Today, Image Consulting industry is gaining a lot of popularity across the world, with over 79 percent individuals willing to avail these services. In today’s competitive world, an image consultant's mission is to improve someone's reputation as a person, a brand, or a business. From professionals to individuals, image consultants can help people regain their confidence and self-esteem. With a natural inclination towards the field along with her passion to promote holistic development of the clients, coupled with incredible communication and interpersonal skills, Neelu GS paved her way into woman entrepreneurship by establishing Elite Image Makeover. A trained Image Consultant from Image Consulting Business Institute under the curriculum of Conselle Institute of Image Management, USA headed by Judith Rasband, a Certified Image Master (CIM) in the Association of Image Consultants International, she is also a NABET (National Accreditation Board for Education and Training) and SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) accredited Soft skills trainer.

As an Image Architect, Neelu offers a wide range of services including Elite Image Management for Corporates, Image Makeover, Professional Make-Up, Designing Individual Makeover solutions, 360-degree Makeover, Personal Style, Appearance Management, First Impressions, and Personality Enhancement. She is an Image Architect who wears multiple hats  as a certified Image consultant, certified soft skills trainer, Makeup artist with 10+ years of experience as an entrepreneur. We engaged with Neelu to know more about her journey. Here’s the highlight from the interaction.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience.

While I have a degree in Engineering, I am also a Certified Image Professional & Soft Skills Coach, International Coach, Corporate Trainer, Outbound Trainer, IIPE Certified Professional Trainer in Design and Facilitation of Experiential Learning, Transformational Coach, Personality Development Coach, Motivational & Inspirational Speaker, President- IMPA Bangalore Chapter, IMPA Certified Professional, IMPA Certified Associate, Proud Toastmaster, Certified Life Coach, and Certified NLP Coach, Certified Reiki Master Healer, Makeover Specialist, and Professional Makeup Artist.

As a qualified makeup artist, I founded Chinmayi Beauty Makeover and served a diverse clientele. While serving my clients, I listened to their problems and started to ponder on how to improve their lives. I discovered that image consulting allowed me to provide holistic makeovers to such challenges. My customers' lives have undergone a paradigm shift as a result of these sessions. Corporate Professionals who have taken Image Consulting have experienced a complete transformation after the sessions. I've given students career preparation lessons to help them advance their careers and create an elite impression during interviews. Through a variety of CSR initiatives, I have also played a key role in influencing students and the less fortunate, helping to improve society and assisting people in recognizing their own image.

"I primarily focus on understanding the needs of the client to design bespoke solutions, help them identify their strengths, project an elite image of self, and guide them to achieve their personal & professional goals"

What motivated you to set up Elite Image Makeover? What is the underlying idea behind the venture and some of its most unique features?

Being my own boss and having independence inspired me to launch my own venture, while gratifying my inner desire to give a person a complete makeover inspired me to found Elite Image Makeover. As I wanted to further the process of changing lives, becoming an image professional and soft skills coach was a logical next step.

Dealing with several clients, with different demands is tough and enjoyable and each client is different and intriguing. I provide a one-stop shop for a total makeover from the inside-out for a holistic lifestyle.

I also provide image management for businesses, among other distinctive features of my services.

Throw some light on the various areas of your specialization as an image architect. What are your primary focus areas while working with new clients?

As an image architect, makeup artist, and soft skills coach, I create individualized solutions for my clients enabling them to project an Elite Image INSIDE-OUT. Using the ABC's of Image Management and assisting them in developing confidence and leading a Holistic Living. My areas of expertise are Image Consulting, Soft Skills Training, Makeover, Personal Coaching, Public Speaking, Campus to Corporate Training, Corporate Training, Outbound Training, and Life Skills Training. Along with this, I primarily focus on understanding the needs of the client to design bespoke solutions, help them identify their strengths, and guide them to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Tell us about some of the key milestones you have achieved. What has been your success mantra?

Creating an impact with Personalized design of Image consultation sessions and starting Chinmayi Beauty Makeover are some significant accomplishments. I've also achieved numerous honors, including the Social Impact Award from the Image Management Professionals Association in 2022, along with becoming a respected campus to corporate trainer, leader, international coach, certified image consulting professional, Outbound Trainer, Reiki Master Healer, and other notable milestones.

Keep an Elite impression of yourself- that's my success motto. It transforms your life. Remembering that you are the one who creates your image is crucial. Like having confidence in oneself and understanding that life is all about enhancing, illuminating, and mastering. Learning how to act appropriately when an opportunity presents itself is crucial.

Drawing from your experience as a successful business leader, what advice would you give to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

My recommendation is to find your passion, take baby steps, and decide what is best for you. Planning a strategy, authenticity and persistence is crucial for everybusiness. Keep your actions clear and consistent. Lastly, keep oneself informed of latest developments in the industry.

Neelu GS, Founder, Elite Image Makeover

Neelu GS is a certified Image professional & Soft skills Coach, Transformational Coach, Makeover Specialist, Personal Coach, Makeup Artist, Beautician, and Bride & Groom Consultant.