Interview with Leah Oman, image and style consultant/ personal shopper
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I had never heard of image consulting until I was living in Spain. An American expatriate there started working with a large group of expatriate group women. She showed me which colors made me look the youngest, healthiest and most attractive. She helped me find the most flattering clothing styles for my body type and which accessories harmonized with my style type. I ended up with a new wardrobe and started getting so many compliments, I knew people were really noticing. It felt great. I also understood better how to get the look myself. It was so eye opening and incredibly helpful. My wardrobe went from “OK” to “wow,” and my confidence soared.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: I want my client to eventually put me out of business because she truly understands what she needs to do to look and feel fabulous. It is a process though … not a “one and done” deal. It takes time and practice with a professional to get to where she wants to be. I’ve seen clients who don’t follow up revert right back to where they were because they haven’t taken the time to truly change their vision and their habits. As an image consultant, I can tell my client what needs to be done and how to do it, but as a coach I first elicit information from her so that her style and look come from her inner self so that it really belong to her and expresses who she is. She participates in the process. I want her to feel authentic — her best authentic self.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Seeing the look on my clients’ face when they look in the mirror and love what they see.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Marketing is my biggest challenge. It’s so important doing the work I love to do, but unfortunately it also feels like an incredibly steep uphill climb.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I’m a certified image professional through the Association of Image Consultants International . There are only 25 CIPs worldwide out of 400 members. In addition, I’m also a certified coach and was an educator for 17 years in Spain, California, Indonesia and Colorado (DU).
Profile
Business: The Smarter Image
Address: 10137 Bluffmont Lane, Lone Tree
Hours: By appointment
Founded: 2000
Contact: 303-471-7373
Employees: 1
