Let's Get Personal
Health Hurdles
I have been in the image consulting business for many years. Just when the momentum of my business was really kicking into gear, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2012. Something no woman wants to hear. You know, that's a diagnosis that someone else gets. Not you!
For the next year, I underwent 2 surgeries, 4 months of chemotherapy, and 8 weeks of daily radiation. During this time, I gradually lost all my hair and the majority of my eyelashes and eyebrows, along with other side effects.
If you have gone through a serious illness, you know losing your hair can feel pretty traumatic! So I did try and focus on the positive points of my treatments. Like… not having to deal with hair on my legs, underarms, or bikini line (not that I have worn a bikini in the last few decades!!!) My facial peach fuzz went away – yay! Didn't miss the beginnings of the 'womanly' mustache, either. I even tried to make myself feel better by saying, "Well, if I have to go through chemo, the upside would be I'll lose weight!" I know that sounds warped and a bit shallow, but I was trying to be positive. Instead, I gained weight! Ugh!!
But here's the reality. I am very fortunate to be here today and able to share my story. I am so grateful for all the love and kindness that I received from family, friends, and even strangers during this difficult time. That kindness has left a permanent imprint on my heart. I am grateful for all those treatments and caring doctors. It is because of them and all the support I received that I can now say I am cancer-free!
So, why am I sharing all this with you? Because if you are going through something like this, I know how it feels, and it would be my pleasure to help you through some of the challenges you'll face. I know how to find that wig that will make you feel pretty and more confident. If you prefer wearing a hat or scarf, I can teach you the styles that look best with your face shape and coloring. I know makeup tricks that give the appearance of lashes and filled-in brows. I can help you select colors that give you an emotional boost and make clothing suggestions that are both attractive and comfortable to wear. If you don't feel like you have the energy to go shopping, I'll do it for you.
It is so important to practice self-care during these times, and it would be my honor to help you do just that.
Weight Fluctuations
If you are one of those individuals who forget to eat a meal (REALLY?) or have always maintained their ideal weight, I applaud you! No, seriously!! Since Junior High School, when my mother was packing me a lunch with cut-up Oscar Meyer hot dogs, slices of cheese, and apple wedges, I've been an on-again/off-again-dieter. I think I've been on just about every diet on the market. I have probably gained and lost 15-20 lbs. at least a bazillion times. I swore that when I turned 30, I would have my yo-yo dieting behind me forever. I renewed that vow when I turned 40, 50, and even today I'm still a work in progress. I am more at peace with myself now, but…feel I could be just one bowl of ice cream away from that very slippery slope. If this is you… I feel your pain, and I really get it!
What have I learned along the way as an image professional? One, there is a way to dress to look 10 lbs. thinner immediately. Knowing how to wear styles that compliment your assets and camouflage your challenges can work wonders. That is, knowing your body type and the styles that are most flattering to your shape takes the guesswork out of shopping. Understanding that wearing the colors that best suit your skin tone, eyes, and hair color takes dressing and your appearance to a whole new and exciting level. And that carrying that extra bit of weight doesn't have to keep you from looking and feeling fabulous today. No more waiting until…
Knowing how to dress is the magic!
Life Transitions
Are you going back into the dating scene? Are you a stay-at-home parent going back into the workforce? Deciding to change careers? Looking for that promotion? Well, I understand life transitions, as I have gone through many of them myself.
If you said “yes” to any of the above, you might also be thinking…” YIKES! I don't have anything to wear! I haven't had to dress for this type of occasion in a long time!, I need to look the part.” And, you'd be right! According to Brian Tracy, author of the book The Psychology of Achievement, “Many capable men and women are disqualified from job opportunities because they don’t look the part.” That can apply to both your business and personal life.
We all want to make a positive first impression when meeting someone for the first time. Feeling great about your personal appearance can boost your self-esteem and confidence when meeting for a first date, walking into the bosses' office seeking that promotion you deserve, or stepping into the interview of a potential new employer. It's a fact that the way you dress impacts how you feel about yourself and how others will respond to you.
According to a Harvard study, we only have about 3 seconds to make that first impression. The first impression you create is based on: 55% the way you look, 38% the way you physically present yourself (example body language) and only 7% what you say. Okay, I know, I too was taught not to judge a book by its cover, but the reality is we all do it. The clothes you wear can be a great communicator of who you are. Let them work for you.
Your image does matter!