Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fashion but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ginger Burr, Founder of Total Image Consultants, located in Lynn, Ma, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I believe that every woman deserves to look and feel beautiful (whatever beautiful means to her). My job is to empower women to understand how to choose a wardrobe and personal style that truly reflects who they are on the inside and makes them feel amazing every time they get dressed. While most of my clients are over 40 (because the fashion industry tends to ignore us!), the style guidelines I share work for anyone at any age!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Ginger Burr, and it might surprise people that I never expected to be an image consultant—partly because it wasn’t a thing 35 years ago and also because I felt frustrated and overwhelmed trying to figure out how to dress. Once I learned the tips and tools for creating a wardrobe, I realized I was very good at it, I enjoyed it, AND I could help other women who were struggling with their wardrobes to feel inspired and excited to get dressed.

What motivates me every day is seeing a woman smile when she looks in the mirror or tells me packing for her trip was easy because her wardrobe works beautifully together. Taking the stress out of getting dressed and replacing it with joy and ease makes it all worthwhile!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Two accomplishments stand out for me. One is that, a few years ago, I wrote a book called ‘That’s So You!’ to inspire women to create a look they love. I made it evergreen, so, unlike many fashion books, the information is still current. The other accomplishment is that I was able to pivot easily during the pandemic to provide my services nearly exclusively virtually. Thankfully, because I have clients all over the world, I was doing virtual work before Covid, but now it’s the main way I work, using fabulous tools and dedicated software that make it effective and fun.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Haha! For me, the hardest thing is taking time away from my business. I LOVE what I do, and it’s not a 9 to 5 kind of thing (at least not for me), so reminding myself to take some time off is something I often forget to do!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Women always contact me about becoming an image consultant and ask this question. My response to them is always that you need three things: passion, perseverance, and training. And I want to add (especially for women in creative fields) that you understand the business aspects of running a business. While it might not feel like the exciting or sexy part of your business, it’s crucial to being successful. And, (sorry, I know this is more than 3!), as you grow your business, it’s crucial to hire people to do the parts you don’t like to do or aren’t in your zone of brilliance.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Have fun with your business! Yes, it’s a way to make money and provide a valuable service or product, but if you spend time doing it, it should feel exciting and fun every day (well…almost every day!).

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://totalimageconsultants.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotalImageConsultants
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingerburr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GingerBurr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gingerburr/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.