GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - A national network of image consultants, which includes a member in Great Brak, has not let the grass grow under its feet during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Great Brakker Mariska Botha, who consults to clients throughout the Garden Route, is a highly active member of Image Innovators South Africa.
Although the Image Innovators consultants may not meet clients in person, they have done as much as possible via WhatsApp and the online meeting and conference platform, Zoom. They have also had Instagram chats on a number of topics. They have used the lockdown as a time to upskill and get to grips with digital tools. Some gave make-up consultations and demonstrations to clients via WhatsApp.
Dress-up challenge
Image Innovators SA consultants are in contact with one another all day on their WhatsApp group and the company organised a 21-day dress-up challenge during the lockdown.
The consultants had a theme each day, such as striped shirt, investment coat or jacket, boots and so forth, and had to dress according to the theme and send a photograph of themselves to be included in a composite video of the participating consultants' outfits.
The video link was sent out each evening so that the consultants, their associates and clients, could view all the outfits.
Because the interpretations were all different - such as casual, elegant, glamorous and bohemian - the challenge kept the consultants on their toes, gave them ideas and will be a help to them when dealing with clients with different styles.
Your own kitchen
The emphasis was: get up, dress up, make up and "rock up" - even if only in your own kitchen.
The consultants also had to accurately describe one another's personal styles and accurately anlayse one another's colouring, using digital tools. When asked what she has been doing during the lockdown, Mariska Botha says she has been inspiring ladies to make an effort with their appearance for their own sanity, if for no other reason. "It is amazing what an impact your attire has on your mood and productivity."
Formerly an advocate of the High Court, Botha believes a pleasing visual image "directly impacts profitability and productivity".
She says her "evolution from legal professional to successful image consultant gives me unique insights into professional and personal image".
Cutting edge
Kyla Blackwood-Murray, CEO of Image Innovators SA, says: "We decided to view the lockdown as an opportunity to embrace the digital era head-on. Together with our head office in Australia, we have introduced new, cutting edge, digital image consultation tools which have allowed our consultants to work with clients from home.
"These online products allow clients to have a full-colour analysis as well as a body assessment and style programme created for them, thus they receive the same value of service as they would in-person."
Botha also noted that she took the lockdown as an opportunity to give. "I held a competition with four other image consultants to give away five free online colour consultations for Mother's’ Day.
"Although not meeting clients in person, they can have the full experience of a one-on-one consultation through a video call," Botha points out. "Once we have had the virtual consultation, I send the client her tools and literature by email."
Expand globally
Botha says she can now expand her business globally. "I can now offer my consulting services worldwide, digitally. I am no longer confined by geographical boundries."
Botha's advice for women during the lockdown and curfew is: "Use what you have, and do what you can with it. Whether it is the clothes in your wardrobe, the food in your pantry or your skills to help or serve others during this time. It is always good to learn a new skill or enhance your existing skills. I am a perpetual student. I like to watch webinars and do online training and now is the perfect time to do it."
Nicqie Robinson's style can be described as "elegant and glamorous". Nicqie's garments have a luxurious feel, they’re well tailored and the styles are timeless - that is the elegance part. Also, every outfit is glamorous.
Zanele Kamwendo, a Mrs South Africa finalist last year, is best suited to warm colours (left). They give her face colour, but the cool colours on the right drain her and make her pallid.
A digital tool kit is used to determine Zanele Kamwendo's colour direction. All you need is a photograph of the person and then you apply the colours to the photograph on your device. You do not have to be with the person and drape them with different coloured material.
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