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Interview with Michele

How long have you been doing what you do, and how did you get to be a style and self-image expert ?
The best way for me to answer this question is to start with a defining moment in my life, the birth of my beautiful daughter, Ivy, in 2003. I was a business-woman and an elated new mom yet I felt frumpy, lacked confidence and was very unhappy with my personal image. I got up and just put on whatever fit or the first thing I could find and spent the rest of the day feeling disconnected from myself, wishing I looked like someone else and hiding behind my baby. Not only was I not comfortable in my own skin, I didn’t like one single thing about my image and felt that it was completely undermining my credibility. My lack of confidence and insecurity in my image kept me small and from taking my business – and my life – to the next level. It hit me like a ton of bricks - I needed to refine my style from the inside out.

So I did what any fashion-minded woman would do. I gave myself a makeover, starting with the inside. I didn’t plan it that way, but when I began looking long and hard at myself and how I felt about my appearance, I realized that much of my discontent was coming from within. I was not very confident in who I was, didn’t have much self- esteem (a lifelong issue) and always compared myself to others. I had body image issues, doubted my self-worth and didn’t think that I deserved to look as good as I wanted to. In fact, I thought it was wrong to look beautiful – I couldn’t have been more wrong. So to begin chipping away at years of self-esteem issues, I began with small steps that would make a difference each day, and that added up to create a much bigger whole. From there I was able to see myself for the woman I was created to be – beautiful, powerful, confident! The old me was still there, just new and improved.

Now that I had a makeover on the inside, it was time to examine at how I was expressing myself on the outside. I felt that I had gotten into a rut (yes, even me!) where I was wearing clothing that was convenient and easy, but didn’t really bring out my best. I was trying to dress to look like someone else, rather than embracing who I was and what my assets were. I looked at the clothes I wore, my hairstyle and my makeup and asked myself if it really felt like me. I dug deep to determine what ‘me’ really felt like and was determined to create an image that was 100% authentic to who I am. I created what is now my StyleFinder™ System that helped me to understand what’s important to me and how to put things together in a way that truly reflect who I am from the inside out.

So here I am, a business-owner and mother to two amazing children, and I realized that my needs as a business owner and a mom were like a double-whammy when it came to getting dressed and looking pulled together. Some days I had very little time to get myself together because I was busy getting the kids ready, and left the house feeling frumpy and frazzled rather than fashionable. There had to be a better way! I set to work to create a system and a strategy that would help me get dressed quickly and easily every day, and even leave time for a hair and makeup routine that made looking great a no-brainer. Now I’m proud to say that I can get ready in less than 20 minutes before walking out the door to work with a client or to speak at an event. That’s no small feat, but because I practice what I preach, getting dressed is a breeze. I always leave the house looking my best and feeling confident!

Somewhere in the midst of helping clients and the busy-ness of life, I realized I had lost my personal sense of style. I was dressing in a way that caused a disconnect with my former creative self. One day, I was speaking at a women’s event in front of more than 200 people, and it occurred to me that while the dress and cardigan I was wearing were nice and professional, they did not truly reflect my own sense of style. I was polished, but felt inauthentic.

This is when I knew it was time to get back to basics. I created the proprietary system that I use today, called StyleFinder™. It’s a personal style assessment that helps women understand exactly what their style is and how to express it through their image. This has become the foundation of all I teach because if you don’t know how to represent your own true style, you won’t feel connected to yourself. Now when I get dressed, even if it’s a suit, I make sure my look expresses my own unique sense of style (which happens to be dramatic/romantic with a touch of whimsical) and feels all me.

I have spent years honing my personal style and want to help you develop your own unique style. And I promise to share my secrets and shortcuts with you! I have also become very passionate about helping women express themselves authentically in a way that’s appropriate for business, pleasure, and everything in between.
I’m a busy entrepreneur and don’t have time for style. Does it really matter?
Boosting your image often brings with it a boost in self-esteem, giving you the confidence to raise your rates, approach higher level clients, step up to the stage to speak, appear in the media and so much more. When we represent our true selves on the outside, the effect is nothing short of magical!

It also results in raising your credibility. If you want to be taken seriously you can’t not have time for style. It’s not a luxury, but a necessity if you want to be seen as the go-to person in your field. If your image isn’t polished, professional and resonant with what you do, you’re undermining your own credibility without even knowing it!

Who are your clients exactly?
My ideal clients are entrepreneurial women with busy lives who often run from speaking engagements to networking luncheons to PTA meetings without missing a beat! As entrepreneurs, they recognize that they are the face of their business; it is essential that their image matches their brand. My clients learn to streamline their style so they can look their best while building successful businesses and living busy lives.

Some of my clients are in these professions:

Authors Speakers Health Coaches Life Coaches Professional Organizers Business Coaches Artists Marketing Consultants Designers Photographers Massage Therapists Office Managers Administrative Assistants CEOs Real Estate Brokers Marriage Counselors Attorneys	CPAs Risk Management Directors Retail Sales Associates Retail Managers Dentists Hairdressers Copywriters Food/Wine Experts Optometrists Chiropractors Doctors Consultants Interior Designers Event Planners Personal Trainers Jewelry Representatives Direct Sales Professionals
And many more…

I’m not a fashionista – I’m not into clothing or style and don’t really care about what I wear. Should I still work with you?
First, let me start by saying that many of my best clients are women who aren’t what I would call fashionistas. That is to say, they want to look great and know how important it is to have a strategy, but it really doesn’t matter if they enjoy fashion or are into accessories. It is absolutely not necessary to like fashion or style to look your best. However, looking your best is critical to your success. When we work together we’ll use my StyleFinder™ System to help you understand exactly how to dress to bring out your very best, whether your look is casual and comfortable, or professional and polished.

That said, I honestly don’t think there is anyone out there who truly doesn’t care about how they look. Many women tell themselves and others that they don’t care, but often I discover that is just a way of deflecting their true feelings. I don’t know anyone who would not benefit from looking their best and feeling great in their own style. It’s like feeling great in your own skin, only you have the power to change it as you like.
I don’t really have a style, or don’t know what it is.
That is what I’m here for! All women have their own unique personal style, whether you’re in touch with it or not. Through our busy lives, we often lose touch with who we once were and how we once put ourselves together. We end up in what I call a ‘default’ style, which leaves us feeling frumpy and not recognizing the woman we see in the mirror. Through my StyleFinder™ System I help my clients to get in touch with the core of their own personal style and get dressed in a way that makes them feel more like themselves. It’s not about fashion and looking trendy – it is about expressing yourself in a way that makes you feel more like you.
How are you different from other image consultants?
First, I’ll say that I really don’t resonate with the title ‘image consultant’, although that describes what I do to a certain extent. I work with my clients from the inside out – in a caring, non-judgmental way - to help them see their true beauty, while empowering and educating them to get dressed quickly and easily every day. My work is holistic, meaning that I assist my clients in looking beautiful from the inside out and creating a wardrobe strategy based on their core essence, the work they do, and their lifestyle; my goal is to help them build a wardrobe to support them in all aspects of their lives.

I approach my clients as individuals and respect their own unique style rather than trying to influence or force a particular style on them. My proprietary system, StyleFinder™, was developed after years of helping my clients clearly understand what’s special about them and how to express that authentically through their image.

Finally, I bring a level of enthusiasm and sense of humor to the whole process – we’ll have fun while we uplevel your image and keep it light! After all, discovering your true style is an exciting process and I want you to enjoy it!
What type of client is your best “fit” and what is expected of me?
I work best with women entrepreneurs who actively want to change and improve their image and are open to new ideas about their style. The only thing I expect from you is that you’re open to the possibilities and willing to try new things.
Who will your programs not work for?
My programs are not for someone who doesn’t truly want to make a change and isn’t willing to invest in themselves and their image. If you’re content with your image exactly as it is right now, or unwilling to make changes necessary to get the desired results, then you’re probably not a good fit for me and my programs.
I don’t live in or near the Raleigh, NC area. Can I still work with you?
Absolutely! I work with clients all over the world in various ways. First, you could consider driving or flying in for a VIP day, or for an introductory session to kick-off your program. If that’s not feasible, we’ll simply schedule our sessions via Skype and work as
if you were right here with me in the studio.

Also, consider my virtual e-books, bootcamp and other resources for deeper learning that make it easy to learn from me no matter where you are or what time zone you’re in. I don’t want location to be a barrier, so I’ve created multiple ways to work with me no matter what your location
May I contact some of your former (or ongoing) clients to see what it’s like to work with you?
Absolutely! Take a peek at my Success Stories page to see what my clients are saying. If you’d like to speak to one of them personally, feel free to reach out to them directly. If you prefer, I can have them contact you to learn more about their experience working with me.
What results can I expect?
When we work together my goal is to help you create the image that best reflects who you are authentically, while bringing out your best assets and supporting the demands of your lifestyle. My clients report results ranging from being able to get dressed quickly and easily every day, to feeling more empowered and confident in how they look, to creating an authentic image that expresses who they truly are.

Through this process you will:
• Reconnect (or simply connect) with who you are
• Gain a newfound sense of confidence
• Boost your self-esteem
• Discover your StyleFinder™ keywords and learn how to authentically expressthem
• Learn to wear color with confidence
• Understand how to bring more color into your wardrobe
• Learn how dressing for the body you have can visually take off pounds
• Create an image that tells the world who you are
• Learn how your personal scale dictates your best accessories
• Learn how to shop for what you really need
• Discover how to build a wardrobe that works for you all year long
• Discover how to wear accessories to best effect
• Learn how to play up what’s great about you and downplay those parts you’re not crazy about
• Get advice on your best hairstyle
• Learn how to project a professional and polished image every day
• Create a wardrobe strategy that allows you to get dressed effortlessly and easily everyday
• Learn how to wear what you have in new ways to feel like you have more clothes
• Learn why less clothing can result in more possibilities
• Understand what to buy when you go shopping, and how to avoid those expensive mistakes
• Learn where to invest your money and where to ‘go cheap’
• Understand how to build your ideal wardrobe that you love to wear
• Determine what your personal style is, and more important, what it isn’t
• Gain confidence in your image and appearance
• Use your image to boost your business success
• Look your best in every situation
• And so much more…
How quickly can I expect results?
My best answer is that it all depends on you! Unfortunately, the makeover shows have done a real disservice to women in creating a false image of what it truly takes to create an image overhaul. Some clients hope that after only a few short hours, their entire lives, image, and wardrobe will be immediately transformed!

While it’s certainly possible to make a major transformation in a short period of time (and my VIP days are designed to do just this), I like to describe refining your style as a process. When you’re learning new ways of shopping, dressing, and putting things together, there is a bit of a learning curve. That said, change does happens more quickly than you might think and each small step forward creates a big impact. I do have clients who have transformed their look overnight, but for others it is a longer process. Much of it depends on your personal desire to make changes and how quickly you implement what you learn.
Will I recover the investment I put into this program?
Absolutely! You are investing in yourself and this is an investment that will pay you back many times over in time and money, as well as the intangible benefits of a boost in self-confidence. Once you discover what your best looks are and how to dress for yourself and your life, you’ll save money for years to come. You’ll know exactly what to buy, where to invest, how to wear what you already own, and what to skip altogether.

A polished, professional image that is authentic to who you are is one of the best investments you can make in your professional career and can help you to stand out and be noticed for all the right reasons.

And as an entrepreneur, taking your image to new levels brings with it new opportunities to further your career and create your success. When you invest in yourself through your image, you send the message that you are of value and so your products and services will have a higher perceived value. It’s a win-win all the way around and you’ll reap rewards, both tangible and intangible, for years to come.
How will we work together and what do your packages entail?
I have created several different packages that are tailored to specific needs, all based on my proprietary StyleFinder™ System. My work involves a combination of one-on-one sessions (in person or via Skype) as well as style coaching sessions via phone, along with assignments to help you take your learning to deeper levels. My packages have evolved over time as I have seen what gives my clients the best results, and I’ve designed them to give you maximum value and benefit as well as the support to effectively incorporate this information into your wardrobe and your life.
How long will your packages/programs take?
It varies depending on the package. A VIP day, for example, is a day-long package. My other packages will be outlined in detail on our call to give you a clear understanding of what’s involved, but typically range from three months to one year. If you’re interested in working on your own schedule or want something more immediate, my products will walk you through the process at your own pace I have formulated my packages and programs based on my experience to give you the best results possible.
Do clients ever work with you more than once?
Yes. Once a client signs up with me, I view our relationship as ongoing. There are many aspects to what I teach and I think that clients learn on different levels at each workshop, program or course, and that there is always something more to learn. . I have designed my offerings to be a progressive learning experience so that you can continue to take your style to new heights as you are ready, and to keep it looking up to date.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, I accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. For your convenience, you can pay online or you can call my office with your credit card information and we’re happy to run it through for you.
Michele, based on everything I’ve read and heard about you, I know you’re the one I want to work with. How do I get started?
Wonderful! I’m glad that you feel that I’m the one to help you uplevel your image—I look forward to working with you! To get started, let’s set up a quick 15-minute Find Your Style inquiry call to determine what package/program best fits your needs and your budget. Email me at Michele@onechicmama.com and we’ll get you scheduled. I look forward to helping you take your look to the next level!
If I’m not sure I’m ready to get started, how can I sample your work at low cost to see if it’s the right solution for me?
The best way to sample what we offer here at One Chic Mama is by subscribing to the weekly email newsletter. The “Secrets of Style” email newsletter provides you with easy to follow tips, the latest trends and much more. Subscribe here. You may also want to order my products and programs to get a feel for my style and what I teach.
I have a family and a busy life. Although I desperately want to boost my image and feel more confident, I don’t have much time to spare. How much time will be involved?
Initally, there will be a small investment of time but not as much as you might think. Once you learn my StyleFinder™ System, you’ll quickly begin to save time – not to mention money – and be able to get dressed quickly and easily each day. The time investment up front will save you time every day for years to come, and boost your confidence exponentially! As an added benefit, you’ll find shopping is easier because you’ll know how to pick out the perfect clothes in much less time than you thought possible. Essentially, the more time you can invest at the beginning, the more time (and money) you’ll save in the long run. And you can’t put a price on looking and feeling your very best!
OK, I’m ready to do this for myself but I have a couple of additional questions. Can I call you?
Absolutely! I would love to chat with you to answer any other questions you may have. To set up a quick 15-minute Find Your Style inquiry call simply email Michele@onechicmama.com or call 919-828-7529. We’ll be happy to walk you through the different options to see which one is right for you. I’m excited to be the one to work with you and I look forward to helping your image and your confidence move to the next level. Let’s get it started!