More recently, I started going through the menopause which is commonly referred to as ‘The Change’ and in my experience, they don’t call it that for nothing! It was during this time that my interest turned into my passion. Whilst feeling pretty low, unmotivated, unattractive and bewildered by the changes to my body shape, skin, hair texture and generally how I felt about myself, I was encouraged one day, by my partner, to get my glad rags on, do my make-up and hair as he told me in no uncertain terms “we’re going out!”
The effort needed to do this may have felt huge at the time, but the results were astounding! Now, despite not really ever being so good at doing as I was told, I figured since I wasn’t managing very well on my own I should perhaps go along with it. OK, I didn’t manage the make-up bit; I just put a rather natty pair of sun glasses on! I also, somewhat reluctantly agree to put on what I now refer to as my ‘magic suit’ which is a red linen casual jacket and pair of wide leg trousers in the same fabric. On my feet I wore a pair of pretty silver grey sandals and I put my hair up in a French pleat secured by a stylish brushed stainless steel clip.
Within a very short period of time of nactually getting out of the house, I found that i was slowly feeling much better and my mood had lifted tremendously. It was as if my clothes were my amour, the protective and reassuring front to what I had been feeling inside. This enabled me to face the world with renewed confidence and optimism. If anyone had told me it could be that simple, I wouldn’t have believed them!
Now, going back for a moment , a year or two prior to this, I had studied an NVQ level III Business Start Up course at my local college and whilst I just knew that what I really wanted to do in the future was to work for myself, I hadn’t quite decided in what field. Then the menopause hit me and my lack of self confidence became my biggest hurdle.
However, the day I put my glad rags on and went out and felt so much better really got me thinking. I researched thoroughly what courses in Image Consultancy were available to me and decided upon an on-line flexible study programme with © The Institute of Image Consulting™, based in the south west of England.
The rest as they say, is history!
Shaon
UPDATE - 17/8/09
I have recently enrolled on courses that will lead to me being qualified to carry out Manicure & Pedicures as well as Make-Up consultations. I will be offering these sevices in the New Year 2010.
email: shaon@styleonashoestring.info