Talk with Angie Ng

 Date: 1st August 2020

This article was first published in Personalities (Refinement Society)

'TIF Talk' with Personality, Angie Ng, Serial Entrepreneur, Jewellery Designer, Self-Care Coach, and Educator.

"Make your life a story worth telling, shape your stories, and shape yourself."

- The Image Factor Way

Welcome.

What if there is a way for you to cope more productively? To feel calmer. To regain control. To plan wisely through some clarity. Individuals of inspiration we worked and associated with have discovered that regaining control, and re-energizing through answering the basic questions, move them into action even during this period of social distancing in remote home spaces or workplaces.

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"We help women to redefine their personal storyline, rediscover their femininity, rethink and express their personality and lifestyle, and add value to their overall well-being. We are basically in the business of bringing happiness, joy, promoting self-love and well-being". 

- Angie Ng, Founder and Creative Director of Angie Jewel & Co

Image: By Refinement Society

Angie Ng wearing her own design Pearl blended with gemstones Choker

How did you get started in the industry?

Angie Ng founded Angie Jewel & Co (AJ) in 2012. Before that, after deciding to leave her banking job, Angie, during her pregnancy offered to help co-manage, as Creative Director, in her husband's family jewellery business (known as Kelvin Gem, a heritage brand established in 1970) for two (2) years. It was during this time that she wholeheartedly put her effort into understanding the whole concept of a jewellery business like her own. With her years of experience as a banker, Angie used her acquired skills in managing multiple operations and dealing with numerous responsibilities at the same time to help manage the family business.

'Since at young age, I was inspired by my mum, who was a business owner herself in the early days. I started my entrepreneur journey with the vision to provide happiness, bring joy to people, and the latest add-on passion, adding value through well-being." said Angie.

Jewellery is, and always has been, a staple in fashion. Simply supplementing your outfit with a few pieces can transform your look! Angie Jewel & Co, through its founder's renaissance qualities and passion to thrive in all market situations, cater jewels for all occasions which include the following, from Fine Jewellery, Vintage to Custom Made:

• Therapeutic

• Gifts

• Weddings

• Corporate

• Family

• Fashion

• Investment

In 2014, Angie decided to turn her passion for jewellery-making and designing talent into an academy known as Elegant Jewel Studio (EJS). It has since grown into leaps and bounds and to date, she has trained thousands of women (and men) on how to make and design their own pieces of jewellery. Many graduates today have successfully started their own jewellery e-commerce online jewellery business. Angie Jewel & Co. as a brand is not only a fine-jewellery player in the exclusive high-end segment, it is using the EJS platform not only to communicate, but also to engage by introducing new product lines at affordable prices to reach the younger or less affluent consumers, giving them an entry point into the brand, for enthusiasts giving them a platform to create and express their own unique spaces, and for those seeking to start an (online or hybrid) entrepreneurship business. It is one of Angie's pride to showcase the brand's multifaceted future.

Can jewellery be both fashionable and therapeutic?

Throughout history, purchases have been motivated by nobility, status, celebration, and love. In modern times, they are also purchased for self-indulgence and self-identity. Designers have long since, recognized the therapeutic good that certain pieces of jewellery can offer. Generally, the positive sentiments that come with jewellery provide hope and uplift one's mood. While maintaining her core in producing jewellery of beauty for her bespoke clients, Angie also produces therapeutic jewellery, whether it is a bracelet, ring, or necklace. Through years of servicing and up-close conversations with her long list of clients, Angie realizes that women (and some men)through seeking aesthetically pleasing jewellery, but many, they want jewellery that not only looks great but has a beneficial impact on their well-being, self-esteem/self-worth or healing effect too.

Branded Jewellery was historically worn by the affluent to project status, and wealth, inspire trust, a sense of upgraded lifestyle, and self-expression but one segment that is much overlooked is the inner connection to the mind and soul (a.k.a. the mental well-being).

Image: By Refinement Society
Angie meets her clients by appointment for their custom-made jewellery

                                                                                           

Jewellery for therapeutic good 

Image Credit: Pixabay by Starbright
Splar Quartz bracelet

Dissatisfaction in modern life is rampant. Whether it is your family, career, economic, marriage, or romantic relationship, there are many reasons nowadays why so many of us are feeling less than happy or depressed. Despite variations in culture, race, or religion, we all want the same things, happiness, health, family, love, and career success. These are the things that tend to get neglected in the fast-paced hectic world today, which in essence we are neglecting our inner well-being and self-worth.

This is one of the much-overlooked segments where Angie believes she can help to provide 'Therapeutic Jewellery' which, is also her passion in 'Connecting the love of Jewellery with her intuitive intelligence.

So, for a man, if you want a thoughtful gift, something that will show you care, buying a beautiful lady either a jewellery piece or a uniquely personalized set, will show them how attentive you are and that you truly care how they feel.

Photo courtesy: InStyle.com
Actress Margot Robbie wearing a sensational Oscar Necklace

Image Credit: Angie Jewel & Co
Felix Sterling Silver Earrings by Angie Jewel & Co

Jewellery as essential Fashion Wardrobe items

Image Credit: Pixabay 

         

Image Credit: Pixabay by Mdgrafiko

  

                                                                             

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself".

-Coco Chanel 

     

In terms of wearing jewellery as a fashion statement, Angie Jewel caters to both the high-end and affordable lower-end of the market. According to research, the jewellery industry is starting to see evidence of hybrid consumption where previously clear-cut boundaries between fine jewellery (characterized by the use of precious metals and stones) and fashion jewellery (typically made of plated alloys and crystal stones) are starting to blur. For example, fine jewellery used to be almost exclusively gift purchases, but today's consumers are buying high-end items for themselves. Some fine jewellery is available at affordable prices due to market saturation and stiff competition. Designers today are encouraging consumers to wear jewellery as one of the essential wardrobe items, to use it as layering to mix with both high and low-price points jewellery. This illustration is more among the new rich with the new money, where individuals aspire to project an image, as well as to express their personal style and brand.

Image Credit: Angie Ng
Angie models her own design to express one of her looks for personal style and brand 

Angie Jewel with its omnichannel distribution gives them the advantage and edge over competitors, where elite clients who wish to have a personalized bespoke custom-made piece, can schedule a private personal shopping unique experience with Angie. 

With its virtual online presence and physical in-store presence to cater to walk-in or elite clients, Angie Jewel & Co. is poised for wider global reach and has the potential to scale up. In collaboration with partners, its skilled trained certified graduates through the EJS platform, and along the whole value chain, from suppliers to designers to logistics providers, Angie has already a full eco-systems in place. With its adaptive business systems, Angie Jewel & Co. can react and adjust to trends quickly.

Jewellery for Celebration of Love, Relations, and Weddings

Image Credit: Pixabay by Marla66

Diamond is a symbol of eternal love and commitment, hence it is the most common stone for engagement rings.

Planning for a wedding or proposal? Angie Jewel provides customized wedding and proposal rings that are unique and romantic. Contact and have conversations with Angie Experts.

Jewellery as Investment

The affluent segment in the industry will buy more than just gold, such as diamonds, coloured gemstones, and pearls, they are actually not spending but converting their liquidity to a safer form of investment as assets. Jewellery is a safer investment, especially at times of economic crisis where there is a global pandemic and great uncertainties. Jewellery made of gold, silver, diamonds, and gemstones are assets that actually have value. If you own something rare, its value continues to increase while you wear it in the meantime. Jewellery is also one of the most common assets to be passed down the generations as an heirloom. If you have any heirloom that was passed on to you and you wish to reset, recycle or liquidate, Angie Jewel & Co. offers consultation on whether to hold on to the asset or otherwise.

Is Personal Branding as Important as Business Brand?

So you're a founder and you have created a brand for your company that you're proud of. But what about your personal brand? In the age of digital evolution, consumers are responding to founders who share their personal lives on social media, and it's translating into sales. According to a survey and various studies, it says that consumers today are more likely to trust a company if the CEO or spokesperson of a brand is active on social media, but many are media-shy and still prefer to have their personal identity behind their company.

     

Image Credit: Pixabay by Pinkigirin

What does it mean to you? 

Angie believes in being authentic to her ethos which is values. As a modest, Angie places high importance on authenticity in her Personal Branding

Your Brand Aspirations 

To be the role model for women, wives, mothers, or working professionals, seeking to be their own person of esteem and self-worth, while maintaining life balance, aiming for self-fulfilment, happiness, and emotional health.

Author up-and-close a day of conversation with Angie Ng 

    

What's your pitch, and what makes you different? 

Many may say that to be different, your brand needs to be widely visible and known, or that you need to be a renowned celebrity for your personal brand to work for you. While success can certainly be credited to heightening exposure, the element of 'TRUST' is key to compelling customers to choose your brand over others. In a saturated market, consumers' trust lies with brands that they know and follow. It means you need to build some type of platform that engages and speaks to your target audience. The best brands create experiences and stories through their content, conversations, or how you interact through your platform.

The Pitch

Angie has built a great presence and visibility among her global business network and social channels. Based on her ethos, the 'TRUST' that Angie's personal brand has invested in, the company Angie Jewel & Co has garnered and attracted various investors. The "Investor's Rule" states that as a principle, investors invest in people rather than ideas.

What makes Angie stand out is her passion she thoroughly loves what she does, and it basically shines through everything she does. What makes Angie stand out is her passion she thoroughly loves what she does, and it basically shines through everything she does

Image Matters! How relevant is this to you?

First impressions and images are important and they really matter. Angie, as a forward-thinking leader and entrepreneur, is always prepared ahead of situations. Moving in tandem with the current market change, "MOBILITY' is key to embracing the New Normal Image Identity, as well as adapting. CONSISTENCY in terms of the look and feel throughout the supply chain deliverables is a must to gain TRUST. This has to be maintained to achieve brand respect as well as to achieve impactful positive first and lasting impressions. Image Matters! In the modern fast-paced society, people make snap judgments of other people and questions that come up in that mere first few seconds are:

Can I TRUST this person, Can I RESPECT this person?

Angie on First Impression 

Image Credit: Angie Ng

                Angie loves wearing smart casual when meeting clients and at business events,, 

but at social events, she will turn it up a notch with stiletto and statement jewellery pieces to project 

her stylish elegant personality. 

What is Angie Jewel's typical customer?

Research conducted found that jewellery customers are primarily differentiated by ATTITUDE, rather than age or income. In other words, the most important factor in determining when and where a person will buy is his or her feelings about the jewellery, and what they want to express with the jewellery. Angie Jewel's customers know what the brand can deliver across the jewellery segments; from the fine jewellery-'Bespoke' to 'Celebrations', standard 'Gifting' products, and jewellery that is therapeutic for well-being and self-discovery.

How, as a leader do you ensure that your organization and its activities are aligned with its core values?

We articulate our Vision, Mission and Values through the guiding principles of 'Passion for Knowledge ad Dedication to HONESTY.

-Angie Ng 

 

What is the one quality that you believe every leader should possess?

Leadership is about ACCOUNTABILITY.

-said, Angie 

Leaders are constantly faced with many challenges - the unknown, uncertainties, unclear directions, and indecisiveness. This has a direct cause-and-effect relationship with organizations and their personal brands. Leadership is an attitude and a work ethic that empowers an individual in any role to lead from the top, middle, or bottom of an organization. The most common reason for being indecisive - is fear of failure. Indecisiveness is considered a symptom associated with anxiety, stress, depression, and mental anguish, and can severely affect one's ability to function socially.

Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young leaders?

Be realistic, follow your passion, have a business plan from one to five years, constantly assess your business model, be prepared for challenges along the way, adapt to changes, and seek advice and mentoring if you can, for feedback and validation. It is about focusing, a positive mindset to motivate and position yourself towards your dream and goal to achieve greatness. Modern life seems to hinge on 'cold' technology when in reality, it seems to distract us more and more. Thus to maintain balance, you simply need to have clarity, knowledge, skills, and a right and positive mindset.

As a Role Model, what do you wish to advocate for?

A VOICE to support Gender Equality, Women of Esteem with Self-Identity and Self-Worth, - and that a woman can be her own boss, and with the right attitude and mindset, will strive to achieve the balance between family and work.

          

If you have a need to celebrate or gift or for self-indulgence...why not have a conversation with Angie?

To seek a gift, wedding, family, corporate, or personal self-discovery jewellery piece, Angie Jewel & Co offers standardized to bespoke customized fine pieces of jewellery with exceptional style and character to suit your taste and personality. Get yours now and remember you deserve to be happy, healthy, and emotionally fulfilled. Or if you wish to personally make a piece of jewellery for someone or start an online jewellery business, schedule a chat with Angie.

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Book: The Image Factor of Angie Ng.

Angie is also a special featured personality in a best-selling book 'The Image Factor' where she shared her views on Self-Image and Personal Branding. In the book 'The Image Factor, once you understand the influence of Personal Image and Impression Management on building your Personal Presence, you are empowered to establish a visible footprint in your field of work or industry. You achieve self-control in your space, and others will visualize your presence. You are seen as an expert or authority in your field, and are perceived as an influencer and a brand; we call this personality who embodies these 'distinct traits or talents' the modern 'renaissance individual'. Your passion's intended and deliberate practice sharpens your niche through your years of experience, which builds your authenticity in your branding journey.

Our pitch is Image through authentic branding is a business of 'TRUST'.

Angie Ng packages herself with 'authenticity' building TRUST and gaining RESPECT. She is aware of her 'Renaissance talents' which she articulates them in her ethos. Working on her passion with continued self-discovery, and self-growth places her on a unique distinct edge in her space. Angie continues to up-skill in her craft striving for greatness and she continues to aspire to become a Role Model and Advocate with a Voice.

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About the Book that inspires

The Image Factor 

 

"Brand Visibility and Awareness are the first steps toward acceptance by your customers, stakeholders, and general constituents."

-an Excerpt from The Image Factor   

The End.

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A Career in Image Consulting: Are You looking for a Meaningful second career in the New Year 2026?

The Image Consulting Certification Course 2026 Intake- Registration Open Now!

Are you a woman in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, thinking about your next chapter? 

Do you love style, colours, transformational beauty, and helping others look and feel confident, elevating their presence?

A Career in Image Consulting: Transform Your Passion into a Profession in 2026

Image Consulting is one of the fastest-growing personal development careers, perfect for women seeking a meaningful second career with purpose, flexibility, and income potential.

Are you ready to step into a new chapter of purpose, confidence, and impact? For women who love style, colour, elegance, and personal transformation, Image Consulting is more than a career; it’s a calling. From curating wardrobes and styling clients to guiding them in communication, etiquette, and presence, image consultants help people show up as the best version of themselves. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for fashion, transformational makeover, and personal development into a fulfilling second career, 2026 is your year. This growing profession welcomes women with life experience, empathy, and an eye for beauty. Whether you want to become a wardrobe consultant, colour specialist, personal stylist, or makeover advisor, this path empowers you to create real change—one person at a time.

Get ready to reinvent your future with a skill that elevates others while elevating your own life.

Ready for a Second Career That Inspires?

If you're a woman in your 30s to 50s, with a passion for style, wardrobe organizing and planning, colours, appearance makeover, and personal transformation, 2026 could be your turning point. Image Consulting is more than fashion; it's about helping people elevate how they look, speak, behave and show up in the world. 

If you've ever dreamed of turning your natural talent into a meaningful profession, this is your moment to step forward. 

Question normally asked: What Image Consultant do?

You'll guide clients in:

• Personal Styling & Wardrobe Curation
• Colour Analysis
• Corrective and Transformational Beauty Makeover
• Hairstyling Advice
• Etiquette, Communication & Presence
• Confidence & Esteem 
• Personal Branding 

It's not just fashion or looking good; it's a full transformation.

Why Women 35- 55 thrive in this career?

At this stage of life, you bring:

• Life experience
• Emotional Intelligence
• A natural eye for improvement
• The desire to make a deeper impact
• Maturity to coach others with confidence

These are the qualities clients trust most.

A Purpose-driven second career

Imagine working with individuals, professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders, helping them elevate their identity, personal brand, and self-worth. This is a career where your passion becomes some's turning point.

The Lifestyle You Want.

Enjoy a career that offers:

• Flexibility (Choose Your Hours)
• Creative expression
• Connection with inspiring people
• Fulfilling work that uplifts others
• Income opportunities from coaching, workshops, and styling sessions.

Whether you are restarting, transitioning, or reinventing, you can learn a complete, professional skill and begin your image consulting journey with confidence.

Ready to explore a beautiful second career that transforms lives, including yours?

Contact us directly for details on the Image Consultant Certification Program starting in 2026.

The Image Consulting Course for Men Women Sept 2024 intake open for registration NOW.

Image Consulting is a 50-year-old industry globally, but it is still an infant-stage industry in Asia. Asia has the largest population in the world and our biggest strength is the young population. Today, in the business world, and with accelerating digital advancement, we are always trained technically and there is a huge gap in technical training versus managing their brand- the human capital, which is one of the most essential assets. 

Image Consultants work works with private clients and corporates assisting them and training them to create a personal brand for themselves. An image consultant is a coach who brings a meaningful, lasting, and authentic change in the life of their client by working with them on their appearances, behaviour, and communication (as well as building a personal brand and visibility) - based on their aspirations. 

Image Consulting as a career has a lot to offer, many consultants have found this field as their first or second calling for work- given that it offers entrepreneurship and flexibility, and here's why it has become a lucrative career today. It has flexibility in terms of the number of days/hours you wish to work. It is not location-specific on most days. On certain days, you may have to visit clients at their offices or homes take them personal shopping or conduct training in corporate offices or hotels. The rest of the days you can work from home. 

The Refinement Institute provides one of the most in-depth and thorough training in the Image Consulting complete program. It includes Image Concepts and Perception, Colour Psychology, Dress Sense, Wardrobe Planning, Self-Esteem and Confidence Building, Social Skill, Etiquette, Dining Etiquette, Presentation, Marketing, Business Plan, and more. 

Becoming an image consultant can be a highly flexible, creative, and rewarding career with impressive earning potential. We have trained many successful image consultants, entrepreneurs, professionals, e-commerce business owners, leaders, and aspiring men and women seeking change in lives - you could be joining the network.

You will learn what an image consultant does and how to do image consultations, how to develop your skills to succeed in an image consulting career, how to get hired for a job as an image consultant, and how to start your own image consulting business and get clients. 

The Refinement Institute

The School that Changes Lives and Society

Elite Accredited hybrid and e-training Certification Course for Image Consultants, Wardrobe Stylists, Personal Stylists, Colour Consultants, Etiquette and Protocol Consultants. 

Hybrid learning and e-Certification Programmes

This practical learning experience during training helps to maximize your confidence. When you train with The Refinement Institute as an Image Consultant, Colour Consultant, Wardrobe Stylist, Personal Stylist, or Etiquette Protocol Experts, you have the opportunity to run your own business, on a full-time or part-time basis, or as a second source of passive income, whilst enjoying the privileges and benefits of support from a leading expert brand. You will be trained on HOW to generate income, a simple business plan, with a marketing plan to target clients, and you have the opportunity to sell products and related image resources through our affiliate system.

Image Consulting, Colour Consulting, and Personal Styling (Wardrobe Stylist) are ideal if you want to build a ‘mobile business or if your circumstances mean you often, or may have to relocate to different cities or countries where you may be seeking change. Courses generally run online and hybrid basis from 10.00am to 3.00pm. 

What happens in the Image Consultant Certificate Course

The Image Consultant Certificate Course is an online learning program with suggested readings from our Course Manual in PDF format (and an additional resource Book - The Image Factor in ebook format). This course is 50% self-directed with personal guidance from our expert, which means you may study and complete assignments at the time scheduled most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home.

This online Image Consultant Certificate Course has a recommended completion date of 6 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course as short as 4 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your lifestyle and schedule.

The Image Consultant Certification Course has been created to allow you to complete it with virtual assistance. If you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from our Image Expert Tutor throughout the 6 weeks of the course (suggested duration). Your tutor is a valuable resource person who can provide you with personal learning assistance to help you succeed in the course and advice to help you succeed in your career.

Course Topics: 

(Modules are subjected to change to stay relevant)

1. Introduction to Image Consulting
2. Opportunities for Image Consultants as a Profession
3. The A (Appearance) B (Behaviour) C (Communication) of the Image
4. Personal vs Corporate Image
5. Knowing Your SWOT & Developing Your Skills
6. Starting Your Image Consulting Business
7. How to do Image Consultations
8. Getting Clients & Your Marketing Plan
9. Working with Strategic Partners
10. Resources

Course Fee: USD 977.00 (USD 497.00 Special for 2024 early bird intake ONLY. 

Registration is Open NOW.

Contact us for APPLICATION for Certification Train-the-Trainers Program:

We would like to know about your background so please take a moment to tell us about yourself:

Your Name: 

Your Contact (Email and Mobile Phone No.)
Your Website (if any): 

Gender: 

Country residing:

Your background (or experience):

Why do you want to be an Image Consultant (or Wardrobe/Personal Stylist)?

Thank You/Principal 

Celebrate LOVE with an outfit

Looking Good doesn't have to cost a pretty penny to be classy, and sophisticated, worldly experts at the Refinement Institute show you how with our picks of what you wouldn't mind adding to your wardrobe this Valentine, looking your best for your love.

February month has a lot to offer despite being the shortest month of the year. And no matter which way the season unfolds, there are plenty of dresses to wear that could satisfy both the lunar new year and valentine's day. One thing for sure, we see plentiful dresses that satisfy the modern romance trend this month. From online stores, retail boutiques to VINTAGE affordable collections, there are new collections of romantic frills and sweet vintage-inspired slips (above) to vintage chintzy floral prints, you can dress like a modern-day high society TV show. The date starts hours before; when you're getting into the mindset for a date. So, whether you think the date will go poorly, or you think the date will go well,, you're right. The way to get into the right mindset for dating is by wearing an outfit that you feel great in.

These elegant picks will have you looking your best this Valentine

1. A Simple elegant Olive Slip Dress 

A Vintage affordable easy Slip Dress

Celebrate the power of LOVE with an outfit to make Cupid blush. Forget wearing red today or a heart-shaped pin on your lapel. None of these ideas are modern. Try something fresh and unpredictable.

2. Sweet-vintage dreamy aesthetic inspired Top

3. A midi length polyester fiber dress 

4. Alexa Chung Inspired Sexy Minidress

5. A Satin Slipdress (choose your best colour)

What exactly you should look like for a valentine date may vary from person to person. If you feel best in your pair of jeans, then jeans are the answer. If you're someone who keeps their outfits pretty low-key from day to day, show up as your authentic self in more casual yet polished wardrobe essentials like a white button-up blouse and flats. Just remember the outfit shouldn't be wearing you.

"As an image consultant and personal development coach, I talk to people after they've gone on dates, and what I often hear is ... "he was so great, I really enjoyed the date... but he did not call me for a second date again."  

My recommendation is to be well prepared and get into the task of finding a good date-night outfit that helps exude confidence. I can tell you from my years of dating experience, no one is 100 percent well prepared and ready for dating. Have a few fantastic date outfits ready and on hand. "Not having any clothes that are flattering, or that fit well, or that you're comfortable in could be yet another excuse for why you think you shouldn't go on a date. 

Not having any clothes that are flattering, or that fit well, or that you're comfortable in could be yet another excuse for why you think you shouldn't go on date.

Our recommendation is to have "three or four outfits that you feel comfortable in, that make you feel desirable, confident,- an outfit that helps you look and feel your best. Then, you are going to bring that confident, sexy, flirty, energy to the date. In order to ensure you feel comfortable and honour your personal style, is by testing it out in advance. 

Caution: Make sure you have a bra that is comfortable, not one where the straps are constantly falling off, and you're adjusting it, or your pants are so tight that make you feel uncomfortable. 

A date is all about bringing your best, most confident self, ... part of that is having an outfit that really makes you feel your best.

Why don't you?

While dressing in expensive clothes might give you a fleeting sense of satisfaction, real confidence is not just about the brands you wear or the look you give off.  To celebrate a love date is all about making basic preparations by knowing your look, and playing to your personal strength. Why don't you satisfy yourself with the modern romance trend during this valentine?

Refinement Institute is a School of Refinement where .....

Refinement Institute, is primarily, the first of its kind famed elite Refinement University School that aims to teach the rules of classy etiquette, dress code, deportment, finesse, cultural refinement, royal protocol, and civility. 

Wish to enhance your personal image and brand refinement, contact us directly at 'teresadianchew5@gmail.com' or Whatsapp us at +6012 391 6108

Look great and Stay Safe.

Image Credit: iStock photo and Pinterest

What do Image Consultants do?

Bonjour!

Image Consulting is a branch of the Marketing, Branding, and Communication industry that focuses on the areas of Appearance (including Attitude and Mindset), Behaviour (including Etiquette, Ethics, Protocol, and Personality), and Communication (Verbal and Nonverbal aspects as like Body Language). Image Consulting is about providing professional advice to enhance the overall look and feel of an individual, business, and Brand.

Image Consulting is a service industry that involves a consultant helping clients improve their APPEARANCE, advising on BEHAVIOUR, improving on COMMUNICATION skills, and boosting CONFIDENCE for personal or professional reasons.

If you want to be successful in life and business, you must ACT like one- in the way you THIN, LOOK, BEHAVE and how you PRESENT yourself to others

- The Image Factor  

As an image consultant, you'll give clients makeovers, coach them on the right wardrobe style for the image they want to project, and even clean out/organize their closets or go shopping trips. You'll likely give hair and makeup advice, instructions on impactful body language, and tips on building self-confidence. You can teach tactics for better sales and customer relations, or you can work with clients facing media interviews to help them act and look their best. These days, you can include services on how to look your best online. You can work at home, or you work part-time and it's a creative and satisfying business, as you can help someone advance in their career or feel good about themselves in their personal life. As an image consultant, you need to have an innate sense of style and up-to-date knowledge of fashion, hair, and makeup trends in both personal and professional settings. Last, but not least, this is a practise-what-you-preach business- you'll have to look polished, professional, and dressed for success on all public occasions. 

What skills do you need to be a good image consultant?

People skills are the most important experience someone would need to enter the industry, as you need to have the ability to deal with people on a personal level. 

A woman needs drive, ambition, intelligence, and education to move up the executive ladder. Without those qualities, the best clothing in the world won't do anything for her. But even with them, if she doesn't have the right clothing, she won't get ahead.

John T. Malloy

The Woman's Dress for Success Book 1977

How image consulting started

1n 1975, Malloy's best-selling book on men's clothes, Dress for Success, was published, followed in 1977 by The Women's Dress for Success Book. In both books, Malloy emphasized that his advice was based not on personal opinion, but on years of research. While aspects of image management for women had been around for a long time - e.g., wardrobe planning, modeling, and finishing school courses - Malloy went a step further by addressing clothing requirements specifically for professional women who must compete with men for executive-level positions. He advocated a "business uniform" for women, consisting of a dark-coloured, skirted suit- preferably medium grey or medium blue -worn with a contrasting colour blouse, plain dark pumps, fleshed coloured hose, and understated make-up.

Time has changed the dress code in the business world today and Malloy's business uniform is considered outdated. However, his basic premise that certain industries require certain dress remains valid, as does his statement that if you want to succeed, you have to look like you want to succeed. "My advice to women is based on the same principle as my advice to men," Malloy wrote. "Your clothes should move you up socially and in business, not hold you back."

In 1970 Emily Cho was contemplating leaving the corporate fashion world and striking out on her own, and she founded her own consulting firm, New Image, in New York City.

"Somewhere along the way, we women have acquired the idea that we should have an instinctive sense of style, that it ought to be born in us as an integral part of our femininity, and that, if it is lacking, we are somehow unwomanly."

Emily Cho, wrote in her book, Looking Terrific, 1978

"It was not going to be just a shopping service, but also a way of helping a woman with her inner as well as her outer qualities. Often clients come to me when they want to find or strengthen their own identities, beginning with their clothing image and working inward from there."

Clothing is a terrific way to enjoy yourself and improve the quality of your life

Like Emily Cho, when I began my image consulting business, more than a decade ago, it was primarily to help individual clients develop workable wardrobes based on a capsule colour scheme of five or six colours. I evaluated the person's wardrobe and suggested how to create new looks with existing pieces and accessories, while gradually building a new wardrobe. I advised on hairstyle and makeup and did personal shopping as well. 

Over the years, I began doing more and more corporate seminars, workshops and I was hired by hotels, retail brands, insurance companies, banks, academia, financial institutions, multinationals, Government-linked companies, government ministries, to architectural and designers' groups to help align their image with their corporate values and identities.  Companies used this training to reward and motivate their employees and executives or as a tactful way to tell them to shape up. It was good for employee morale, good for business, and financially lucrative for image consultants.

Today, the market for corporate and individual image consultant services had grown to the point where I turned my expertise to provide certification training for other Image Consultants. I started my School of Image Consultants which is now rebranded as 'Refinement Institute' to train prospective image consultants and to provide continuing education for experienced consultants as well as providing finishing school programs from young ladies and men, society ladies and gentlemen. 

Is Image Everything?

Image Consultants' business was booming as companies and individuals seek out image experts on how to look and dress, and were willing to buy expensive wardrobes. More and more corporations hired image consultants to conduct seminars on ways to project an image of success. By 1990 image consulting had become a USD 130 million a year industry, and more than tripled today. 

At Refinement Institute, we offered image consulting services and learning beyond wardrobe and grooming advice. Services are divided into five (5) categories:

(1) Dress and Colour

(2) Speech/Public Appearance

(3) Personal/Public Image

(4) Personal Motivation, Coaching and Mentoring 

(5) Personality Enhancement 

The only constant is 'change'.

To be a successful image consultant requires staying abreast of trends, constantly ascertaining what needs in the business and society world are not being met, and adapting services to meet those needs. I make it part of my job as the school of refinement to facilitate the process of exploring ways in which image consultants can provide services that attract and benefit new clients.

Some Key INDIVIDUAL services: Women and Men

• Personal Image Assessment
• Personal and Professional Goals
• Vision Boards
• Personality Profiling on your UNIQUENESS 
• Behaviour Analysis
• Communication Skills (includes Presentation and Conversation skills)
• Body Language
• Dress and Appearance
• Wardrobe Management based on Lifestyle
• Body Type
• Colours Analysis
• Knowing Your STYLE Personality
• Beauty Care Regimen
• Personal Grooming 
• Social Graces and Etiquette
• Deportment and Elegance
• Life & Lifestyle Coaching
• Personal Development
• Mental Health Coaching
• Healthy Living (Nutrition & Healthy regimen)
• Pageantry Confidence

Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine

-Roy T. Bennett

The world will keep getting smaller, making cross-cultural communications and proper etiquette more important than ever in business and in the social environment. More and more people will understand that image matters. It's just pure wisdom for a person or a company to make the effort to create a favourable impression.

Image Consultant's reward is not only about financial remuneration but it is also in the personal satisfaction derived from helping people improve their appearance, presentation skills and on how to gain confidence in themselves.

In the first 7 seconds, your image influences the people you meet.

What we do.

Refinement Institute is the first of its kind famed elite Image Consulting University School that aims to teach the rules of classy etiquette, dress code, deportment, finesse, cultural refinement, royal protocol, and civility. 

Are you seeking change?

Wish to make Image Consulting your future career, doing what you love and helping men women develop their unique personal styles, and support professionals, entrepreneurs, and others to build confidence and have more success?  Consulting that's based on gut feeling only is not professional, which is why you need a certification education in image consulting to make your dreams come true. 

Let's have a 30 minutes conversation with us and chat about your ambition and goals. 

Stay Safe and let us help you explore your beautiful dream.