Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Claire Chen, founder of The Image Consulting, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

I am an image consultant, personal branding & style expert, and the founder of The Image Consulting based in Toronto. My clients are ambitious and professional women in their late 30s who want to achieve some leadership level to have a fulfilled and impactful career. They may be in transition from corporate to entrepreneur and shift their business to the online world. They want to regain confidence and clarity with their personal appearance and style to live life on their own terms.

Tell us about yourself

When I was young, I watched my mother get dressed and put on her makeup with fascination. She would tell me that when you look good, you feel confident and make other people feel good. My mom has been an inspiration and a big influence in my life. I believe this has become the reason why I am passionate about fashion and beauty.

I started my career as a professional makeup artist, and I worked as a stylist and a visual merchandiser. My goal was to ladder up to the corporate. Over 16 years of international experience working in the corporate world of retail fashion and beauty industry, I never pictured myself building my business. Honestly, I didn't choose entrepreneurship, it chose me.

Everything got started back in 2019 when I had many personal changes, I was let go for a job in Montreal as an assistant buyer, I found another job once again, I began to put all my time and effort into my work, and I ignored my well-being, later that year my husband's job transferred him to Toronto. This news took me off guard, and I felt like the plans I had just figured out were collapsing all around me. This time, it led to a breakdown, and it took me time to heal my anxiety and find my clarity and confidence again.

Now I am on a mission to help ambitious women to show up online with confidence on camera and present themselves with power through dressing and looking like the leader on videos. I strongly believe we can decide what we are, dress the way we want, do the things we love and truly express our personality, and share our voice and vision with the world without fear.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is how I have stepped out of my comfort zone. I've learned to remove my self-doubt and shift myself online. I've gained the confidence to show up on camera to empower others to do the same. I've made changes in my life and opened myself up to share my vulnerability, and embracing risk has been real personal growth. I am always exploring new ideas and learning new things. It feels right to find myself back.

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

For me, the hardest thing is having patience. I want to do it now, and I want to see the results fast. I've learned you can't rush life. You can't rush the process. Good things take time as long as you don't quit the game too soon. When the time is right, it'll happen.

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

  1. Trust your intuition even when things go hard.
  2. Everyone is on a different journey. Stop comparing yourself to others.
  3. Speak up and show up for yourself.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I believe everyone has the potential to become what they dream of, but we must do the hard work. Consistency builds momentum and always shows curiosity and asks for feedback. If there's something I could support your journey, let's connect.

Your voice matters.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://theimageconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Claireimagecoach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claireimagecoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-chen-imagecoach/


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.

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