa, wellness and beauty. I also grew up exposed and actively involved in a family-owned garment manufacturing business. How fortunate that on top of a University education, I was encouraged to take courses at a design school in New York City. Equipped with the knowledge and training on garment construction, fabric suitability and design, styling has become like second nature!

However, talent without commitment is all but vanity and desire devoid of action is nothing but complete waste! The challenge I faced at this point was not only how to get into the business of image consulting but also where to learn the science and language behind the art. I am grateful that technology has made resources readily available and two of my greatest finds are Christina Ong of ImageAsia and Lynne Marks of the London Image Institute. But wait! That was the easy part.

In attending the two-week ImageAsia Training course in Singapore a student who brings along heart and mind to the course will find her learning multiplied tenfold. The wealth of information shared during the course is indeed a bounty and enough to put you on track, if not years ahead in the business. The hard work that is required in completing the portfolio ensures that concepts are nailed down and well demonstrated by the budding expert. But most valuable is the occasion to experience first hand two dedicated mentors and coaches in the field of image consulting which for me, no amount of scholarship or voracious reading can replace. Just as visuals are needed to validate the principles that we aim to impart for the benefit our clients, Christina Ong and Lynne Marks demonstrate well, without pretence, the passion, commitment and high professional standard of image consulting; they are dependable guides.

Elizabeth Francisco has over seven years experience in the beauty and wellness industry, spending the last three as Spa Development Consultant for an upscale retail company. She studied Philosophy at the De La Salle University in Manila and has international spa training and certification. She is an active Rotary International Governor’s spouse and continues to travel extensively. Her company, Image by Design, services professional, corporate and individual clients on color, style and wardrobe.