“You are received how you are perceived.”
I have always had a fascination with theatre and movies — noticing how an actor communicates a character and/or situation through clothing. This led to an exciting and ever changing career in retail which included working as a sales associate, sportswear buyer, fashion show producer and commentator, and display coordinator, for a variety of department and specialty stores. I was interested from the beginning in how clothing can express various personalities, moods, and situations — similar to the way it does in theatre and the movie industry.
My image development specialty has evolved into Visual Presence, incorporating facial expression and body language with appearance. I discovered that to be an effective communicator you need all three forms of non-verbal communication working together. This builds trust and respect before saying a word.
Professional Experience
After graduating from college with a degree in art history then working in retail, I realized that I wanted to have my own business. One morning when I was coordinating an outfit on a mannequin in the front window of a retail store a customer asked, “Could you help me coordinate outfits similar to the one you are putting on that mannequin?” I said “Of course.” That was the day my business as an image consultant was launched.
I have been president of Image Development & Management, Inc. (IDMI) for the last 25 years providing professional image consulting and programs. Over time my business expanded from color and style analysis to total image and wardrobe consultation; closet editing, coordinating, and organizing; and personal shopping. I love the creativity, the challenges, and working personally with each client. I’m gratified when I see clients look at themselves in a mirror and transform immediately by standing straighter—becoming more confident and self assured.
IDMI finally progressed to include presenting image programs. Years ago at an event I met the presenter, a well-known author and speaker, Patricia Fripp. After the program she came up to me and said, “You need to be presenting programs on style and professional dress because you look the part.” She introduced me to the program director, and as a result I’ve been presenting programs on professional image all around the country.
My programs are influenced by extensive research, countless interviews with corporate and business leaders, and based on my ongoing work and experiences with C-level executives. Continuing to be relevant is essential and I am constantly incorporating new information into my programs.
The Authoritative/Approachable/Visual Presence Scale is a tool I developed to enable people to adjust their style based on the situation to attain the best results. It’s not about changing who they are, but about enhancing and framing their credibility so they have a more positive effect on others.
Clients and Extra-curricular Activities
A few of my clients include: American Payroll Association, Charles Schwab & Co., Driver Alliant Insurance Company, Impact Medical Systems, Merrill Lynch, MetLife, Ford Motor Company, SullivanCurtisMonroe Insurance Services, Toyon Associates, Inc., American Bankers Association, Kaiser Permanente, PG&E, Hyatt Hotels.
I’m most proud of making contributions to the image-consulting field. I was the founding president of the Association of Image Consultants International, and received their lifetime Award of Excellence. With a team, I created the first two-year accredited program for image consultants at Saddleback College in Los Angeles. Most recently, I served on the Board of Directors for Image for Success, a non-profit organization providing clothing and programs for men and women transitioning toward independence. I formed The Leadership Style Center in response to my clients’ requests to expand my training, inviting two associates—experts on verbal presence and visual communication — to join me in presenting leadership training, consulting, and coaching. Together, we offer Leadership Presence.
Professional Memberships
- National Speakers Association
- Association of Image Consultants International
Let’s Talk
Contact us directly to discuss your needs:
415.686.2389 or Email
