I found the London Image Institute in September 2001, and a month later, I was on a plane to Atlanta.

 

The Executive Course was intense and wonderful; it opened up my world and changed the language that I spoke. Lynne and the rest of the team pushed me to look at bigger goals and explore more options than I had imagined doing. I came back to Richmond full of new knowledge and determination. I kept a folder of everything I did along the way and it is wonderful to look back now and see how far I have come.

 

I built my client base by speaking to small organizations like the Christian Women's Club and MOPS Groups. At each event I would give a prize of "time" with me. Each prize led to a referral. I worked part-time for Nordstrom as their first personal shopper in the newly opened Richmond store from July 2003 to January 2005. I met wonderful people and achieved lofty goals. Twenty five percent of my clients continued to work with me after I left them. I feel that working there really gave me an insight into understanding American brands and clothing and it was instrumental in my growth as an image consultant.

 

In January 2005 went full time with Younique, my own Image company and have not looked back since. I found my niche market which is individuals and the relationships that I build with each person. My business has been built on referrals alone, I have never advertised outside of my networking group. I have built a client base of over two hundred, some have used me just once, others multiple times and others work with me on a retainer basis. I also develop and present workshops and seminars for corporations, businesses and networking groups. I love what I do with a passion and I still feel I would do it with no payment at all if I had to! Everyone tells me I don't charge enough!

 

I have to thank Lynne for continuing to encourage me even though I took things very slowly. Two of the greatest pieces of advice I got from Lynne were about strategic alliances and the power of a black jacket. I have just submitted my CIP application and continue to grow as a member of AICI and Lynne's graduate classes.