4 minute read
Shifting Methods, Solid Beliefs
BY CARRIE MCCONKEY
In 1990, as a college sophomore majoring in Interior Design, I couldn’t have imagined the speed with which technological advances and societal changes would occur over the following three decades. My course load had included “Intro to Computers” (huh?), and my attention span was that of a flea’s. I was not sure whether this was due to a lack of interest in the machines, or the monotone presentation style of the professor.
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Now I sit surrounded by a smartphone, two laptops, a tablet, and a desktop. How I wish I had paid better attention in that computer class.
Embracing the Future
Fortunately for members of AICI worldwide, a dedicated group of women and men paid attention to the dawning of the Information Age. While I sat struggling in computer class, the Association of Image Consultants (AIC) and the Association of Fashion and Image Consultants (AFIC) joined forces to become the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). When the World Wide Web global information system enabled public access to the Internet one year later, the newly-merged group staked out its presence in the digital frontier by creating AICI’s first website. The forward-thinking action of the fledgling organization represented the association’s willingness to embrace change and new technologies. As the next 30 years passed, members smoothly incorporated email, eCommerce, online shopping and social media into their daily business practices.
“Technology has clearly made the biggest difference in how I do my business”, says Karen Snow, AICI CIP, and personal image consultant who joined AICI in 1993. “I still provide the same services to my clients – personal color and style analysis, in-home wardrobe work, and personal shopping. But certainly the means of communicating, invoicing and receiving payment, shopping, and recording ensembles have all changed dramatically.”
Websites and social media have become a passive form of marketing, enabling connections that may never have occurred with even the most prolific networking. “I have never advertised to get business”, reflects Judith Rasband, AICI CIM, president and CEO of Conselle Institute of Image Management and charter member of AICI. “It was always by word of mouth, referrals that brought in business. Now people find me on the Internet via my website and social media formats,” she adds.
Karyl Morris Eckerle, owner of The Business of Image LLC and one of AICI’s newest members, has found her niche through producing a popular video podcast highlighting business professionals. Eckerle observes, “This avenue is one more way to be seen, heard, and remembered as an expert in your field. The feedback has been positive and has led to additional opportunities and new coaching programs on video presence.”
Core Values
One aspect that hasn’t changed with the dawning of the Computer Age is the productivity and passion of AICI’s earliest members. These visionaries live to invent new ways to do business and help others thrive.
Jennifer Maxwell Parkinson, AICI CIP, president of Look Consulting International, past president of AFIC and founding president of AICI, expanded her services in 2012 and earned her Life Coach Certification. Maxwell Parkinson was “never a follower”, and advises future industry professionals, “Observation and listening are two keys to being a good consultant. Look at people in the street. See how they’re carrying themselves.” The image expert continues, “Learn all the basic rules. Then break them.”
In 1995, Lauren Solomon, AICI CIP, president and founder at LS Image Associates, Inc. and past president of AICI, held the first image-related position as VP of Professional Image Development at Chase Manhattan Bank (then Chemical Bank). She published the 10th Anniversary edition of her book Image Matters in 2013. Says Solomon of the vital nature of image consulting, “We create a confidence and trust with our clients that they are always going to shine in their best way – and that’s our responsibility.”
Alyce Parsons, AICI CIP, owner of Universal Style International, founding board member of AIC and founding member of AICI, has written seven books on style used in the profession continuously since 1990. Her cherished StyleSource is a current textbook at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Parsons sums up the life of an image professional: “We have a noble profession. We are a source for good in this world. We help people communicate between the inside and outside, and help them develop a vision of who they are. We are more than consultants, we are teachers and therapists.”
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Human attention to appearance has been present for centuries, but the 30 years following AICI’s birth have witnessed the biggest shifts in how this is achieved. Although methods of service have changed for AICI members, the motivations behind them have not. Possessing the perfect combination of inquisitiveness and ambition, creativity and daring, these purveyors of style demonstrate the gold standard in professionalism and cutting edge business practices. Through AICI, they’ve banded together not just in their communities, but also as professionals across the world.
"AND FOR CERTAIN, MORE INGENUITY AND INNOVATION ARE TO COME.
CARRIE MCCONKEY, M.S., has loved the principles of design and color since childhood. After a career that included interior design, bridal gown design, and work in the nonprofit sector in the fields of Career Services and Fundraising, Carrie founded Carrie M. Image & Fashion Consulting based in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. She now works with individuals and corporations helping busy professionals increase their confidence and leadership potential through the development of their image. She also provides guidance through her “Image Matters” column in the Knoxville News Sentinel’s knox.biz business journal, and “Ask Carrie M.” fashion advice column in Knoxville Style Magazine.
