How did you become an entrepreneur?
After working in Hollywood for many years as a stylist, story editor and producer, I was ready to take my fashion and design expertise, gained through education and experience, and offer it to people in ways that could be life transforming. I've always enjoyed making my own decisions and fully using my creativity. I started with a business card, knowing no one in town, and began by giving presentations and sending press releases to local papers. Several months later I went though the Women's Economic Venture (WEV) program in Santa Barbara for entrepreneurial business women.
What is the nature of your business? What kind of product/service to you provide?
I empower people to feel their best by designing a great look for them and their environment.
As an image consultant, I provide clients a head-to-toe makeover tailored for their business and social life which builds confidence and expands effectiveness in business. For many people, finding the right thing to wear is a challenge, especially if they’re in the midst of a life or career transition.
I review my clients’ closets with them (“What Not To Wear” part of the process) and determine which pieces best represent who they truly are. I then do personal shopping to fill in any wardrobe gaps. I work with men and women and have the goal that no matter what they put on for any occasion, they look appropriate and polished. Often I am called in to pack clients for business trips or vacations. It’s all about making clients feel great by looking great. I also offer personal shopping services for personal and business gifts, as well as specific wardrobe needs.
With the recent changes to the economy, I’ve advised people on how to maximize their current wardrobe through tailoring and/or pulling together fresh, fashion-forward combinations. Creating an edge through a powerful presentation in today’s market is most beneficial. I also give presentations to businesses on image which focuses on staff representing their company with a polished image, as well as the interior space representing the company with an appropriate image.
Additionally, I am an Interior Designer for home and office. I strive to create fantastic and functional spaces for great value. There is nothing more important than coming home to a space you love. When terrific color, function, balance and design come together magical things happen. My intention is to find the magic and present beauty.
Why do you love what you do?
I am a creative and very visual person. I excel when given the task to create, even the seemingly impossible. My greatest reward is hearing the positive feedback from my clients. I often hear how I've changed someone's life by giving them a new way to walk in the world resulting in a self-esteem boost or stronger presentation in business. I also love design and feel energized when a look I've created in a client's home or office creates the sanctuary of their dreams. Picking out the perfect fabrics and great style in wardrobe or interior furnishings is fun for me!
How long have you been in business for yourself?
I've been in business for six years and work throughout the tri-county area including Thousand Oaks and San Luis Obispo. With that said, I have had special requests from clients in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
How do you attract clients?
I attract clients through word-of-mouth, networking groups and presentations I give to businesses and corporate groups. Most of the local papers have done articles on my business, and that kind of exposure is great for entrepreneurs. I look for opportunities to engage media. I also have a Website, Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and a Blog to keep in touch and market my business on the internet - a must these days for any business. Many of my clients have found me through Google by entering "Wardrobe/Image Consultant," "Stylist" or "Interior Designer." I also donate my services to charities like Fund for Santa Barbara (social causes), Environmental causes, Breast Cancer Resource Center, and Red Cross. My clients are very happy with my work and refer me to friends and business associates. Word of mouth is continually the best form of advertising!
Share any information that helps to further describe your business including any publications, awards you have received or shows in which you have participated.
I've been featured in Casa, Santa Barbara News-Press, Coastal Woman and most recently, in the Daily Sound Santa Barbara. A few years ago, I participated in the "makeover" segment with Walter Claudio on the local morning show in Santa Barbara.
You can also find me via my website - http://valerieburns.com/ and blog - http://valerieburnsblog.blogspot.com/.
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1 comments:
It is great to know what resources are available in Santa Barbara. I have used Valerie to help me refresh my wardrobe. She is talented and a great person with whom to work! With Valerie I was able to get out of the habit of buying the same kind of pieces over and over. She helped me get all of the basics and then we could play with our accent pieces. I love my wardrobe thanks to Valerie!
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