Frequently Asked Questions

The Sterling Style Academy Would Like to Introduce Our Image Consultant Learning Tools and Resources to Become a Wardrobe Consultant, Personal Shopper, and Personal Stylist

Have you been thinking about a career in fashion for years however do not have the time to take a sabbatical from work to attend training?

Are you one of those exceptional people who seek out further training for personal growth and development?

Are you interested in becoming an image consultant, wardrobe consultant, fashion consultant, personal shopper or personal stylist however are not able to make the full investment for training at this time?

If your answer was yes to any of these questions, the solutions can be found in the workbooks and training videos now available in the Sterling Style Boutique.

We encourage you to review 3 of our newest wardrobe consultant, personal shopper, and personal stylist learning tools and resources as well as sample video tutorials:

The Wardrobe Consulting Workbook and Training Video has been developed to get you started in the image consulting industry. We teach you how to mix and match, and cluster outfits for your clients according to the elements and principles of design to create a cohesive wardrobe for your clients.

The Wardrobe Consulting Learning Resource and Training package includes:

  • A 90-minute video tutorial on how to perform an effective Wardrobe and Closet Audit
  • How to organize a client’s closet and build a cohesive wardrobe
  • How to evaluate and understand the needs of your client
  • How to effectively manage client expectations
  • Ways to solve various issues that arise during Wardrobe and Closet Audits
  • Types of Wardrobe and Closet Audits
  • Industry terminology for Wardrobe Consultations and beyond

The Personal Shopping Workbook and Training Video will teach you the ins and outs of a personal shopping career – all while saving you time, money, and stress. Michelle T. Sterling offers her exclusive knowledge of the industry and proven methodology to become a powerful personal shopper and asset to your clientele, particularly when working with men. Start on the road to a successful personal shopping career on your own time.

The Personal Shopping Learning Resource and Training package includes:

  • A 75-minute video tutorial detailing a Personal Shopping Consultation
  • How to work with men and women as a personal shopper
  • Factors to consider when personal shopping and working with clients
  • How to understand your client in order to start shopping
  • How to interpret your client’s personal coloring
  • How to put looks together for your client according to their personal coloring, fashion style, personality, and lifestyle
  • The do’s and don’ts when shopping for men

The Personal Styling Workbook and Training Video will teach you the crucial skill every personal stylist and personal shopper must master — putting together a Look Book for the client. Learn from one of the best in the industry how to present wardrobe recommendations to your client in a professional and cohesive manner.

The Personal Styling Learning Resource and Training package includes:

  • A video tutorial detailing the concepts and thought process behind creating a Look Book
  • Men’s and women’s customizable Look Book templates complete with instructions on how to use the template for your clients
  • A sample men’s case study Look Book featuring outfit selections for the client based on occasion and lifestyle – enabling you to see the final product
  • Detailed instructions on how to add on this service to your clients, how to bill clients for this service, as well as discussion of the organizational process and factors to consider when putting together a Look Book for clients in the professional arena

Shop each of these product offerings for US$497 at

Postage and handling for US or international delivery will be billed in addition to your investment outlined above. Please allow 2 – 3 weeks for your package to arrive.

All Sterling Style Academy training programs and consultant resources are non-refundable and are billed through Global Image Group. The templates from the Sterling Style Academy Sales, Marketing and Business Brand Identity Launch Kit can be translated into your primary language to suit your needs; however the Sales, Marketing and Business Brand Identity Launch Kit workbook can not be translated for reproduction without prior consent of the Sterling Style Academy.

About the Sterling Style Academy

The Sterling Style Academy trains and certifies prospective and aspiring image consultants, personal stylists, and personal shoppers to pursue the career of their dreams.  With 10 annual training courses held throughout the year in New York, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Miami, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, as well as Online Training, Teleclasses, and Short eCourses, the Sterling Style Academy prepares you to become a top notch pioneer in the image consulting, personal shopping, and personal styling industry.  Master the art of image, fashion and style to become a fashion styling expert.  Contact the Sterling Style Academy today to learn how we can help you start a career you are passionate about – shopping and styling!  Like us or become our friend on Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions: Am I Too Old for a Career in Image Consulting?

Frequently Asked Questions, How to Become an Image Consultant?Image Consultant Question:    Hi…I am 50 years old, I have never thought I am too old to learn this until I saw your student age range.  But that still won’t stop me to take the course!   The questions that I have are:

  • 1)  Do we need to pass a test in order to get certificate?
  • 2)  English is my second language, I really like to take one month course, but I also concern my language ability.
  • 3)  I like to find out more about two week certificate course in new york, is there any way i can have two week certificate for coming August  in New York?

Sterling Style Academy Answer: I’d first like to congratulate you on your persistence and determination for your research into the growing Image Consulting industry, and for taking the initiative to seek professional certification. Thank you for reaching out to the Sterling Style Academy for your educational needs.

The age range listed in our materials only reflects those who typically attend. Just this January, in our Miami course, a woman your age from Slovenia graduated and has since added her new specialization to her already established business!

The 4 Week Certification Program in New York is the most beneficial course for international students and those whose second language is English. This course is highly attended from students from around the world, including Asia, Europe, Africa and South America. It offers the most comprehensive hands-on and classroom training to prepare students for success in their desired markets. 

Regarding your questions:
1) There are no right or wrong answers in the fields of Image and Style. Each client you will work with in your career will be different from the next and you will be required to tailor your knowledge to each situation. Therefore, we do not require our students to pass tests. Our students, however, present projects to the class demonstrating their styling skills based on specific case studies.

2) Our 4 Week Program is best geared toward ESL students as it offers the most time for comprehension and absorbing the course material. Students are equipped with the complete curriculum in print and CD form to take with them. Our students are also licensed to utilize our copyrighted industry-proven tools when working with clients. We have just release our Personal Style Evaluation tool in Spanish for graduates to utilize and additional languages are coming soon.

3) The 2.5 week course is the condensed version of the 4 week course and takes place in New York in March-April only. Students may enroll per week in the 4 Week Course in August, however certification in only offered to those who complete the entire training course. Completing 2 weeks of the 4 week course is not equivalent to completing the entire 2 week certification course.

Please do not hesitate to email or phone me with further questions. In the meantime, you will find the following blog articles beneficial:

Ivy League of Image Consultant Training

What is the Typical Image Consultant Salary?

Letter of Recommendation

Best regards,
Karri Ann Frerichs
Admissions Director

About the Sterling Style Academy

The Sterling Style Academy trains and certifies prospective and aspiring image consultants, personal stylists, and personal shoppers to pursue the career of their dreams.  With 10 annual training courses held throughout the year in New York, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Miami, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, as well as Online Training, Teleclasses, and Short eCourses, the Sterling Style Academy prepares you to become a top notch pioneer in the image consulting, personal shopping, and personal styling industry.  Master the art of image, fashion and style to become a fashion styling expert.  Contact the Sterling Style Academy today to learn how we can help you start a career you are passionate about – shopping and styling!  Like us or become our BFF on Facebook.

How To Become An Image Consultant with The Sterling Style Academy

View this informational video on how to become an image consultant or personal shopper featuring the industry expertise of Michelle T. Sterling, AICI, Founder and Training Director of the Sterling Style Academy. Ms. Sterling is interviewed by Karri Ann Frerichs, Admissions Director for new and prospective students of the Sterling Style Academy.

Learn how to become an Image Consultant and Personal Shopper:
- How do I start an Image Consultant Career?
- What salary do Certified Image Consultants earn?
- What does the Image Consulting industry look like?
- What are the benefits of Sterling Style Academy?

About the Sterling Style Academy

The Sterling Style Academy trains and certifies prospective and aspiring image consultants, personal stylists, and personal shoppers to pursue the career of their dreams.  With 10 annual training courses held throughout the year in New York, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Miami, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, as well as Online Training, Teleclasses, and Short eCourses, the Sterling Style Academy prepares you to become a top notch pioneer in the image consulting, personal shopping, and personal styling industry.  Master the art of image, fashion and style to become a fashion styling expert.  Contact the Sterling Style Academy today to learn how we can help you start a career you are passionate about – shopping and styling!  Like us or become our BFF on Facebook.

What is the Typical Image Consultant Salary?

sterling-style-academy-image-consultant-salaryGraduates of the Sterling Style Academy Image Consultant Training Programs can expect to bill a minimum and the equivalent of a US$100 per hour upon completion of our certification program in their respective currencies. Some of our more seasoned Alumni in urban cities like Tokyo within their first 3 years of business charge US$200 per hour for their consulting services.  Therefore if you bill a total of 800 hours annually to your clients at a rate of US$100 per hour, you will make US$80,000.  If you increase your rates to $150 per hour, you will make $120,000.  Our Tokyo certified image consultant graduates bill approximately 2500 hours annually.  We’ll let you do the math.

Therefore there are opportunities in the image consulting industry to live confortably.  If you are confident in your abilities and are able to articulate your services and what it can do for the person you are talking to you, you will be able to charge what you think you are worth – $100, $150, $200 per hour.  The Sterling Style Academy will provide you with the tools you need to become a top-notch image consultant  and obtain the image consultant salary you desire.

Click here to Learn How to Start a Successful Image Consulting Business and Image Consultant Career with the Sterling Style Academy Sales, Marketing, and Business Brand Identity Launch Kit.

For more information about the Sterling Style Academy image consultant training programs and locations, please call us at +1.888.866.8996 or email us.

We welcome you to watch the following video as our Training Director, Image Consultant Michelle T. Sterling, talks about the benefits of image consultant training as well as discusses an image consultant’s salary.  To learn more about our image consultant training programs, we invite you to visit Sterling Style Academy TV.

About the Sterling Style Academy

The Sterling Style Academy trains and certifies prospective and aspiring image consultants, personal stylists, and personal shoppers to pursue the career of their dreams.  With 10 annual training courses held throughout the year in New York, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Miami, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, as well as Online Training, Teleclasses, and Short eCourses, the Sterling Style Academy prepares you to become a top notch pioneer in the image consulting, personal shopping, and personal styling industry.  Master the art of image, fashion and style to become a fashion styling expert.  Contact the Sterling Style Academy today to learn how we can help you start a career you are passionate about – shopping and styling!  Like us or become our BFF on Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions: What Additional Costs are Involved?

Q: From Fresno, California –
”I want to go into business for my self as an image consultant or to work for Global Image Group. I have 2 years experience in the corporate world and network often. I am an FIDM graduate and a former model who competed in beauty pageants. I don’t have former Image Consulting Training, but I have alot of experience with helping people change their look or get ready for an event….
Upon taking the courses will we get to keep materials such as books and certain supplies… assuming that the fess for these things are included in the overall price. If not, what types of supplies are needed and what are the additional cost? Also do you offer help with those wanting to start a business after completing the program? Such as information on how to start up, outside connections, etc.”

A:  Thank you for your interest in Sterling Style Academy.

Become a Personal ShopperBased on your experience, we believe you would be a successful professional working in the fields on Image Consulting, Personal Styling, Personal Shopping, and Executive Presence. Approximately 15% of our IN-CLASS graduates are offered the invitation-only opportunity to enroll in the Apprentice Program which specifically trains consultants to become apart of the Global Image Group team.

Our courses equip students with the knowledge and hands-on training not only to ensure their clients are wardrobed for success, but to also educate their clients on why these styles do or do not serve their best interests, thus making the Image Consultant an invaluable asset to their lives.

Graduates of our courses become Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultants and are licensed to keep and use our course training materials, wardrobe guides, work books, and even the Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultant logo to benefit each consultant’s business marketing efforts. Upon enrollment into one of our courses, each student is provided with a course syllabus including a very detailed glossary of terms and suggested books for further success in the industry.

Three of these books are considered required reading and are necessary for completion of certain training modules. The costs for these books are not included in the course tuition and will cost approximately $200. Other required items are typically those that each student already possesses, including a laptop and basic school supplies such as notebooks, pens, etc. Furthermore, if you choose to enroll in one of our IN-CLASS training courses, such as our 2.5 Week Course in San Francisco, October 5 – 21, 2009, each student is responsible for securing his/her individual room and board accommodations. The Sterling Style Academy is happy to offer preferred suggestions.

Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultants become members of our vast network of international image consultants and are encouraged to network through the Annual Alumni Open Forum and our Alumni Online Network. Best business practices including marketing and public relations are also taught as a part of each training course.

We hope this information answers your questions. Upon reviewing our Course Prospectus, please do not hesitate to email with further questions. We look forward to setting you up for success when launching your career as an Image Consultant, Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper, and Executive Presence Expert.

Best regards,
Karri Ann Frerichs
Admissions Director

Frequently Asked Questions-How successful are New Fashion Consultants?

lots-of-shoesQ.  From Raleigh, North Carolina – I Have a natural talent I would like to refine and make my dream of becoming a Fashion Consultant a reality. I would like to know how successful are Fashion Consultants that begin their own business? Do they normally succeed?

A. The answer truly depends upon the individual’s drive for success.  This industry is just 20 years old and is growing rapidly.  The demand for achieving the right image, professionally and personally, in this economy is more important than ever and the emphasis placed on image in today’s society is even further accentuated through magazines, TV, celebrities and other media outlets.

An Image Consultant with a sense of style but with no former training must work his/her way up through gaining client experience.  However a consultant who is certified by an internationally recognized program not only knows THAT it looks good but can professionally describe shop-w-friendexactly WHY it looks good and what practices may be implemented to create a diversified and sophisticated wardrobe specifically tailored to each client’s lifestyle, body type, budget and career choices.  A consultant who is new to the industry but who is certified may immediately charge a minimum of $50-$75 per hour depending upon his/her location.

We recommend enrollment in our online training program or to our 4 Week Certification Program taking place in New York, August 3 – 28.

Obama Says, “Go Back to School”

Frequently Asked QuestionsAs the economic crisis grows, President Obama has made it easier for students to continue school by increasing Pell Grants and Tax reductions.  Now is the time to further expand your marketability through education and certification.  At The Sterling Style Academy we will teach you not only how to dress the part for a successful job interview in a shrinking job market but also equip you with the skills to build your own business and clientele and become a certified Image Consultant and Personal Shopper.

Courses are taught in 2.5 week, 4 week, and online platforms in 6 major cities including Miami, New York, London, Hong Kong San Francisco, and Dubai.  Receive hands-on training in class or multitask with work or college while training at your own pace through our online courses.  The Sterling Style Academy prepares you for a successful future in the image and style industries.  

Enroll in our Online Certification ProgramEnroll in our first online training module for just $197 to determine that our Academy is the best fit for your professional training needs.  Your investment may be applied toward the training platform of your choice, whether it be the 2.5 week, 4 week, or online certification course!

Take advantage of this opportunity and continue your education with The Sterling Style Academy.

 

About the Sterling Style Academy

The Sterling Style Academy trains and certifies prospective and aspiring image consultants, personal stylists, and personal shoppers to pursue the career of their dreams.  With 10 annual training courses held throughout the year in New York, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Miami, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, as well as Online Training, Teleclasses, and Short eCourses, the Sterling Style Academy prepares you to become a top notch pioneer in the image consulting, personal shopping, and personal styling industry.  Master the art of image, fashion and style to become a fashion styling expert.  Contact the Sterling Style Academy today to learn how we can help you start a career you are passionate about – shopping and styling!  Like us or become our BFF on Facebook.

A Prospective Image Consultant Certification Student

Personal Shopping Skills from Sterling Style AcademyMs. Reynolds,

Thank you for your interest in Sterling Style Academy. We are an internationally recognized institute offering professional training in the fields of Image Consulting, Personal Shopping, Personal Styling and Corporate Consulting. I have attached our Course Prospectus outlining all of our Academy’s benefits, learning tools and accreditations.

Based on your location in Texas, we would like to recommend several course options to best suit your professional needs. We offer a 4 week comprehensive training course in New York, August 3 – 28. This may fit perfectly into your teaching schedule. This course offers our most in-depth training as you will receive one-on-one time with your instructor and will also develop a core group of international peers seeking to launch their consulting careers, just like you. Not only will you receive the in-class training on the theories and practices of style, but you will head out into the shopping districts in Manhattan to practice hand-on personal shopping with your class mates.
Our 2.5 Week Certification Program offers the same in-class and on-location experience with your instructor and fellow classmates but at a more accelerated pace. We offer these courses in Miami, New York and San Francisco.

Online students train with the same curriculum as our on-location students and also become Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultants. You may enroll in one module at a time through our Pay-As-You-Go program. Please note that once you enroll in our entire program up front for your investment of $3247, you save $1150 over the Pay-As-You-Go Program.

The only disadvantages to this training platform are the absence of one-on-one time with your instructor and the relationships you develop with your peers. You also are unable to participate in hands-on training in the field with your class mates through personal shopping exercises. Online students are not eligible for the Apprentice Program, as this is the invitation only course to become a Global Image Group Consultant.

I hope this helps you decide which course best suits your professional training needs. Please read through the attached document to answer your questions and do not hesitate to call or email me with further questions.

-Karri Ann Frerichs-
Sterling Style Academy Admissions Director

About the Sterling Style Academy

The Sterling Style Academy trains and certifies prospective and aspiring image consultants, personal stylists, and personal shoppers to pursue the career of their dreams.  With 10 annual training courses held throughout the year in New York, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Miami, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, as well as Online Training, Teleclasses, and Short eCourses, the Sterling Style Academy prepares you to become a top notch pioneer in the image consulting, personal shopping, and personal styling industry.  Master the art of image, fashion and style to become a fashion styling expert.  Contact the Sterling Style Academy today to learn how we can help you start a career you are passionate about – shopping and styling!  Like us or become our BFF on Facebook.

FAQ #4 – What Are the Benefits of Enrolling in the 5.1 Apprentice Program?

The Apprentice Program trains Sterling Style Academy Certified Image Consultants to join the international team of Global Image Group image consultants and personal shoppers. Those invited to enroll are not only trained on the privileged information regarding Global Image Group’s specific client services and corporate marketing strategies, but each Apprentice also receives licensed marketing materials backed by the power of the Global Image Group brand.Global Image Group

The complete Launch Kit includes:
• Personalized Company Letterhead and Stationary
• Business Cards
• Promotional Brochures
• Post Cards
• Fully Developed, Multi-Page Media Kit
• Global Image Group Consultant Website Development

FAQ #3 – If I Graduate from the Online Program, Am I Eligible for the 5.1 Apprentice Program?

Frequently Asked QuestionsOnly the graduates of the Sterling Style Academy’s on-location courses are invited to enroll in The Apprentice Program. These students interact directly with instructors and fellow students, and it is through the development of these interpersonal relationships that determines which students will be the best fit to join the Global Image Group team of international image consultants.

The Sterling Style Academy has certified over 50 professional image consultants from more than 15 countries through our on-location and online courses. These professionals have moved forward to launch successful image consulting firms or have taken the knowledge gained from our courses to improve their positions in their current careers. And most enroll to also learn the styling skills necessary to improve their own self image along the way.

If you are interested in becoming a Global Image Group consultant, then enrolling in one of our on-location courses is required. However, if you lead a busy schedule and aren’t able to get away, then enroll in our online certification course today!

-Karri Ann Frerichs-
Sterling Style Academy Admissions Director

Share

I would like to receive the course prospectus and updates on what’s happening at the Sterling Style Academy.




Sterling Style Academy