“Styling Tips and Tricks in a New Economy”

The Fashion Group International, FGI, hosted a panel discussion which featured the top Image Consultants and Stylists in San Francisco Bay Area including Sterling Style Academy founder, Michelle T. Sterling.  Audience members asked questions regarding career opportunities in this relatively new industry which, as Ms. Sterling stated, is no more than 20 years old.

“What are the actual job titles a student can expect once they receive the right styling training?” asked one audience member.  Jill Siefert, styling instructor at the Art Institute of San Francisco, discussed corporate opportunities including prop stylist, food stylist, location stylist and creative director for major fashion houses.  Ms. Sterling further expanded the upon the subject by discussing the many consulting positions available as personal shopper, executive stylist, image consultant and personal stylist.  “San Francisco has one of the highest concentrations of stylists in the U.S,” she explained.  Ms. Siefert added by stating, “We welcome the competition!  There is a client for everyone.”

Each panelist discussed their successes and lessons learned in their careers, which further informed the audience on what to expect in a styling career and how to position yourself according to the clients you want to work with.

Teresa Morisco, owner of Wardrobe 911, described her first “Aha!” moment when working with the wife of a man who called for wardrobe help.  She learned that even though some clients express they want change, many aren’t actually ready to adopt needed changes into their wardrobes and, in turn, their lives.  “It is so important to express to each client WHY something works or doesn’t work on them in order for them to move beyond their old habits.”

Ms. Siefert shared an experience of setting boundaries when she explained how she was able to develop a needy, time-consuming client who would contact her at all hours of the day into one of her best repeat business clients who has learned to respect the stylist’s terms.   “This is someone who was once the joke of the office and is now one of the most respected people in her firm when it comes to style.”

Ms. Sterling discussed the client she consulted with earlier the same day.  “He is from Southern California and the CEO of a major swimwear company, and because his background is in corporate finance, he sought out my services because I come from the financial industry as well.”  She further explained his interest in locating a nation wide consultant who could offer follow up services in additional cities including Miami, Los Angeles and New York.

Each stylist also explained what they would be doing if they weren’t an image consultant or a stylist.  Most agreed with Ms. Sterling when she explained that, “For me, there is no plan B.  Failure is not an option.  It’s all about making plan A work.  If you are passionate about your career then it is within your power to harness your talents and create a profitable business that best suits you.”

For more information on training to become a successful image consultant, contact Sterling Style Academy, info@sterlingstyleacademy.com.

-Karri Ann Frerichs-
Admissions Director, Sterling Style Academy