We recently connected with Latrice Cole and have shared our conversation below.

Latrice, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I am grateful for starting my business when I did as it provided valuable lessons that shape my business today. I launched my business in 2018 while I was still climbing the corporate ladder. I transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship in late 2019, just a couple of months before the pandemic hit. Navigating the challenges of being a new business owner during the pandemic, especially in an industry that primarily serves clients in-person forced me to slow down, adapt, and strategize the best moves. It taught me how to pivot early in my journey going from in-person services to virtual-only services.

In addition, I developed a community with other image professionals facing similar struggles. We were all trying to figure out how to manage our businesses during a time when luxury services such as image consulting came to a halt. Despite being in the same geographic location and servicing similar demographics, we all collaborated and provided ideas, advice, support, and resources. Nobody was worried about competition or one-upping anyone. It was simply about how can we help each other survive and thrive during a difficult time. I created bonds with other image professionals that I still have to this day. This period taught me the importance of community and the ability to be vulnerable enough to share so others can help you. Although we are no longer in the pandemic, the importance and benefits of community still hold true. As the African proverb says, if you want to go fast go alone but if you want to go far go together.

The pandemic underscored the necessity of being proactive and progressive. The image professionals who were less impacted already incorporated virtual services as part of their business model. Everyone else (including myself as a newbie) had to rethink and refine our models for virtual services and ensure the services produced the same or better results, which wasn’t easy at first. Now, virtual services are integral to the industry and have expanded my clientele beyond my immediate area. It also taught me to stay ahead of the curve. As part of my business development, I research what technology or other complementary resources I can use to grow my business and service my clients better, faster, or more efficiently.

Starting and growing a business is not simply a focus on business growth, it’s also a journey of self-evolution. It’s about shedding old habits, mindsets, activities, etc, and stepping into a better, more confident, and powerful version of yourself but the process takes time. Starting my journey 6 years ago has allowed ample time for personal growth enabling me to be a more confident, wiser, and  decisive business owner. I’m not AS fearful of moving my business forward because I trust myself more. My personal growth has empowered me to not be afraid to step into the spotlight and attract visibility to grow my business and reach my goals faster. I don’t think I could’ve gotten to this point if I was a version of myself who was paralyzed by fear or wasn’t willing to do the inner work. Although I am still growing, learning, and shedding layers that no longer serve me, I am very proud of the person that I have become in this process. Time, experience, and self-love helped me get here.

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?

I am a certified image consultant for high-performing professionals, visionary executives, and rising stars who want to reimage their image and create brilliant brand images that enable them to show up powerfully and never miss opportunities.  I leverage my ten years of experience working as a senior human resources professional and my innate flair for style, to turn getting dressed and brand-building into a business strategy. I have curated compelling brand images and wardrobes for a diverse clientele, including corporate trailblazers, seasoned executives, and enterprising six-figure entrepreneurs.

My unique approach empowers my clients to exude confidence, authenticity, and influence, positioning them as best-in-class professionals. I’m not just an image consultant; I’m a strategic partner in helping my clients achieve success they never thought possible.

Clients seek my expertise for various reasons. Many approach me when looking to elevate their visibility and careers but struggle to define their brand, unique qualities, or the desired image they want to convey. Some hire me to realign their image with their brand, ensuring they project the power necessary to stand out, authentically. Others seek my services for an image refresh due to growth, or when they need new branding photos that position them as leaders in their fields.

What sets me apart is my distinctive ability to assist my clients in gaining bold clarity around who they are, their brand and their goals. This is clarity that empowers them to lean into their unique differences unapologetically. This enables me to create and implement a strategic plan to bring their desired brand image to life. Using assessments, personal style enhancements, and brand image development, we collaborate to create a reimagined and prolific brand image that increases their influence, impact, and maximizes their market value. I truly focus on what makes my clients different.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What has helped my build my reputation is my ability to consistently overdeliver. I’m extremely appreciative for every client that chooses to work with me so it drives me to go above and beyond, ensuring they have an exceptional experience. This commitment extends across in-person and virtual interactions as well as throughout my entire process. By maintaining this level of consistency, I’ve solidified trust and credibility which are key to cultivating a positive reputation in any industry.

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

One highly successful approach to expanding my client base involves cultivating collaborative partnerships with complementary service providers, such as photographers. By strategically aligning with professionals whose services enhance mine, we create a mutually beneficial network that amplifies our collective reach. Additionally, referrals play a pivotal role in my growth strategy. When partners genuinely believe in the quality of my work and client delivery, they become advocates, using their social capital to endorse my services in rooms I’m not in or with prospective clients, collaborators, and other influential gatekeepers. It’s a nod to the trust they place in me and something I never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: latricemonique.net
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmconsulting/

Image Credits
Stacy BE photography – personal photo Erin Silber photography – Client photo