Natasha’s Notebook » Blog Archive » One girl’s determination to make her dreams come true

One girl’s determination to make her dreams come true

July 24th, 2008 by Natasha

ANOTHER inspiring story for you Natasha’s Notebook readers… this time it is about a young girl who walked into our offices the other day with her business card. She had just set up, on her own as a personal stylist after years of working in retail.
I was so taken aback by her belief in herself that I just had to interview her for my blog for you ~ enjoy!

So Michelle, tell us a little about yourself… are you a fashion student if so where did you study and where have you worked?

Well I moved to London from Newcastle about six years ago, at the little old age of 16 to try and make a success of myself and prove to the family back home that I could do so!
Although I studied computer software development and business, I was also working part time in a bag shop.
As I got older fashion became more of a passion for me loving all new styles and trends; reinventing the vintage look and generally just getting excited about anything I could just put together.
Working hard
It was around that time that I decided to follow the route of fashion and took on a full time job in a concession in House of Fraser. I was also working part time behind the bar in a night-club and although this was tiring ~ I was able to do this as the days of my college decreased.
When college finished I worked even harder to receive promotions and eventually becoming a store manager. During his time I got a thrill, just helping a customer, styling them to boost their self-confidence.
In those years I wasn’t only a sales advisor or store manager I was a friendly ear, giving advice and becoming their friend. So much so I still keep in contact with a few.

Are you London-based?

I am London based. I live in south Croydon so it’s easy to travel around. With the service I provide I will travel anywhere within or around London to shop in a location the customer prefers and feels comfortable.
A questionnaire is sent out to the client before the shop, this allows me to identify what stores in the area chosen, are best.

How about your age? (I know you should never ask a girl but it helps to create a picture & you look really young anyway)

LOL. I do look young, but I get told I look younger with my fringe up and unfortunately for me, today was a bad hair day! I’m 21.

What made you do such a brave and wonderful thing as set up on your own?

I have worked for a few well-known higher end bands. Working myself up from a part-timer to store manager. I am very thankful for all the opportunities I have received within my career, however I have always wanted to work for myself.
To bring back the dream I left Newcastle with and become successful by doing something I love and have a sincere passion for but without being modest, something I know I’m good at. So why not? There is only so far you can go within retail.

How did you go about creating your little business ~Michelle Cole, Personal Fashion stylist?

I sat my partner down and wrote a plan of action and everything that needed to be sorted. I’m currently creating a website at the moment so I am very excited.
I also completed my own market research and out of 20 fashion stylists across London I was able to set a great price that undercuts all my competitors.
I have contacted all the great high street brands and alongside my partner (who is a visual merchandiser at House of Fraser) I am able to get a lot of information on the next seasons colours, trends and styles.

You must have had to do quite a bit of research… calling all the department stores/retail outlets asking them prices etc… to ensure you offer a competitive price to clients as you start off.
And Where do you hope to go with it?/Where do you see the business/you five years from now?

At the moment my business is really freelance work for myself.
My visions however for the next five years are to expand it into a business, employ ladies and gentlemen who are truly interested in this side of fashion but who hate working in retail and think that they will be stuck there.
And set up a training programme to boost their own self confidence, this will show them that styling is rewarding.

Would you consider yourself a fashionista? What is a fashionista in your words?

I love that word… fashionista. I think this word represents a person who is individual, creative but not miss-matched!
Someone who loves all trends, colours and styles and isn’t afraid to play around. We have to remember that although there are trends out they may not be to everyone’s taste.
However it doesn’t mean we can’t dress with basics and classics and add some accessories or jewellery to update your look.

Who do you admire in the fashion world?

I know it sounds crazy but I don’t have a particular fashion icon. I think having an icon can make you loose your creativity within your wardrobe.
I do love eras however. One of my favourite eras has to be the 1920’s - 30’s and a little of everything else.

With all these make-over shows on TV (like how to look good naked etc) are you hoping people are getting the bug for a bit of personal styling for themselves?

You see with my job, I don’t just tell my client what is hot and what looks great and hope that the next time they need help they come straight to me (although that would be nice) I provide notes that were taken on the day about the advice that way given.
I advise they look back and try and install the tips learnt during the next shopping trip and see how successful they become.

I think the main problem many women have is self confidence ~ even whe not aware that this could be the case ~ how can we women look good dressed (never mind naked)?!

I enjoy all TV hype about fashion at the moment, and praise Gock as he has done this in such a good way.
He has shown ladies all across the UK that they can be the person they want to be and also boosts their confidence just by choosing an outfit that compliments their shape.
However there is one TV programme where they promote cosmetic surgery as the way forward?! I mean what’s that about? You shouldn’t have to change your looks or body to feel great, I mean doesn’t that just tell the ladies that they were right all along? That they weren’t good enough? hmm I don’t know!

Breaking the mould
Well, I think I do know Michelle… I think you should be made an example of. Many young people today just follow the crowd or lack motivation to do something positive for themselves.
They become like once-juicy apples, rotting on the ground in an orchid. You instead are nurturing yourself to your potential. Don’t be surprised readers if we see this girl on TV oneday with her own show!

Posted in Out and about in London |

One Response

Dan Waldron Says:
July 24th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Hi,

I’m just getting started with my new blog. Would you want to exchange links on our blog-rolls?

BTW - I’m up to about 100 visitors per day.

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One girl’s determination to make her dreams come true

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