We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shahidah Rahman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shahidah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

Corporate America often has several misconceptions about the image consulting industry, which affects its understanding of value and potential.
Many in Corporate America may view image consulting as merely about personal appearance and “superficial” grooming. In reality, it encompasses a holistic approach that includes communication skills, body language, confidence-building, and professional etiquette. The depth of the industry is often underestimated.

Another, is the “Lack of Understanding of ROI”
Businesses might struggle to see the return on investment (ROI) for image consulting services. They may not realize that a strong professional image can lead to improved client relationships, better team dynamics, and enhanced leadership effectiveness, ultimately impacting the bottom line. Also, image consulting enhances teamwork, morale, and communication throughout the organization on all levels.

Ineffective Training- Some firms may hire image consultants for one-off workshops without integrating their insights into a broader developmental strategy. Effective image consulting requires ongoing commitment and reinforcement, not just a one-time seminar.

Lastly, corporate America sometimes overlooks the aspect of understanding diverse cultures, which can lead to miscommunication or alienation in the marketplace.

By acknowledging these misconceptions, corporate leaders can better leverage image consulting to enhance both individual and organizational.
I.A.S offer tailored services which tackle these corporate i concerns, by providing soft skill training, workshops, 1:1 executive presence development.

Shahidah, 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?

### Discovering Confidence Through Image: The Journey of a Baton Rouge Native

In a world where first impressions hold great significance, it’s vital to recognize that confidence stems not just from our appearance but how we feel about ourselves. My name is Shahidah, a professional model, speaker, coach, brand and image consultant, and the proud founder of I.A.S. Image Consulting. As a Baton Rouge native, I’m considered a Lady of integrity, and I make a lasting impression on almost everyone I meet.

My journey into the fashion industry began in 2015 with my first steps on the runway in Houston, Texas. Nearly ten years have flown by, and each show and interaction has ignited my passion for empowering women and enhancing self-expression. Walking at Milan Fashion Week a few months ago was a pivotal moment in my modeling career, reaffirming my commitment to this vibrant world.

My experiences as a professional model, coupled with a deep desire to uplift others, inspired me to create tailored experiences for women seeking a fashion boost.
At I.A.S. Image Consulting, I provide a range of services designed to help women and businesses overcome their personal and professional branding challenges. My mission is straightforward: assist individuals in improving their self-perception while enhancing how the world views them. In today’s fast-paced, interconnected society, the importance of a powerful first impression cannot be overstated—there are no second chances.

I began my career by focusing on two demographics that often encounter unique challenges: teens and women. Through my work, I empower them to present themselves with dignity and teach them how to “rock” confidence. While honing my craft, I realized I was naturally imparting the principles of image consulting—the A, B, Cs: Appearance, Behavior, Communication, and Digital Footprints. Each aspect is essential in crafting an authentic personal brand.

Recognizing that professional environments also need this empowering influence, I expanded my services to corporate America, assisting individuals stepping into new roles or revamping their professional image. I identified a significant need for employers to invest in their employees’ professional development, especially in image enhancement and soft skills training. When individuals feel good inside, it reflects outwardly, resulting in pride and productivity.

What distinguishes me in this industry is my holistic approach to appearance. It’s not merely about external looks—your image is a reflection of your inner glow. I genuinely care about my clients’ journeys; each transformation deepens my dedication to this work.

I take profound pride in the relationships I foster with my clients, the stories we share, and the confidence I help them discover. The journey with me doesn’t conclude with a consultation; it blossoms into a meaningful partnership where we celebrate victories and overcome challenges side by side.

Whether ripping the runway or guiding clients to embrace their unique style, my mission remains unwavering: to empower individuals to accept their authentic selves and shine in every aspect of life. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to understand that I, too, have experienced a journey of self-discovery and still am. My goal is to light a pathway for others as they navigate their personal and professional lives, ensuring they recognize their true worth and incredible potential.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to explore the art of image, confidence, and self-love together. Let’s create beautiful first impressions that endure a lifetime!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

This question comes at the perfect time because I am currently going through this phase. Earlier this year, I contemplated shutting down my business. Business was slow, and I was investing a lot into my back office. When I started, I felt scattered. I modeled, launched a T-shirt line called “iRock Confidence,” and worked with women and teen girls, building their confidence. Then I ventured into image consulting, all on my own. I was simply trying to figure things out without a clear direction.

So, I decided to have a “come to Jesus” meeting with myself. I took some much-needed “me time” to reflect and align with my true purpose. I realized my messaging was inconsistent; while my audience knew me, they weren’t clear on what I actually did.
Now, I understand that building a business takes time and that it doesn’t have to happen all at once. I.A.S.is constantly evolving but it was time to narrow my services and focus on my niche. A few months ago, I chose to softly- rebrand my business and concentrate specifically on image consulting.

Since making this pivot, I have found myself in a much better position, focusing on helping professionals and businesses enhance their image.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

For years, my ultimate goal was to become a plus-size fashion model, gracing runways and magazine covers. As a girl from Baton Rouge, this glamorous life was my dream. However, at the peak of my modeling career, life threw me a curveball that led me to align with my true purpose.

During this peak, I found out I was pregnant with my only child. I felt a mix of excitement and shock. I had worked diligently to gain recognition in the industry and was noticed by a major brand, but I was ultimately not selected for their campaign. After having my baby, I fell into a deep depression and experienced postpartum depression. I felt discarded as I watched other models I started with dominate the scene, and I spent days questioning my self-worth.

But then I remembered my “why.” My purpose was to show that people who look like me, can model. After attending a few fashion events, I also remembered when people would come up to me and express that they wished they could have the confidence I showcased. Instead of letting despair take hold, I decided to channel my experiences into a new path.

I have always been fascinated by how fashion and personal branding can transform a person’s confidence. To pursue this interest, I educated myself about image consulting, studying color theory, body language, and personal styling, and driven by the desire to empower others who might feel lost in the fashion world.

One of my first clients was my best friend, who struggled with her self-image and often felt overshadowed because of her size. She is a beautiful person inside and out, but she didn’t see it. I poured my heart into helping her discover her style and build her confidence. Together, we created looks that showcased her unique beauty, and I taught her how to carry herself with poise. As I witnessed her transformation, I realized I was not only building a new career but also reclaiming my sense of purpose.

When I shifted my mindset, doors began to open. The journey wasn’t without challenges; there were setbacks and moments of self-doubt, but each experience reinforced my belief in resilience. I learned that true beauty comes from within and that helping others find their voice through style brought me immense joy and fulfillment.

Now, as a successful image consultant, I often reflect on my modeling days and the resilience that paved the way for my new career. I’ve created a community where every person, regardless of size, shape, or background, can feel valued and confident. My message is clear: life’s challenges don’t define us; it’s how we rise from them that truly matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Iasimageconsulting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshahidah/profilecard/?igsh=dzNoeTd1bzU0Z3oz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iasimageconsultant?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iasimageconsultant?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@iamshahidah?si=URPh932NnsobFgU8

Image Credits

Shahidah is on a set of a branding shoot- Photographer- LeAnn Veal @crownedcollectivecc (Instagram)
Shahidah rips the runway at Milan Fashion Week
Photographer -Antwoin Gilbert @twoin (Instagram)
For all other images, I own the rights.