From Precious
April 10, 2008
Zoe Huskisson | Styling
Style Elite Image Consultancy
www.style-elite.comPrecious: How and when did you come up with the idea of your business?
I have always had a keen interest in fashion and am a true believer in the adage that 'if you look good you feel good.' I was freelancing at a lifestyle magazine and the editor commented on my style and said she would like me to accompany her shopping. We never got around to organising the shopping trip, but I realised that it was a great idea I wanted to pursue as a career.
Precious: What was the route to your business?
Since graduating from The London College of Fashion I have worked in television production and in editorial journalism. I have also styled fashion shoots for various publications including Pride and Hello magazine..
Precious: Tell us a little about your business planning stage.
I am a very creative person and always had a clear idea of what I wanted to do. I knew that failing to plan is planning to fail and in my spare time I researched my competitors and learnt more about the personal shopping/ styling market.
Precious: Did you encounter any setbacks while you were setting up your business?
Convincing potential customers that image consultants are not solely for celebrities but for anyone interested in their appearance..
Precious: Is your family supportive of your business endeavours?
Yes they're happy if I'm happy!
Precious: What do you love most about what you do?
I know it's a cliché but I receive great work satisfaction because I love the way fashion can boost someone's confidence.
Precious: Where did you go for business support?
I received some great advice from The Portobello Business Centre which forced me to think about my short and long term objectives. The internet was also a great source of information including small business directories and networking groups.
Precious: Away from your business how do you relax?
I enjoy traveling and socialising with friends and reading. I recently finished
Paulo Coelho's The Zahir. I would also recommend A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown, an inspirational tale of triumph over adversity..
Precious: Where do you see your business in five years time?
My vision is that personal stylists will become a regular fashion fix and for most people will be like going to the hairdresser or nail technician. I would also like to branch out into corporate styling. In the next five years I would like Style Elite to continue having loyal satisfied customers...
Precious: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start their own business?
Always believe in your idea and never interpret rejection as a negative thing. Being knocked back should spur you on to prove to your critics that you can and will succeed.