I had always been interested in all things fashion and styling. It was only natural that when I saw the advertisement for The Professional Photo, TV, Film and Personal Stylist’s Course, I couldn’t wait to sign up and finally study something I have always loved.
The “pace yourself” style of the course was fabulous and receiving tutorials each fortnight was great. You could do them straight away, or if life got in the way, it didn’t matter as you could submit them when you could and then move on to the next assessment.
The course information was very thorough, interesting and informative. It also provided references to books, blogs and websites where you could go for further information if you wish. I loved learning about styling in different fields I had never even thought about.
It became clear through my studies that I wanted to be a personal stylist who could provide one-on-one or group sessions with clients to help them feel better about themselves and their fashion in order to build their confidence in their personal or professional lives.
I set up my business towards the end of the course, “Style by Laura”. I built a website with the help of a graphic designer and had one-on-one sessions with friends to help build my confidence. Through these sessions, I worked out what preparation was required, the time I needed for each session and what information to provide each client with at the end of the session. I slowly got more and more referrals through friends and had styling sessions with both women and men.
I assisted another established, well-known stylist on a photo shoot and had to select outfits and accessories to style the models. I also taught a large group of students about fashion and styling in general. This included a discussion about body shapes, colour, clothing styles, ages, sizing, fitting and accessories.
Eventually, my business had to take a back seat as I injured myself in my day job. However, I managed to turn a bad situation into a good one. To make an income and assist in the recovery of my arm function, I started making earrings and hair accessories. This little endeavour grew into doing three markets a month, opening an Etsy store - Style by Laura Designs, and now having some of my designs stocked in stores and hairdressers.
I really credit the Australian College of Professional Styling for giving me the push I needed to fulfil my dreams and to start my business. Without this course, I would still be dreaming about being a personal stylist and not being the creative and entrepreneurial self that I have now become.
If you are thinking of doing this course, I would not wait any longer. Sign up now and start so you, too, can fulfil your dreams and see where this journey can take you.