Personal style is unique to everyone & it focuses more on one’s personality. It's not like one style fits all. An individual has to go through a process of understanding their personality, values, likes, and dislikes, and what message they want to communicate to the world through their persona.
1. Tell us about your background and
journey.
It all began six years ago when I started my fashion blog only as a hobby. Fashion & style is usually labelled as wearing fancy clothes to look good, but there is a lot more to it. While I was on this journey, I felt the need to develop my personal style that aligns with my personality and is authentic to me.
When I searched about it online, all I could find were fancy trends, hacks, and even various styles which aren’t practical to wear in real life. With all the knowledge that I had gained over years, I was already helping a lot of women to dress better through my Instagram & otherwise.
Now, it was time to level up my expertise. Hence,
I decided to learn about image consulting and style in depth. I have trained
more than 1000 women to develop their style as per their body shape, and feel
confident & happy in their clothes. This has helped them feel comfortable
about the image they portray to the world. It’s not what you wear but how you
wear it matters the most.
2 . What are the qualities that an image
consultant needs to be successful?
First and foremost, an image consultant needs to have a keen interest in fashion and style & an in-depth understanding of the field just like any other profession demands. There may be a certain picture painted in others’ eyes that fashion & style is about wearing clothes to create ‘fun’ looks.
However, being an image consultant requires one to have a professional image with a focus on their goal while consulting their clients. With that, a good eye for detail is a must to be able to differentiate between various prints & patterns, fabrics, their quality and so much more alongside good observation skills to guide their clients well.
If an image consultant is keen on helping people, it can make working with clients easy and free-flowing. There’s a client everywhere, it’s about using social gatherings as opportunities by excellently marketing yourself.
3. How do you adapt to a new working
environment as an image consultant?
I have been conducting online sessions since I started image consulting for women so my working environment hasn’t changed a lot for me. As an image consultant, my job is to help women elevate their style and I can do so effortlessly through my virtual sessions. It also makes the whole process of reaching out & consulting me convenient for my clients as they’re in the comfort of their homes.
4. What techniques and tools do you use
to keep yourself organised as an image consultant?
As a person, I am quite organised and disciplined which is why I believe in setting short-term goals and focus on what’s important. To achieve these goals, I create a to-do list and aim to complete 90 percent of the tasks by the end of the day.
Alongside that, I keep my calendar updated at all times which helps me manage time effectively. If there are any changes in my consulting schedules, I keep my clients informed in advance. I follow these techniques consistently which in turn helps me achieve my long-term goals.
5. What are some clothing staples you
recommend for someone in their first job?
First jobs are always exciting but what is to be worn always remains a question mark for many. To begin with, you can wear a well-fitted and comfortable pair of trousers, crisp pinstripe or solid shirts, a blazer (if the job demands it), closed-toe footwear, and a structured handbag.
As for Indian wear, a collared kurta with cigarette pants and basic flats gives you a confident look for your first job. Make sure your clothes are ironed at all times to create a respectable image at your workplace. When you dress well & work hard, opportunities are sure to reach your desk.
6. What
fashion advice can you offer to make a work outfit more interesting?
Generic looks can get monotonous. To add some spark to your look, select shirts or blouses with delicate and subtle feminine elements like pleats or gentle ruffles. Get creative with prints and colors, however, avoid something that is bold or too much in the eye. Choose minimal gold accessories and don’t forget your watch.
7. How can
someone find their own personal and unique style?
Personal style is unique to everyone & it focuses more on one’s personality. It's not like one style fits all. An individual has to go through a process of understanding their personality, values, likes, and dislikes, and what message they want to communicate to the world through their persona.
When they understand what image
they want to project, the next step is the selection of clothes that flatter
the best features of their body shape, speak more about them, and revolve
around what kind of person they really are.
That makes style
personal to oneself is why it’s called personal style.
Bio-
Hi, I am Komal Marathe from Thane, Maharashtra. I am an image consultant and soft skills trainer by profession. I completed my image consulting from ICBI (Image Consulting Business Institute). I have conducted numerous one-on-one personal style consultations and corporate styling workshops at various companies. I have successfully trained more than 1000 women to develop their style, to feel confident & happy in their clothes.
People we have trained work at
- Godrej & Boyce
- CIA Glocal Ventures
- TCS
- Micro Labs
- Cardinal Health
- Cisco System
- MET Institute
- VET Institute of Arts and science
Interviewed By - Mrunalini Karale
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