Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Latrice Cole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Latrice, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Fashion and style have always been in my blood but it wasn’t until my corporate days in HR that I realized fashion (more so style) could be used as something more than having a cute outfit. During my time as an HR leader, I saw first-hand how having the right visual image had a tremendous impact on a person’s confidence, presentation, presence, and overall impression they left behind.

I recall when my employer needed to fill a C-suite position. They had their eye on an internal candidate that was perfect for the job but they did not feel her image was a good representation of the company. They needed someone who not only had the skills but was also polished, had presence, and showed leadership, all of which were lacking in her appearance. Sadly, she was not chosen for the position which would’ve increased her salary tremendously.

Stories such as this always broke my heart because talented professionals, especially women, were getting passed over for opportunities simply because they didn’t look the part. I wanted to change that because everyone has value and your image can be used to show that value and stand out with distinction. So, I combined this experience with my love of style and started my business.

As a certified image consultant, I help successful talented women professionals and entrepreneurs create a signature style and brand that aligns with who they are so they can show up powerfully and authentically in order to maximize their influence, impact, and opportunities.

Latrice, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My clients come to me when they are reaching new heights in their careers and lives and realize they need their image to align with their brand. They’ve done ok with their image but know it’s not reflective of who they truly are, what they bring to the table, their positions, or the audience they desire to serve. They come to me because they are ready to step out of their comfort zones, or they are ready to have an authentic signature style they love but don’t want to waste time trying to figure it out by themselves. What sets me apart is my ability to understand the root of your image problem and create and implement a strategic plan to bring your desired image to life. Using assessments, personal style enhancements (i.e. style identity, wardrobe edits, color analysis, shopping, etc), and brand image development (such as photoshoots), I help my clients create re-imagined images that set them up for success. This increases their influence, impact, and opportunities and maximizes their market value. Unlike other image & style consultants who simply focus on what you wear, I focus on the greatness of who you are.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I started my business in 2018 when I was still working in corporate and used my paychecks to pay for the foundations of my business (business setup and legal structure, certifications, and other trade education, tools/equipment to get started, hired a coach, etc.). When I knew it was time to take the leap of faith into full-time entrepreneurship a year later, I made a plan to save up to two years to get me by. I saved up my paychecks, moved back in with my family, and cut down on unnecessary expenses in order to have the money to get my business running. I left my job at end of 2019.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been networking, making connections with gatekeepers who have access to my target audience, and joining women’s organizations and spaces that are filled with ambitious, and high-achieving women.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.latricemonique.net
• Instagram: @lmoniqueconsulting
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lmconsulting
• Other: Portfolio: https://www.latricemonique.net/private-clients

Image Credits
Client in Red Blazer look & Offwhite jacket look: Photo by Demar Watson Client in multi-color jumpsuit: Photo by Erin Silber photography