AICI GL BAL
CHICAGO IS OUR KIND OF TOWN!
WELCOME TO THE 2019 AICI GLOBAL CONFERENCE FEATURE
THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF IMAGE CONSULTANTS 2019 GLOBAL CONFERENCE FEATURE
MEET OUR SPEAKERS MOVING FORWARD
WHY I PURSUED MY CIC CERTIFICATION MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
VALERIA DOUSTALY, AICI CIP
JANUARY 2019
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EDITOR’S NOTE 2019
AICI BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Riet de Vlieger, AICI CIP President-Elect Ferial Youakim, AICI CIP Secretary Gail Morgan, AICI CIP Treasurer Chris Fulkerson, AICI CIP, FFS VP Certification Ana Cheong, AICI CIP VP Education Shanna Wu Pecoraro, AICI CIP VP Business Development Maria Pia Estebecorena, AICI CIC VP Conference Valeria Doustaly, AICI CIP VP Human Resources Lilian Bustamante, AICI CIP Executive Director Gigi Jaber AICI HEADQUARTERS 1000 Westgate Drive, Ste. 252 St. Paul, MN 55114-1067 Phone: 651-290-7468 Fax: 651-290-2266 www.AICI.org
Comments about the magazine? editor@aici.org
THE BUSINESS OF STYLE! When I first started a full-time image consulting practice, I was excited to learn more and more every single day. As a novice, my idea of success was to get as many consulting assignments as I could and learn from each one. During countless hours of research on the internet, I remember going through the profiles of the best image consultants across the world and seeing their career paths. Each one of them, with highly commendable profiles and decades of outstanding experience drastically different from one another, had one thing in common: they were all members of AICI and pursuing or had pursued AICI Certification. This brought a moment of enlightenment upon my 20s self and changed the course of my career. In 2015, I became a member of AICI; in 2017 I attended my first ever AICI Global Conference in Mexico City and the same year got AICI CIC certified. My career got the jump-start that I was always looking for and I arrived in “The Business of Style.” This very first edition for the year 2019 is all about the AICI Global Conference in Chicago. Our president, Riet de Vlieger, AICI CIP, opens the conference theme “The Business of Style” in her letter by outlining the importance of lifelong learning as an image consultant. A good starting point could be to pause and think about where you are in your career, and then draw a roadmap. This issue’s featured author, Cathy Liska, helps identify the next steps an image consultant should take for professional development and talks about being in the forefront and moving forward. I encourage you to go through the conference speakers list and topics to see which ones will help you move your professional knowledge, skills, and expertise ahead. There will be 50 speakers in four languages over four days of the conference. Valeria Doustaly, AICI CIP, VP Conference, notes in the Member Spotlight section that this has never been done before. She also takes us through all the exciting things the conference has in store, from pre-conference experiences, to the CIC exam, to earning CEUs, and much more. AICI Global Conference 2019 is the melting pot of everything Image Consulting and beyond. If there is one investment you should make towards your business, attending AICI Global Conference should be it. My excitement for the upcoming conference is also fueled by stepping into the role of the new Editor-in-Chief of the AICI Global Magazine. I’d like to personally thank Dr. Carol Parker Walsh for her leadership as former Editorin-Chief and for guiding me through a smooth transition. Inspired by the high standards of content she delivered, my editorial team and I are delighted to step up to the challenge and carry out what she began. Proud to be AICI!
SONIA DUBEY DEWAN, AICI CIC Editor-in-Chief
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PUBLICATION CREDITS
Issue 23 EDITOR IN CHIEF Sonia Dubey Dewan, AICI CIC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Carol Parker Walsh, JD, PhD, AICI CIC, FFSM
BUSINESS EDITOR Monica F. Prado
FASHION EDITOR Jainee Gandhi, AICI CIP
COPY EDITORS Bernie Burson, AICI CIC Julie Kaufman, AICI CIP
FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS Cathy Liska, CMC, CDP, MCC Maria Draxler, AICI CIC Carol Parker Walsh, AICI CIC
LAYOUT Limb Design AICI GLOBAL is produced quarterly by Association of Image Consultants International, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants. AICI GLOBAL promotes AICI’s ideas, activities, interests and goals to its members. Responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of writers or other articles. AICI GLOBAL does not endorse or guarantee the products and services it advertises. 2018© Association of Image Consultants International. All rights reserved. No part of this online publication may be duplicated or reproduced without permission from the publisher. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of information included in the magazine at the time of publication, the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising from errors or omissions.
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FEATURE ARTICLE The Professional Development of Image Consultants......................................... 8
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Inside This Issue
PRESIDENT'S LETTER................................. 6
CONFERENCE FEATURE 5 Reasons to Attend AICI Global Conference 2019....... 12
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ARTICLES Growing in Style............................................................ 14 Travel Packing Tips for AICI Global Conference........... 19
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BETWEEN US Member Spotlight: Valeria Doustaly..............................22 Why I Pursued My CIC Certification..............................27 Meet Our Speakers........................................................30 Upcoming Events.......................................................... 33
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LETTER FROM I THE PRESIDENT
t's important to keep on learning during our professional life, in order to stay current. We need to catch up with new technology, new professional developments, new marketing techniques. Entrepreneurs are attending seminars, workshops and education days. But the opportunities that are around are often only partially image related. Last week I attended a large event on entrepreneurship in the age of robots and artificial intelligence. Really interesting, but hard to visualise how our profession will be impacted by these revolutionary techniques. I am so happy we have AICI Education Days and events. And with Zoom available for each Chapter, we expand the availability of imagerelated topics without leaving our home or office. Nevertheless, I invite you personally to attend our Global Conference: our largest, deepest and highest level educational event we have available: for beginners AND senior image consultants, and 100 percent image related. In this issue of AICI Global we learn about what Conference 2019 has to offer: a wonderful line-up of speakers and presenters, a fully packed program in four languages. Isn't that amazing? If you speak English, Spanish or Chinese, you will be able to attend a complete educational program in that language. A partial program is available in Japanese. We have never had this before. I sincerely hope that if you have not registered yet, you will reconsider. The AICI Global Conference in Chicago is for every image related entrepreneur or employee: retailers, students, HR people, fashionistas, personal shoppers, personal branding experts, life coaches and image consultants. See what's in it for you. But you will gain a lot more. Conversations with the attending image professionals from all over the world will give you an experience you will not find anywhere else. At Conference, image consultants are very alive, sparkling, happy and passionate. We are enjoying ourselves during breakfast and lunch, during the fashion show event and the Gala. It's a four-day party, I promise. Upcoming Conferences always fill me with joy. Since my first in 2005, I participate as often as possible, simply because I am in love with the AICI Conferences. Attending gives me the feeling of connecting with family. I love you all. Let's meet in Chicago!
RIET DE VLIEGER, AICI CIP AICI International President
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FEATURE ARTICLE
THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF IMAGE CONSULTANTS BY CATHY LISKA
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BEING IN THE FOREFRONT
A
s an image consultant, you are aware that hiring an expert in fashion, presence and presenting, communication, and/or etiquette is a smart investment. Becoming an image consultant is now easier because the growth of the profession means you have core competencies and certification standards. This gives credibility. Becoming a professional image consultant includes defining the goal for yourself, completing training, building the foundation for your business, marketing yourself, and doing the work. Now that you are the professional, the expert, what is next? Being in the forefront and moving ahead. What does that take? What follows is an exploration of two things for each.
1. Sustainability Once you reach the forefront of your profession, sustaining that success is worthy of your focus and effort. Chances are that by this point you know it takes commitment and energy. For the long term, it is essential to include: a. Flexibility—having the flexibility to adjust to client demands and to accommodate your own interests means you are willing to work hard because you enjoy the rewards. b. Challenge—being challenged with the work, the learning, and different opportunities keeps it interesting. c. Fun—the old cliché holds true today: find a job that you love, and you will never work a day in your life. Focus on what you enjoy most and be creative about making it fun so you want to do it.
2. Being a Lifelong Learner As with all professions, the body of knowledge continues to grow. The advice from Stephen Covey to “sharpen the saw” makes sense. As an example, the Code of Ethics for coaches (from the International Coach Federations) now includes this: “As a coach I commit to the need for continued and ongoing development of my professional skills.”
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MOVING AHEAD 1. Going Above and Beyond The forefront of the profession is, fortunately, ever growing. That means standing out means going above and beyond. To go above and beyond means expanding into different areas of thinking and knowledge. This includes taking risks and being comfortable with completely different perspectives.
2. Advanced Development for Advanced Results As a professional, continuing education is a norm. Ongoing professional development is expected. To move ahead calls for more than the typical development, it calls for advanced levels of learning and thinking that serve you and your clients to achieve advanced results. (Note: “Advanced Development for Advanced Results” is a phrase I
coined to describe what I offer as a coach. The same phrase serves as a focus for image professionals.) The irony of these tips is that we often think, “that sounds simple – it is really more complicated than that.” Please pause that thought and go back to the real insight. When you are in a career you love, you want to learn more which keeps it interesting, challenging, and fun. Because you choose to keep learning, you are ahead of the curve with ideas and techniques. This keeps you in the forefront as an expert. As an expert in the forefront, you create your own flexibility, so you have time for clients, time for yourself, and time for your ongoing learning. Create Sustainability, Be a Lifelong Learner, Go Above and Beyond, and Engage in Advanced Development for Advanced Results. It is as hard or easy as you make it!
CATHY LISKA, the Guide from the Side®, is the CEO/Founder of the Center for Coaching Certification. As the Guide from the Side®, she is recognized among the best internationally in coaching, training, conflict management, and facilitation. Cathy is a sought-after trainer and an MCC credentialed coach, drawing from her 20 years of experience in business ownership and management. Cathy trains others to coach in her ICF-approved program.
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Chicago Landmark:
The Water Tower
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CONFERENCE TESTIMONIAL
5 REASONS TO ATTEND AICI GLOBAL CONFERENCE 2019
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here are so many benefits of attending the conference. Still wondering why you should come to Chicago in April? Your fellow AICI members share their experiences and why you should attend.
“I always love attending the AICI International Conference. It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to connect with my global colleagues and clients, and also meet new people who are just joining the industry. At the Conference, we have the great privilege of learning from our colleagues around the various facets of image consulting through a wide variety of CEU-Approved Programs. It’s that one fabulous event whereby you get to share your business insights and global perspectives with others and learn from the best of the best in the image industry.” —Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIM “I never miss an AICI Conference! It always makes a difference in my business. My income typically goes up—I go from being inspired to implementing new ideas. After attending a session on writing in one conference, I wrote an entire book in the three weeks that followed. But what’s even more exciting than what I learn are the people I get to connect with from all over the world—new friends who will make a difference in my life—and old friends who I value and cherish. And of course I love the parties!” —Karen Brunger, AICI CIP, Past President AICI “I have been an Image consultant for more than 20 years. Since I joined AICI, I have never missed an AICI Conference. This is going to be my 15th Conference. During these years, I have had the
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opportunity to connect with other colleagues, learn from other experienced members, prove the level of my knowledge by attending lectures, see how the members, countries and continents have developed, and, most importantly, make new good friends. I´m grateful to AICI for giving me the opportunity to collaborate in different positions and now, as VP Human Resources.” —Lilian Bustamante, AICI CIP, VP Human Resources “If you are considering pursuing the CIC certification, this conference will help you prepare and fulfill your CIC portfolio requirements. Aside from helping you prepare the portfolio, AICI will also provide you with the opportunity to take the CIC paper exam at the Conference where we will have our Certification Committee to assist you during the threehour exam. Joining the AICI International Conference will widen your horizon as a professional image consultant. As for me, I believe that attending the conference will give me a new perspective, new knowledge, and new ideas to create and reinvent my work that I am passionate about.” —Ana Cheong, AICI CIP, VP Certification “With more than 50 experienced speakers, 2 keynotes and 3 panelists, you're bound to learn and grow with the best. Sessions in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Japanese will highlight the cross-cultural reach of our work that has no boundaries. The best part is that those who attend the entire conference receive 2.0 CEUs in just four days! If you've never attended this critical annual event - or it's been a few years - think about expanding your network with the other image professionals at the Conference. You'll explore the latest tips to increase your revenues and expanding your business, whether it's hyper-local or global.” —Shanna Pecoraro, AICI CIP, VP Education
AICI GLOBAL CONFERENCE THE
BUSINESS
OF
STYLE
APRIL 4-7, 2019 Book your room early and plan to arrive on April 2nd to join the PreConference Activities scheduled on April 3rd. We're creating three fantastic experiences to choose from (details to come): «The Art Experience» «The Architectural Experience» «The Fashion Experience»
LOWES CHICAGO O'HARE HOTEL 5300 N. RIVER RD. ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS Use Code ACI512 To Book AICI Special Rates #AICIGlobal2019
Maximize your experience and networking opportunities and minimize unanticipated travel issues by staying in the comfort of highly ranked hotel. Conveniently located to both the O'Hare Airport and access to Downtown Chicago via The Metra and The Blue Line Train. aici.org
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ARTICLE
GROWING IN STYLE BY MONICA F. PRADO
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enjamin Franklin once said, "Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” While starting a new business is a daunting challenge, growing a business is a bigger challenge. One of the hurdles that we entrepreneurs face is going beyond what we have been accustomed to. Once we find a system that works, there is a tendency for us to stick with it because “it works”. Maintaining an effective system is one of the keys to the success of any business. But doing this without leaving any room for improvement or change can be a ticket to failure. As another saying goes, “Complacency is the enemy of success.” Thus, after establishing a business, the next question entrepreneurs must ask is, “What’s next?” Let me share with you five ways you can grow your business and how the upcoming 2019 AICI Global Conference in April can help you do it.
1. INVEST IN CONTINUOUS LEARNING Continuous learning can equip you with the tools you need to address the current needs and goals of your clients. It can give you ideas for new products and therefore, a new source of earnings. For trainers, having additional knowledge allows you to bring something new to the table. Another benefit, according to writer Sarah Landrum in her article at Forbes.com, is that “Continuous learning can lead to happiness for millennials.” Well, millennial or not, we are certain that learning can make anyone happy. There are various ways to learn nowadays. One popular website for online degrees and courses is Coursera.org. You may also head to AICI.org for teleclasses, webinars, and CEU-approved programs. In addition, there is a wealth of resources and learning at the 2019 AICI Global Conference, which features two keynote speakers, three panelists, and 50 experienced concurrent speakers.
2. NETWORK In the book, The Disney Way, Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson shared that Walt Disney recognized the importance of building strong alliances. Networking allows you to do just that. It gives you an opportunity to meet potential partners, suppliers, mentors, clients, and even life-long friends. It may also give you an
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NEVER BE COMPLACENT. LEARN. NETWORK. FIND A MENTOR. TRAVEL AND GET A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE. EVOLVE. REMEMBER THAT THE JOURNEY DOES NOT END WHEN YOUR BUSINESS IS UP AND RUNNING. IT IS, IN FACT, JUST THE BEGINNING.
opportunity to help other people. Moreover, the gathering of likeminded people who share the same vision can help in propelling an industry towards greater success. Aside from joining associations, other ways to network include doing volunteer work and attending social and learning events. The 2019 AICI Global Conference alone is expected to be attended by approximately 300 delegates.
3. FIND A MENTOR One of the best things an entrepreneur can do is find a mentor who can provide him or her with guidance, support, and answers. Carla Mathis, AICI CIM, a pioneer in the image industry and one of the 2019 AICI Global Conference Speakers, explains, “A mentor can guide you to keep balance in your life. He or she can ask you important questions to help you keep focused. Often, she can give advice or suggestions. Sometimes, she can even keep you from making costly mistakes.
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She might suggest partnerships and alliances to offload some of your tasks. But probably the most important gift a mentor can give you is to be your cheerleader when the going gets rough. And there will be rough spots along the way to financial and career successes.” Lastly, having trained various stylists from around the world, Carla adds, “Most successful consultants love to be mentors, and are just waiting to be asked.”
4. TRAVEL AND GET A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Traveling can be an eye-opening experience as it can give you a global perspective. As you witness other cultures, you get to see a new and different way of doing things. Sheila Wong, AICI CIP, who will be speaking at the Global Conference about “Southeast Asia Culture: Etiquette & Market Behavior”, shares, “Globalization means knowing a little more about other cultures. It gives us an edge when speaking to people from other cultures and it also serves as
a training ground to open minds to options.” Moreover, traveling can also help you gain a broader understanding and appreciation for people from other parts of the world. As a sought-after image consultant and author who has navigated the deep waters of Southeast Asian markets, Sheila gives us an example: “Generally, Southeast Asians are very warm and polite. They won’t say no, but it doesn’t mean that their yes is a yes. Being too frank and too straightforward is not a welcomed trait.”
5. EVOLVE WITH THE TIMES One way to fight complacency is through continuous evolution. What used to work before may no longer work for your business and clients anymore. Recently, several articles have been written about changes in consumer behavior. The question is, “Can you keep up?” Award-winning fashion designer, author, and entrepreneurship advocate, Delby Bragais, AICI CIM,
who will be speaking about “Reinventing Yourself” at the upcoming conference, knows this for a fact. According to her, “We live in a business landscape where there is exponential change in the way people do business and consume products and services. It is one thing to be aware of the changes and the need to evolve with the times, and another to act with decisiveness, to move forward and away from our comfort zones into new territories. I believe we, as entrepreneurs, need to continuously reinvent ourselves and the way we do business if we are to thrive and flourish in today's business landscape.” Growth should always be one of the main goals of any entrepreneur. It is much better to aim for growth than for survival. Never be complacent. Learn. Network. Find a mentor. Travel and get a global perspective. Evolve. Remember that the journey does not end when your business is up and running. It is, in fact, just the beginning. As Josh Kaufman said in his book, The Personal MBA, “There’s never a limit to how much you can grow.”
MONICA F. PRADO is a sought-after communication and image consultant, speaker, and writer. In 2010, with her background in the fields of communication, media and corporate training, Monica established Communicare Training and Development, a communication training firm. She has developed and conducted trainings for thousands of individuals and various local and multinational corporations.
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ARTICLE
TRAVEL PACKING TIPS
FOR AICI GLOBAL CONFERENCE BY JAINEE GANDHI, AICI CIP
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s an image consultant, attending an AICI conference is the highlight of all the conferences that we attend. I mean how often do we get image consultants across the globe under one roof for at least five days? One week before the conference, you will see members from across the globe start sharing the capsule wardrobe. So, whether you are attending the conference for the first-time or a regular, I am sure these packing tips will be helpful
1. Watch Your Weight First, even before you start creating a capsule wardrobe for
your travel, check your airline’s weight allowance and the limits for bag allowance because every airline has its own restriction on the number of kgs/pounds you can carry and also on the size of baggage allowed. Unless you are fine paying the huge amount airlines charge for overweight bags, this is important to check.
2. Consider the Weather The second thing to keep in mind is the weather. Since we are talking about Chicago in April, it will be windy. Plus, the conference rooms tend to get a bit chilly, so having a few layers will help.
3. Count the Days Now comes the number of days. The conference is 4th to 7th April, a total of four days. I highly recommend attending the preconference on 3rd April, so in total, five days. If you are going to travel on your own to see the city or visit some other states, then you need to be mindful of the space and weight for clothes for those days as well.
4. Pack Comfortable Shoes The preconference day is a day out in the city with your AICI friends. This time there are three options for pre-conference tours; a shopping tour, a museum tour, or
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a city tour. Depending on the tour that you wish to attend, choose your style. My tip for you is to wear comfortable shoes. No matter which tour you decide to attend, you will surely be walking a lot.
5. Check the Theme Make sure to check out the conference guide for different events and theme. For instance, on the opening night, we meet everyone, and new members get to know other consultants. This event is not glamorous, but something dressy will be nice. Check if there is any theme to the opening night. There will also be a gala dinner on day three, a glamourous event that people usually look forward to, on the last night of the conference.
6. Bring At Least One Spare Outfit If you are going to meet anyone for dinner or hang out with your AICI buddies, then plan for at least one such spare outfit that you can dress up and down depending on where you decide to go for dinner/drinks.
7. Pack Separates Separates go a long way, especially if you will be traveling from a distance. I am sure you wouldn’t want your style to look repetitive as well.
Keeping in mind that long-distance travel can have luggage restrictions, you may pack these items that can be capsuled: Item
Quantity
Purpose
Trouser
1
Smart formal/casual depending on how you will style it
Skirt
1
Smart formal/casual depending on how you will style it
Top
4
A combination of tops that you will wear with trouser or skirt for the conference, plus something that can take you from day to night with few changes
Dress
2
One formal and one smart casual
Layers
3
This can be a combination of formal business suits/ jackets—even pashmina shawls
Shoes
3
Pick shoes that you will be able to combine with most of your outfits
Bag
2
Capsule bags with your outfits. 1 clutch bag / envelope bag / sling bag / belt bag—For the gala dinner & dressy evenings
Gala outfit
1
As per the theme of the gala
8. Be Prepared for Emergencies Lastly, remember always to carry a sewing kit with you. At the Mexico City conference in 2017, just before the gala dinner, my evening gown got pulled by the doorknob and there was a tear. My emergency sewing kit was a blessing that evening. Just writing about packing for the conference has me so excited. The four days that we spend with our fellow consultants from across the world are amazing, offering the opportunity to learn new concepts and relearn old ones. In general, there is a happy, positive vibe to the whole place, so I am sure you want your image to do the talking for you. After all, we are in the Business of Image. See you all in April.
JAINEE GANDHI, AICI CIP is an accomplished image consultant and one of the only CIP’s in India. She works with individuals and corporates on creating an authentic image for themselves. Her motto is “refuse to be unseen.” Jainee is the founder of ImagEdge Academy and the President-elect for AICI Singapore chapter.
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2019 AICI GLOBAL CONFERENCE
CHICAGO PRE-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
VALERIA DOUSTALY, AICI CIP BY DR. CAROL PARKER WALSH, AICI CIC
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O
ur association is composed of some of the most phenomenal and interesting people. The men and women of AICI range in ages and come from all walks of life, occupations, backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our membership is as diverse as image consulting itself. During my time on the magazine, it’s been an honor and privilege to meet just a handful of our members. As we prepare for our Global Conference, it’s particularly exciting to feature the woman behind our upcoming conference. Valeria Doustaly, AICI CIP, is the current Vice President of Conference and, along with her team, has tirelessly worked to organize and assemble one of the most exciting professional conferences of the year. Read on to learn more about our colleague and what she has in store for the 2019 AICI Global Conference.
Q. What do you do in your business? A. I work in both worlds: image and fashion. First, I help corporate clients by training them on the importance of professional image and teaching them how to develop their credibility with executive presence. Second, I run a fashion tour in Paris called PARIS STYLE WEEK, designed to give knowledge of French style and trends. My clients learn about French haute couture and prêt à porter. They discover the Parisian fashion neighborhoods, and they meet stylists and professionals from the fashion world capital. I run this program in Portuguese for Brazilian clients, but I may offer it in Spanish and English, too, in the near future.
Q. What is image consulting like in Paris? A. With so many image consultants working in personal branding now, the market is mature. Indeed, as the luxury market is booming, so is the demand for us. Soft skills training for sales teams is popular.
Q. We’re prepping for the AICI Global Conference in April 2019. Tell us, why did you step in to take responsibility for such an enormous task? A. So many things happen in my life in sort of the
Q. How did you get started in Image Consulting? A. I started my career in Buenos Aires in marketing and communications in the cosmetics and luxury market. I moved to Rio, then Paris. But when I moved to Sao Paulo in 2012, I didn’t find an exciting opportunity, so I decided to begin a new career in image consulting. This field was encompassing all that I had always loved: people, fashion, and an aesthetic vision. As I studied for that, I met a coach who was an AICI member. That is how I became part of our prestigious Association. AICI helped me a lot at that time to get my first clients and to better understand what the image consulting business is about.
right timing, the right people, and my sense of “All right, let’s try it, let’s do it.” It is a task that requires discipline but also creativity and teamwork skills. What’s not to like? Of course, my background helped. I’ve always worked in an international environment, but it was also an opportunity to learn a lot. It is extremely demanding. I work long hours, but I can tell you I love working with the teams. This is the greatest pleasure of being VP Conference.
Q. What makes the AICI Global Conference so special? A. First and foremost, our great speakers. AICI has an amazing and dedicated VP Education, Shanna
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Pecoraro, who, during the first half of this year, selected the best speakers to provide the attendees a high level of content. She had put together in four days the perfect combination of themes in four languages. I’m impressed with the clarity and vision that our association has in the education field with her as leader. Moreover, the organization of the conference gives you the possibility not only to attend the sessions, but also to hear our incredible keynote speakers: Lyn Slater, Nena Ivon, and Bridget Halansky. We will also have a fashion show on Friday, a gala on Saturday, and much more. The conference officially starts on Thursday, but we are preparing amazing activities to discover Chicago as a group on Wednesday. The key person for this is AICI Chicago President Jill Bremer, who has organized incredible tours for us. I find Chicago one the most beautiful cities in the world; the destination of our conference couldn’t be better. Lastly, our conferences are always special because of the excitement created when image consultants from all around the world network and party together. In fact, many of us have been friends for many years now, and it’s always a very touching moment when we see one another again.
Q. Why should image consultants attend the conference? A. First is to learn from the experts and to meet
IT CAN BE LONELY IN THE BEGINNING, BUT IN THE PROCESS, IT'S VERY REWARDING TO WORK WITH PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD WHO ARE WILLING TO GIVE THEIR BEST.
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the people who shape our industry. Another reason is to be an active part of the transformation of our profession, to meet other consultants and to reinforce the core of the association with their energy and values. AICI is about people; we are an association. It’s about us and the vision we share to put our profession on top. The conference is an empowering moment for all the attendees.
Q. There will be an opportunity for consultants to take the CIC exam, as well as gain continuing credits for their CIP and CIM certifications. Why did you seek your CIC and CIP certifications? How has your business benefited from this level of certification?
A. I love challenges. I have an endless list of goals,
Q. What do you like to do for fun?
so it was a natural and obvious thing to seek the different levels of certification. I’ve done that for myself, but my clients also love to know that I am internationally certified by this leading association. You can think of an AICI certification as a driving force for your career. You will get special recognition from peers and clients. I can tell that you learn a lot from the certification process. You overcome obstacles and you come out stronger.
A. I do not go to nightclubs anymore. The two people
Q. Are you planning to go after your CIM? Why? A. Definitively, but not now. The next level of certification is not on my short-term goals, but better is always worth fighting for.
Q. What made you get involved in AICI leadership in the first place?
that make me laugh are Olivier and Christophe, my two lovely boys, my priorities in life. And Paris is my playground, the city that gives me everything I need in terms of art, fashion, tourism, people.
Q. What’s your best business advice for other image consultants? A. We run our careers for the long term, and in the long term you always have to think global, so my advice would be: try to network as much as you can with the entire world. Speaking of which, our AICI Global Conference gives you this huge benefit to connect with the best image consultants in the world. See you all there!
A. I didn’t need a lot of convincing as I really wanted it. I wanted to help AICI and contribute to its growth. It wasn’t a difficult decision at all. To be honest, I did not anticipate how huge it would be to be on this international board, serving 1000 members, but you just have to roll up your sleeves and team up with people who know what they are doing. It can be lonely at the beginning, but in the process, it’s very rewarding to work with people from all around the world who are willing to give their best. I should mention that I’m very honored to work hand in hand with our VP Human Resources, Lilian Bustamente. She is my inspiration and the truth is that the idea to become VP Conference was put in my head by her.
DR. CAROL PARKER WALSH, JD, PHD, FFSM, AICI CIC, is an award winning bestselling author, columnist, career strategist, executive coach, international speaker, and television personality. She’s the founder of Carol Parker Walsh Consulting, LLC, a personal and professional development company that coaches & educates entrepreneurs and successful professionals on discovering their life's work and building the career or business of their dreams. She serves as associate editor in chief for AICI Global Magazine and the President of the AICI US West Region Chapter.
The Association of Image Consultants International | 25
IT'S TIME TO GET
AICI CERTIFIED
"Getting a certification from AICI is not about the promise of potential earnings. It is about the professionalism we uphold. Embrace certification for yourself and your profession and more importantly, for the clients we serve. "~Ana Cheong Cheok Yin, AICI CIP, VP Certification, AICI Global International Board
26 | January 2019 magazine
ARTICLE
WHY I PURSUED MY
CIC CERTIFICATION BY MARIA DRAXLER
The Association of Image Consultants International | 27
T
here are many reasons why I decided to pursue my Certified Image Consultant (CIC) certification that I would like to share with you. Being a CIC gives me credibility when speaking to potential clients. In my prior career in finance, I had to obtain various licenses to practice as a financial advisor. I had to pass many tests on finance and insurance to be qualified to advise my clients. I believe as the field of image consulting continues to grow, this certification will be expected by clients and not so much a choice if you want to succeed within the industry. Having my CIC designation will help advance my business now when it is still new and will help continue to grow it over time. I plan to also obtain my CIP and CIM. Another reason I am seeking my CIC certification is because it connects me with other people in the industry. Now that I am a sole proprietor, it can be lonely to spend each day without the ability to share work experiences with other people in the same field. Having a connection with other image consultants allows me to learn new concepts, hear others’ ideas and allows me to share mine. Additionally, it is a way for me to confirm my knowledge and methods of
HAVING A CONNECTION WITH OTHER IMAGE CONSULTANTS ALLOWS ME TO LEARN NEW CONCEPTS, HEAR OTHERS' IDEAS AND ALLOWS ME TO SHARE MINE.
28 | January 2019 magazine
practice. It’s great to hear about others’ successes and to learn from their mistakes. The process of working toward my CIC has built my confidence. I knew a lot about style and fashion before deciding to become an image consultant, but I continue to learn as I work toward my certification. The books I read, and the teleclasses and online courses I have taken have given me different perspectives and wonderful ideas for my business. They showed me where I needed improvement and exposed me to new technologies and marketing ideas. Knowing that I will soon be certified with my CIC designation, I feel it is an obligation to myself and to my clients to stay informed on the latest trends both locally, nationally and on an international level. While it can be time-consuming and expensive to pay for online courses, books, fashion magazines, and attend local and national conferences, I view it as an investment in myself and in my business. I am so looking forward to attending the AICI Global Conference in Chicago, where I hope new friendships are made, and great advice and ideas are shared. I hope to see you there!
After an over 20-year career in the finance industry, MARIA DRAXLER followed her passion for fashion and lifestyle and started a new career as an image consultant. Today, Maria works as an image consultant and professional organizer in the Denver metro area where she strives to assist her clients in bringing out the best version of themselves focusing on their wellbeing and confidence. She also serves as VP Marketing for the US West Region of AICI.
The Association of Image Consultants International | 29
BETWEEN US
MEET OUR SPEAKERS W
e are excited to add some of the most successful men and women in our industry to our roster of speakers and panelists for the 2019 Global Conference, The Business of Style.
They will offer insights, share stories, and deliver powerful educational content that will support you in playing big and becoming an even greater success in the image industry.
You’ve had the pleasure of meeting our three keynote speakers in the last edition, Lyn Slater, Bridget Halanski and Nena Ivon, but in this edition we’re sharing all of our amazing panel of speakers.
In addition to gaining CEU’s, the ability to learn in multiple languages, and the opportunity to network with your peers and colleagues from around the globe, you will learn all you need to build and grow a thriving and successful image consulting business in 2019.
As leaders in the industry, each is equipped with a unique set of skills and experiences that will help you catapult your business forward in the new year.
30 | January 2019 magazine
You can read more about our speakers here. Now….meet our speakers and see you in April.
The Association of Image Consultants International | 31
32 | January 2019 magazine
BETWEEN US
UPCOMING EVENTS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2019
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019
AICI TELECLASS: BE A LIFE TIME IMAGE CONSULTANT— OPEN Q&A WITH AN IMAGE PROFESSIONAL
AICI BRAZIL CIC CHAPTER EXAM ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2019
THURSDAY, APRIL 4–7, 2019
AICI CHINA NANJING CIC CHAPTER EXAM THE POWER OF PERSONAL SHOPPING
2019 AICI GLOBAL CONFERENCE ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
Location: Wuxi, Jiangsu
Location: Rosemont, Illinois
Location: São Paulo, SP
2019 AICI GLOBAL CONFERENCE SPONSOR & EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES Location: Rosemont, Illinois
The Association of Image Consultants International | 33
NEW! VIDEO OPTION!
ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES IN AICI GLOBAL MAGAZINE
REACH THOUSANDS OF AICI MEMBERS AND OTHER INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS WORLDWIDE AND BOOST YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL. OUR READERS ARE LOOKING FOR: Color Systems Body Styling Training Industry-Related Books & Magazines Multi-level and Network Marketing Opportunities Business Tools Continuing Education Units for AICI certification Health and Beauty Products Professional Development Workshops & Webinars Hotel & Travel Services Website Design and Support Career Coaches Sales Tools Clothing & Accessories CONTACT GIGI JABER AT ADVERTISING@AICI.ORG FOR CURRENT AD RATES AND DEADLINES. NEXT ISSUE: APRIL 2019
AICI GL BAL AICI GL BAL AICI GL BAL BREAKING BARRIERS OF AGE
A L O O K AT T H E B U I L D I N G B L O C K S O F T H E P R O F E S S I O N
THE AGE OF RELEVANCY
THE ABCD’S OF IMAGE
FEATURE
FEATURE
FINDING HER VOICE: THE REVOLUTION OF CATHERINE GRACE O'CONNELL
ETHICS & STANDARD OF PRACTICE
WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE?
ETHICS
IS WHAT’S RIGHT ETHICALLY WRONG?
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS IN IMAGE
2019 GLOBAL CONFERENCE FEATURE
MEET OUR SPEAKERS ADVANCED STYLE
LOVING YOURSELF AT ANY AGE
LAW
IMAGE ACROSS THE GLOBE
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS IN FASHION & IMAGE CONSULTING
BOOK REVIEW
VIEWPOINT
TOP RESOURCES IN THE PROFESSION
CHICAGO HISTORY
A LOOK AT MARSHALL FIELD'S
ETHICS & THE IN-STORE STYLIST MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
IRENE JORDAN
NAOTO SAKASAI
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
L E G A L & E T H I C A L C O N S I D E R AT I O N S I N T H E P R O F E S S I O N
DR. CAROL PARKER WALSH OCTOBER 2018
JULY 2018
APRIL 2018