Louise Boss

Louise decided at 55 that it was time for a change. With 25 years of management experience in retail, commerce and leisure, she was looking for a new way to use her skills. In her new role Louise wanted to find a way to help people feel confident and happy. “I looked at many careers,” she says, “And I decided image consultancy gave me a career in which there are no boundaries, where the end result is helping people to have a better life.”

Louise now runs her own business, The Image and Beauty Studio, a consultancy offering a range of analysis, personal shopping, styling and make over services. Her ‘Dress for Success’ programme has been particularly useful for clients in education or setting up their own business.

Louise is very glad of the time she spent working for other people before becoming an entrepreneur. “I have been lucky in working for very inspirational employers all though my career,” she says. “I think this is why I am passionate about helping others now. I achieved a senior management job without very good results in my education, and I wouldn’t have achieved this with out encouragement from my employers.”

Tell us about your enterprise journey.

In my younger days I was a fashion student and I have always had a passion for fashion. My career led me to managing very large shopping centres. At 55, I knew it was time to change my life and pass on my knowledge to as many people off all ages as I could. Lots of people in my life have inspired me to go that extra mile and achieve anything I wanted in my life.

How did you get your first break?

I believe there are always breaks out there if you want them, just go out and get them! My first break was though my mother, who has always been very supportive to me though my career and my life. She convinced me if I didn’t try my idea for a new business then I would always regret not trying. Knowing that she is there for me with support when I need it is priceless.

What would your advice be to someone thinking about setting up their own business?

• Think before you start. Why this business idea? Why now? Why you?
• Know your skills, strengths and weakness. These are the skills you are going to need to be successful.
• Do you like challenges; can you adapt to and accept change?
• Can you give instructions?
• Can you make difficult decisions?
• Have you the will power to accept changes to your life?
• Are you prepared to accept changes in your life?
• Are you qualified or experienced in what you want to do?
• Are your family and friends behind you?
• Have you considered what you might stand to lose?
• Failure is not an option; there is always an answer to any situation. If you start off thinking you are going to fail then you will!

Tell us five things we won’t know about you…

1. I have been married for 38 years and have never regretted a day
2. I love the history of British fashion. I collect information and books about the fashion industry from all over the world
3. I have a passion for Japanese gardens and the calmness that they give me
4. I work very closely with women who have had breast cancer - I find this very rewarding, especially if I help them to gain confidence in themselves again
5. I love the colours of our seasons, and the sun always makes me feel happy