TIO EXCLUSIVE
Avani Singh is a Style Coach – Image Consultant, Stylist and Life Coach. She has done her training from Style Coaching Institute, London. Also, she has apprenticed with the best Celebrity Stylist, Style Strategist and Style Architect of India, Ami Patel where she got the opportunity to work with celebs like Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Isha Ambani, Kangana Ranaut, Katrina Kaif, Madhuri Dixit, Fatima Sheikh, Ananya Pandey and many others. In addition to this, Avani holds certification from Cambridge University, UK in Business English Communication.
Our team had an exclusive interview to know more about her work.
How would you describe what you do?
I am a professional Image Consultant and a Stylist .As per Style Coaching Institute ,London from where I did my training , I am India’s youngest licensed Style Coach™️ .I work with men and women to enhance their personal and professional image. I assist them with their wardrobe, teaching them how to dress for success and guide them with business etiquette and communication so they can develop their skills for a better and confident communication. As Style Coaching is a holistic approach,I work with my clients from the inside out focusing on both their outer and inner selves, says Avani Singh
What does your work entail?
When I work with an individual I start with a consultation finding out their needs and concerns. From that fact-finding phase, I will be able to determine what services they will need and a plan is made. The service may start with a colour analysis determining what colours look best on them. We may then work with their current wardrobe and do a closet edit. A list is then made for a day of personal shopping. We may also schedule coaching sessions for their personal development. When a corporate client contacts me I start with a questionnaire about the company needs and what type of presentation is best. I usually then will draw up a proposal and meet with the decision maker to discuss if they are in my area. Otherwise we discuss over the phone or Any Video Calling application.
What education, schooling, or skills are needed to do this?
The more experience you have the better. Having a sense of style and a keen eye for colour is paramount. Having a good head for business and how to deal with people is key too. Working in same type of fashion field will be of service to you. Taking a course in image and fashion consulting is a must.
*What do you like about what you do?
I help people achieve their dreams and feel good about themselves . I have the power to make them happy and live a more fulfilled life. And we all can agree that happiness is quite expensive these days. So to answer your question, I like that I’m able to change people’s lives for good.
What’s a typical work week like?
Every week varies. That is why I love having my own business. Some weeks are juggling clients to complete their image makeover, other weeks may be preparing for a corporate presentation. There are various weeks throughout the year when I Take probing sessions over social media or training classes at my corporate client’s offices. Also, a day does not go by that I do not do a marketing activity, which is the lifeblood of every small business.
Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond the call of duty. What was the outcome?
While my interning days with Ami Patel at Style by Ami, there was a very important function of India’s richest family and I had my exams during those days. And for the client’s marriage I had to work day in day out and reached just a few hours before my examination after completing my work in a different city.
How did you handle a situation where a corporate client failed to communicate about an important matter to you? How was the situation resolved?
This has never happened with me as yet But I would like to tell that communicating everything about yourself in the Sessions is a very important thing because based on the information we get from our clients is what helps us make everything better for the client. And like other professions, this too is a non-disclosure programme in which the information that we get from a client stays only to us and it does not go out anywhere else.
How did you manage a situation where a client didn’t agree with your methods?
All the clients that I worked with till today have been very supportive and kind to me. And like in the previous question I told it is very important for a client to trust us and be convinced with our methods.
What methods do you use to assess a new client when ascertaining their personal or professional goals?
My training program has duration of minimum one month to a maximum of three months. And before enrolling into a programs we usually give set of questionnaire that helps us gain all the knowledge about our client. And based on the information that a client shares through the questionnaire, we assess and analyse the personal and professional goals. This indicates the client’s ability to interpret and it’s needs effectively.
What is most challenging about what you do?
Setting realist goals are very important and sometimes clients may confuse a style coach with a magician. So the most challenging part of my job is to help a client target on realistic goals.
How much time off do you get/take?
Can you hear me laugh? I am a bit of a workaholic. I am always doing something business oriented even on so called ‘off days”. I love to work, so I do not take much more than 5 days off at a time. I work many of the major Monday holidays since stores are open and my clients have the day off.
STYLED BY AVANI SINGH
How do you make money/or how are you compensated?
It varies depending on how many clients and corporate speaking engagements I have during the year. Compensation is calculated by what services the individual client needs. Speaking engagements are based on a fee determined after a discovery session of client needs.
What is most rewarding?
Having clients tell me of their successes. I love to hear about the compliments they are receiving about their new enhanced image. And I get excited if they get a promotion or new job. I know I make a difference for my clients and a smiling, happy client is worth his/her weight in gold.
What do you dislike?
Time logistics of getting around Mumbai and New Delhi with my clients. You need to have plan A, B, C and D.
What else would you like people to know about your job/career?
I know this sounds cliché, but you must love what you do, or what’s the point! I am constantly learning and evolving. I sacrificed a lot over the years and most of the time it was well worth it. Always keep up on technology no matter what you are doing. It is how business is going to survive.
What are your goals/dreams for the future?
I would love to have my own TV show one day like The Ellen show , because I think I have a good sense of humour; and maybe my own line of clothing and accessories. I have great ideas and would love to see them come to fruition working with the right people.
What advice would you offer someone considering this career?
You must be well trained in the image service/services you are going to be providing. Clients come to image consultants in distress and having excellent training will help you guide them to their full image potential. Also figure out who is your ideal client and try to niche yourself.
What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
People think that styling and image consultancy is just for the rich and famous , however it is not and it should not be . I strongly believe that it should be accessible to all and everyone should be able to benefit from it Also , sometimes people confuse me with a fashion designer, says Avani Singh.
