Story of Lici Tomkiw, AICI CIP

THE ROAD TO CIP:

LICI IANKOSKI TOMKIW, AICI CIP

BY: LICI IANKOSKI TOMKIW

Ihave always been passionate about style and image, and perceived them as a means of communication. As a teacher of English as a foreign language, I used to teach about appropriateness rather than accuracy alone. I said; “Say something wrong politely and you will be remembered for your kindness. Say something right rudely, and you will be remembered for your poor manners.”

In 2012 when I moved to New York, USA, I reinvented myself professionally, and turned a hobby into my career. From early on in the image consulting field, I became a member of AICI and focused on pursuing my AICI certification. I had already been a teacher for over 25 years and I was confident I would continue teaching, but with different content, and that I would become highly certified to offer professional training.

I believe that to offer training programs, a professional should be pedagogically and technically prepared. Therefore, I needed to have professional certifications. Fast forward three and a half years. I got my, then, AICI FLC (now AICI CIC) and another two and a half years later, I achieved my AICI CIP, which gave me the honor to be the first Brazilian image and style consulting trainer to hold such a certification level.

During both certification processes, I was fortunate to have a mentor and colleagues who helped me stay on track and committed to my goal. I must highlight Dominique Isbecque, AICI CIP, for her unparalleled support and guidance. I strongly suggest you find someone whom you admire as a mentor along your professional certification journey. It was support, diligence and drive that helped me along the way.

However, nothing has been as simple as I envisioned. I thought I was signing up for a hiking experience, but I was actually starting to climb a rocky mountain.

Before we go into how I prevailed and am now anticipating being eligible for my AICI CIM, let me tell you: make sure you plan your certification requirements from day one, so you have an easier path than the one I had. When I first applied for it, I failed the AICI FLC exam. I could not forgive myself for months and suffered from impostor syndrome until I realized I knew it better. I had studied for the test, but being a newbie I lacked experience when I first applied. In 2015, when I took the test again and sent in my portfolio, not only was I more confident but also prepared to hold and be proud of that AICI FLC. I BELIEVE THAT TO OFFER " TRAINING PROGRAMS, A PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE PEDAGOGICALLY AND TECHNICALLY PREPARED. THEREFORE, I NEEDED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS.

Having accomplished the AICI FLC certification, I had another checkpoint ahead of me, AICI CIP. And that’s when my hiking actually became climbing! I applied for the AICI CIP process without being aware of dates and deadlines, and that was a huge mistake. I suggest you read all information when applying, and not try to reinvent the path that is laid out for you. Plan ahead by having all your documents at hand and information to contact people beforehand. Although I had everything laid out in my mind, putting it all together while taking care of a toddler was not a piece of cake. And all of that because I did not factor in my daily routine, how long the entire process was, or how detail-oriented I was (am!).

As a woman of faith, I turned to God for peace of mind when I was sure I would fail. I felt time was short and was afraid my portfolio would not meet the standards. To make it even worse, at that point in my acknowledged and respected around the globe. I hope

career I was having a rough time in business and felt like image consulting was a far-fetched dream and not for me.

On July 15th, as I mailed my portfolio, I made a vow that if I did not pass, I would take it as a sign that I should invest in a different career. However, if I passed, I would bring essence to my practice and spread it to everyone who became my student or client. When I got the email with my approval notice climbing mountains may be more rewarding than

and great remarks on my work, I took that as a sendoff to my next step, teaching women to see beyond image and to dress their clients’ souls, not only their bodies but also to express essence in style.

I am still climbing this mountain and have the AICI CIM checkpoint ahead now. The difference now is

stake. I know that I am not a quitter and that I am meant to be exactly where I am, doing what I do. And so are you!

I am happy and proud of my AICI CIP achievement and feel honored to be a part of such select group of professionals who help make our career I can elevate our profession’s reputation myself in every service and training I offer. In the near future, I hope I can share with you how climbing the last tip of this mountain felt more like a stroll in the park, just because I was aware of what it entailed.

If you want to become AICI certified, do not hesitate! Start now. Count on me! It may not be a stroll in the park. It may be harder than expected. But one thing is for sure: in the end, you will learn that I am prepared! I know what it takes and what is at

going for hikes.

A believer in image and style as a means of communicating your personal essence, LICI TOMKIW, AICI CIP, founded Brasilian Image & Style Consulting (www.brasilian.com). With over 30 years in education, she trains and mentors women who believe personal image goes beyond appearance and encourages them to contemplate the essence of clients as she does in her private practice in New York City.

With the collaboration of some graduates, Lici launched The Holy Chic, a Christian non-profit project that helps rescue the Bel Et Za in women so they realize they are the house where God shines.