Image consulting takes styling to a whole new level

MANILA, Philippines – Every now and then, ladies go for a haircut and add a little color on their faces. And it’s not even because there’s some special occasion they have to attend, but because it’s just one way to look fresh, organized and professional. But while cuts and brushes can instantly change the way we look, self rebranding will go a long way.

As mentioned by Ginny Villegas, Vice President of Communications for the Association of Image Consultants  International (AICI) Philippine Chapter, image consulting takes styling to a whole new level.

“Image enhancement is more than a makeover,” she said. “It includes social etiquette,  poise, business and social protocol and personal grooming, too.”

A graduate of Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas, Villegas is a freelance image consultant who specializes in personal style development. Her expertise in the arts helps clients find what colors suit them, whether it be for fashion or cosmetics.

The certified image consultant started out giving informal talks on fashion, but upon looking to formalize her expertise, she signed up at AICI, the international organization that aims to hone the skills of image professionals and enhance the recognition of such lines of expertise in the world.

Image consultancy is a service that many individuals or business organizations have yet to appreciate. Reminiscing about her own beginnings as an image consultant, Villegas shared: “This profession is very challenging. An image consultant is not just another training vendor, but rather an image development expert whose services include corporate branding, and training  and coaching in etiquette, communication, grooming and corporate dressing.”

“To project a professional image, compliance to company policies or a dress code is not enough. It is crucial for each stakeholder to imbibe the corporate values and polish inner beauty to project a professional and attractive image. Image enhancement is not simply a makeover; it is a blossoming of a better self,” she added.

Through AICI, individuals who are interested to pursue image consultancy as a profession or alternative career will be guided. “Here you will not only learn about professional branding but also gain insights on image consultancy as a full-time business. It’s really a good investment as this is the perfect place to start,” said Villegas.

AICI is a global association of image professionals with chapters in the US, Europe, Asia and  Africa. Its Philippine Chapter was founded in 2011 by fashion designer Delby Bragais together with other seasoned image consultants like Karen Agustin-Ostrea, Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, Julia Robillos and Dina Loomis. For AICI, the world’s certifying body for image professionals, all you need to remember is the concept of total image development: appearance, behavior and communication.

To learn more about image consultancy, AICI-Philippine Chapter is holding the AICI 2016 Education Conference, entitled “Reinventing Yourself for Business Success.” Open to all interested, the conference is set for  March 31 to April 1, 2016 at the Dalisay Function Room, 10th Floor North Tower, One Shangri-la Place, Internal Road, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila.

The two-day seminar includes snacks, lunches, welcome cocktails and a gala dinner. Its  speakers include certified image consultant and  beauty queen Abbygale Arenas-de Leon, AICI  CIC; author and image coach Raju Mandhyan; fashion designer, certified image consultant, and author, Delby Bragais, AICI CIP; and CEO coach Bjorn Martinoff.

For registration or inquiries, contact AICI - Philippine Chapter at (+632) 896-7256 or at mobile number (+63) 936-940-3634; email aiciphilchapter@gmail.com or through the Facebook page of AICI Philippine Chapter.