Andrew Rondeau: Today I am interviewing Professional Image Consultant, Huong Nguyen. Huong how are you?

Huong Nguyen: I'm great thanks.

Andrew Rondeau: Huong, you have had a very successful career. Tell me about your career so far.


Huong Nguyen: Before I set up Inspired Image, I’ve had quite a varied career: from marketing training to fashion merchandising and running my own fashion design company. I really enjoyed those experiences, and I wanted to do something that would let me use all of those skills and deliver tangible results. I took professional training in image consulting and now I’m doing something that I love: running my own business, helping people to ‘market’ themselves better, and using my creative skills to make people look and feel great.

 

Andrew Rondeau: Today, what does your company offer and what is it that sets you apart from the rest?

 

Huong Nguyen: Inspired Image helps people make changes to their appearance which leads to changes in their lives. It sounds outrageous, doesn’t it, but the way you look can transform the way you feel about yourself and the way people relate to you.

 

I provide consultations to individuals and training to businesses on how to create the most effective image impact. My personal clients get advice how to dress well in order to project a confident, attractive image and make the impression they want to make. It’s about helping people develop an image that looks good and feels natural for them. For businesses, I run training and coaching sessions for their staff on how to look, sound and behave in a way that projects the essence of their business brands. This gives their brands a competitive edge.

 

I’ve recently been invited to be on the expert panel of a national monthly magazine ‘Brand New You’. The publication is aimed at helping women to look and feel younger. I do makeover case studies for them so their readers can see how easy it is to make the most of their appearance.

 

When I set up Inspired Image, my aim was to do more than just helping clients to know what to wear. For me, knowing what to wear helps you look good, it’s how you wear clothes that will set you apart. I give clients simple and creative solutions on how to create a flattering, stylish image that is memorable for the right reasons.  I really appreciate having a background in marketing, design and business. With that foundation, I can truly say that I deliver professional, inspirational and contemporary image services to my clients.



Here is one of my clients before and after pcitures:

Before:                                   After:

           
 

Andrew Rondeau: Huong, you have enjoyed phenomenal success. How important has goal setting been to your overall success?

Huong Nguyen: I’m not sure if I dare call it ‘phenomenal’ but I am pleased with what I’ve achieved so far. Goal setting is very important to me because I am responsible for my business outcomes. Setting goals keeps me focused; it gives me a real energy boost whenever a certain goal is achieved.

Andrew Rondeau: What motivates you to do the work that you do?


Huong Nguyen: I’m constantly amazed at the transformation I see in my clients: in the way they look and the way they feel about themselves. The impact is visible and immediate, and there’s a lot of fun and positivity shared between me and my clients. They keep me updated with the successes in their personal and professional lives, and it’s always great to hear how I have helped them in that process.


Another clients before and after pcitures:

Before:                                     After:

          


Andrew Rondeau: How is Personal Imaging different now, as opposed to when you started out in business?

 

Huong Nguyen: When I started Inspired Image in 2002, there were very few male clients. Now, 3 out of 10 clients are male. It used to be very rare to get a man seeking advice due to peer pressure and reluctance to talk about their image. Nowadays, men are much more interested in the way they look and they take pride in their appearance. TV makeover programmes – the good ones - have shown people that making changes to your image can really change your confidence and your lives. The traditional attitude is shifting and people are much more open about wanting to make the most of themselves. At the end of the session, my male clients are always very enthused by the whole experience. Some of them even book their partner in to see me afterwards.

 

Andrew Rondeau: If you could recommend one book that all aspiring business people should read, what would it be?

Huong Nguyen: I've really enjoyed Richard Branson's 'Losing my virginity'.

Andrew Rondeau: What attributes do you believe make a successful business person?

 

Huong Nguyen:
1. Have passion for what you do

2. Maintain strong work ethics.

3. Know what your customers want.

4. Be financially aware.
5. Take calculated risks.

 

Andrew Rondeau: Are there any other thoughts, insights, or advice for aspiring business people that you would like to add?
 
Huong Nguyen: People buy from people and this is influenced by trust. Your first impressions are crucial for gaining that trust from potential clients. If you want to boost your impact and confidence, get advice from a professional image consultant or someone who will give you an objective overview. Make sure your image reinforces what your business stands for, and that it projects you at your best. 



Andrew Rondeau:  How do potential clients contact you?

 

Huong Nguyen: My phone number is 0117 977 00 22.


info@inspiredimage.co.uk

www.inspiredimage.co.uk

Andrew Rondeau: Thanks for your time today, Huong.

Huong Nguyen: Thanks for having me!