"As you know I have been endeavouring to get my business up and running whilst working full time and running a home and organising two children! This week has been my first three-day week at school and I will be dedicating the other two to building up 'Colour' and 'Style' and developing 'Men's colour and style' and 'Corporate' over a period of time.

I remember you saying that this business opens doors! - a guy who runs a business training company is very keen for me to run a session as part of his programme so I'm 'doing his colours' later this month so he can see how the 'system' works. Also a former colleague who runs her own coaching business and has used image consultants in London and locally, is keen to bring me on board as soon as I feel ready - so it's beginning to feel very real!" JC, UK (Jan 08) who trained in Colour in August 2007 with our DVD-based self-study package and followed that up two months later with our face-to-face training course in Ladies' Style.

"Business prospects are certainly looking good! If you had told me I would have been doing this a year ago, I would never have believed you! Every time I write JG, Image Consultant, I smile to myself and wonder if it's all a dream! I am so amazed at the transformation in my clients, me and my life - I am loving it, the best job I ever had!

Will email you later about Men's Image dates because I want to book that in asap. Thanks Kim so much. I am learning so much and helping others along the way!" JG, UK (Jan 08)

"Hi Kim, thank you very much for my diploma and your encouraging remarks. Am still mulling things over but believe am going to get started in the New Year. Have had my hair done today, new colour and am growing it too (hopefully!) looks fab. So coming out into 'me' again. Thanks again for last week, it was really nice meeting you and Neil too. I felt affirmed and encouraged and want to do that for the people I get to 'colour'. Am hoping to do style as I think I would like to offer both, so will let you know as soon as." Cynthia, UK (Nov 07)

"Just had to e-mail you to let you know I did my first 'proper' colour analysis today. It was for charity not just a freeby for friends and family. Going to do about 10 and then look at 'going live'. I know, I know - it's taken two years to get here.

I have also been asked to speak about colour next week in front of 150 ladies!!!!!! Excited and scared. It will be a case of 'feel the fear and do it anyway'. I wanted you to know that all your encouraging e-mails do make a difference so thank you, Kim, and will keep you informed." Diane, UK (Oct 07)

"After this week's style training I am having great fun even for myself - I bought myself a lovely black and white striped jacket today - it looks fab co-ordinated with white or black! I had to shorten the sleeves and did it according to the style advice you gave us this week - I didn't realise I had been wearing my sleeves too long all these years - my daughter said I looked taller! Being only 4' 10" I am very pleased about that.

Can't wait to pass these and other gems onto all my clients! Thanks again Kim for all your help!" Julie, Lincolnshire (Sep 07)

"I just wanted to say that your reply to my last email regarding 'xxx' was spot on. I so 'get' what you say. You are an inspiration Kim. I strive to emulate what you do and how you do it as I admire your approach. Obviously I put my own style to it or else I'd never be able to carry it off honestly and truly but the way you look at things and comment is FIRST CLASS.

I just wanted to let you know this and say a BIG thank you for your back up support. It's very very very much appreciated. You're a star." Kirstie, UK (Sep 07)

"Many thanks for your words of support last week, they meant a lot. I guess I felt like it would be difficult to match competition from such a strong competitor when I am just starting off!! But like you say it really focuses your mind and spurs you into action. We will just have to see how I get on!" Andrea, UK (Jul 07)

"Thanks for sending all that information for me, you are a treasure, because I know how busy you are. I will read it asap and hope I understand it a bit better. Once I get it, then I shall be away, I know that. I had a brill evening last night! Had over 40 people come to a meeting - lots of people interested in bookings. Am very encouraged. Thanks for helping me on my journey." Julie, UK (Jul 07) "Thanks for your encouragement. Feel I am in the right job after all! I am much more confident. I am even getting ladies interested whilst stood in the gym changing room, hair soaking wet after a workout and wearing nothing but a towel! (right colour towel I have to say, though!) I love to compliment people and watch their stature change! What a brilliant job!" Julie, UK (Jul 07)

"Thank you so much for my Diploma certificate and the picture of that gorgeous dress that you enclosed. You're right; it is very 'me' and I'm going to search for something similar." Emma, UK (Jun 07)

"Thank you Kim. I do appreciate your time. As you can gather I'm eager to understand everything NOW and run with it but am quickly realising I have to be realistic. Personalising consultations for the client is key. Understanding them and making advice work for them is vital. I will be coming for style training soon, as mentioned, but will wait to get the basics right... and money in the bank! I'm so enjoying this and so far so good on the consultations this week. Sold another 2 gift vouchers and have another booking for Saturday! Roll on my holidays in July. Can you believe it I'm fully functioning only 3 weeks after I came down! Heck my feet haven't hit the floor." Kirstie, Edinburgh, UK (June 07)

"Thanks for your email. The first tonal taster evening went well. Everyone (16 ladies) enjoyed it. Can you advise me if you think my flyer is ok? My son is going to design me a website but that will take a bit of time though I think it will be a real positive. I haven't added my mobile number - do you think I should? Thanks so much Kim for your support. Will keep in touch and let you know how I progress." JG, UK (Jun 07)

"One lady has just referred me on to four customers so I guess I'm off!" Kirstie, Edinburgh, UK (May 07)

"Thank you for putting me at ease with your last email. I have done 2 more people's colours since and I feel much better about carrying out the consultations now. My target is to have full paying customers by the Easter holidays.

Since doing the training with you I have felt like a different person and I'm so glad I have taken this path for my future. I've made so many different things (resources and leaflets) and I have to keep reminding myself that I'm also a teacher too because I just want to focus on the colour. It's great!!

At first my friends and family saw it as me having a new hobby (when I talk about doing the course) but they've seen how serious I am about it since I've been back from the course and have been really supportive." Emma, UK (Mar 07)

"Kim, Thanks for the VERY quick response re the info from the Ladies' Style training. I sincerely hope you had a cherry-steeped gin on hand whilst you were at the computer! I shall try and figure it all out in my head over the weekend and get started on the handouts next week. You know you'll hear from me soon" Jane, Doncaster, UK (Dec 06)

"I'm now finally at the point of being able to devote more time to my colour work and things are starting to take off. Thanks again for all your support and referrals - your efficiency is an inspiration and much appreciated!!" Alison, Buxton, UK (Nov 06)

"It seems ages now since our lovely training day in July. I just wanted to say thank you for various things: firstly for your always-useful newsletters and info. Secondly, the offer to join your consultant listing.

Last but not least, having moved house, I am getting some serious momentum going with my business and have four colours to do in the next fortnight plus a Tonal Taster workshop for about 20 ladies on 18/11. I took your advice and now ask for a 50% deposit with all consultation bookings and usually find people just pay the whole lot up front.

I am feeling very confident about things and just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for your input and support." Joanna, Tasmania, Australia (Nov 06)

"Thanks a lot Kim. The fees information helps enormously. Thanks for trying to make me feel better. I had a lady the other day who was a 'light' I am confident that I had her right but .... Hopefully you can tell me how come she is a light? She commented on her form was that she was pleased to have had the confirmation that she was a 'pastel person'. So at least she had felt that too. I don't really know what I expect you to say but I guess it's cathartic to just write my worries down, in the hope that you might be able to lead me through them. I really do appreciate the time you have put in to answering my e-mails Kim. I can only assume everyone else doesn't ask as many questions as me or I truly don't know how you have the time." JC, UK (Sep 06)

"Did my 2nd colour consultation yesterday and really enjoyed it. I was more relaxed than the first one and so my confidence is clearly growing. Am doing another one tomorrow. Me being me has gone for my own approach, which thankfully your training allowed for - so good to practice it. Ah, as I sit here writing this, I have already become aware of how much I respect and value your opinion." AC, UK (Sep 06)

"My friend Patrick, who we spoke about before, has just bought some fab dark suits, shirts and ties for his new job (new secondary school - his first headship) with a lovely ice pink shirt too. He will look fab and is using the power suit/friendly-look thing too. He has decided exactly what to wear on the first day to be a bit more approachable and then he's going all sharp and smart for when the kids arrive the next day.

It's lovely to see the confidence he now has in making his choices. I love this job!! I just wish I could have started years ago and then I wouldn't feel such a novice at 36! Thanks for the help so far." Jane, Doncaster, UK (Aug 06)

"Did the two consultations yesterday – great success – I could cry when I see the pleasure/realisation on the faces of my clients!

Just got another two (possible 3) bookings this morning – have really got the bit between my teeth now! Still cautious about getting everything spot on, and still read my manual every week – husband says “you must know that book off by heart by now”!

I can’t thank you enough for the training – you have opened up a whole new world to me" Carol, Penrith, UK (Aug 06)

"Many apologies for not having contacted you sooner but life has been somewhat challenging since I did my course with you. I did my make-up course and thought of you everyday as my face was covered with Autumn colours by every student that worked on me. The tutors had no idea about colour and it really shocked me. I thought it was their business to understand colour. It really made me appreciate all that you have taught me and hope in the next year as I work with people and gain my confidence, to develop make-up information to integrate with your colour categories (which by the way is the most brilliant way to understand colour).

I'm getting ready to go back to Australia in mid August and can't wait to have my freedom and space again. I am so thankful for my time with you and can't wait to get my business up and running in Australia once I get settled in a home. I have a huge network of people all around Australia and really want to do well. I'm still wanting to both work at home and be mobile around Australia, but it will take a bit of time to get things sorted out. As I won't be in the UK anymore is there a way of me doing any further training with you via the phone or web cam? Anyway hope life is treating you both well. Thank you so much, All the best." Kristy, UK/Australia (Jul 06)

"Just love getting these stories from you (newsletter) - sitting here (at work), feeling a bit fed up (ready to go home) and "bingo" - up pops your e-mail and I'm back on track!!

Gave a consultation yesterday afternoon (took half a day's leave to do it) - lady loved her colours (Winter) and is ordering 3 tops - I purchased the sample kit a couple of weeks ago - they make my mouth water hanging there !!" Carol, Penrith, UK (Jul 06)

"I've attached a few questions! I must admit, I left your workshop with a whole lot more but!, when I went over my notes, I realised that you answered almost all of them!

I'm rarely satisfied. Certainly was with your training and would certainly recommend it to others. One woman called Sharon has decided to train with you after my enthusiastic report....thank you." Andrea, Manchester, UK (Jul 06)

"Many thanks Kim for putting me in touch with Patricia. My head is still cabbaged! So that's a good sign. I have questions that I will email to you. And I will place an order too.

And thank you for the encouragement. Had my NLP coaching session today and it was good to share with my coach the differences in me in how I was in your training. I've grown a lot!! And now I just luuuurve RED!" Andrea, Manchester, UK (Jul 06)

"I'm getting back into the work mode again so your (consultant-only) newsletter has come at a good time…and your encouragement (no matter you’re not in Birmingham) is really appreciated." Shahida, Birmingham, UK (Jul 06)

"I am so enjoying myself at the moment, even though I feel slightly nervous before consultations, worrying that I may send the client away with a wrong diagnosis - but I say to them that if they are at all uncertain, to come back and we'll check again (don't know if this is the right thing to do, but I would rather see the lady again than leave her unhappy), and I hope to become more confident as time passes.

Incidentally, I love your (consultant-only) newsletters, it makes me feel as though you are just down the road from me and we've been having a chat! Carol, Penrith, UK (Jun 06)

"Thought I'd let you know I am slowly getting going and growing in confidence daily. Thank you for the prompt delivery of the wallets it is much appreciated. It is so much easier to sell a wallet if you have it for them to take away immediately otherwise I've found the chance is lost. Please send me details of your website for consultants when it becomes available." Wendy, Bucks, UK (Jun 06)

"Did my first full consultation on a non-family member last night and it went well so I'm feeling much better. And she has just rung to say she got so excited with her new colleagues today talking about colour that they asked for my details." Jane, Doncaster, UK (Jun 06)

"Many thanks for the items I ordered – I could not believe how quickly they arrived – they were there yesterday when I arrived home.

Just to let you know I have spoken to my manager with a view to reducing my working week to three days instead of five, and it looks as though this will go ahead soon. I still spend every evening pouring over my manual and getting it all into my head although I think things will be OK when I start with my consultations.

I have been asked by about nine of my colleagues to book them into my diary already and hope to do the first 2 or 3 next week. One of them wants “doing” before jetting off back home to New Zealand in August!

I have ordered a couple of tops for myself and requested some brochures as well – also ordered a revolving display stand and clips for the drapes. I can’t believe it’s a week since we were sitting in your lovely lounge, in the middle of our training.

Thanks for the information about the tonal wallets – It is now a lot clearer, plus I’ve been on your web site and watched your video – It was lovely to see you again. Will be in touch soon." Carol, Nr. Penrith (Jun 06)

"Thanks for the catalogue of tops, that's great to get the exact colours. Everything is going really well, I'm completely loving doing 'colours' for other people. I've been quite busy this weekend - I did my hairdresser and her mum on Bank Holiday Monday! I have a couple of questions.... Thank you once again as I am thoroughly enjoying passing on this wisdom to other people!" Marie-Claire, Oldham, UK (May 06)

"Am getting a steady stream of paying clients now, all recommendations and existing contacts." Rhona, Wimbledon, UK (May 06)

"Thank you for a wonderful day, food and tutoring." Diane, UK (May 06)

"I'm enjoying the colours very much and really enjoy the pleasure it gives to people having it done." Marie-Claire, Oldham, UK (Apr 06)

"I have done three consultations so far, two Autumns and Spring. One of the Autumns had been wearing Winter colours all her life, so the consultation was quite a revelation! I am really loving this and have my first paying client booked as a 40th birthday present." Rhona, Wimbledon, UK (Apr 06)

"Thanks for the lastest (newsletter about) wearing make up, I've found them really interesting. I had my first paying customers on Saturday which was great. One of them was a Spring (which I could tell straight away - a warm light) but the other one I put as a Winter (brown hair with light blue eyes), but when I looked at the drapes with her she was a Summer as the Winter colours were too strong for her. They both really enjoyed it, but I couldn't believe how tired I was afterwards!" Marie-Claire, Stalybridge, UK (Mar 06)

"I find it really useful just knowing you are there to contact with queries." Marie-Claire, UK (Feb 06)

"My current business is at a comfortable level, working around my 'real' job which is still 3 days per week. I have had some lovely customers and some great feedback - the best being that one lady's husband was suddenly paying her more attention! I would be happy to increase my level of business and I am enjoying every minute of it." Elaine, Milton Keynes, UK (Feb 06)

"Anyway must go.....will chat again soon, thanks for all the excellent advice and support." Elaine S, UK (Feb 06)

"Thanks so much for reassuring me about those difficult clients. Thankfully, I had three lovely ladies yesterday who reminded me exactly why I love doing this. Got 3 out of 3 bookings for wardrobe weed-outs, sold 3 wallets I think - cheques are being posted so we will see - and the whole afternoon was absolutely revelatory to all. Ahhh.

Thanks also for the tips for wardrobe weed-outs. I've given out instructions to prepare to a lady I'm seeing tomorrow and she loves the fact she has homework! And I love the fact I'm no longer going to be falling off the bed with exhaustion having seen every garment and listened to every disaster story that goes with it.

I'm loving this, Kim. Everything is falling into place. I'm learning so much so fast and it's all just slotting together so beautifully. I'm amazed at how much I have to offer to my clients now and confidence is bubbling out of me. It's no coincidence, people lately keep saying how tall I am and how well I look. Well, you can imagine, I just love that too!!

And, if that were not enough I've been getting these fantastic newsletters from Improvability! They're great - keep them coming!" Michelle, London, UK (Feb 06)

"Tuesday I had a Soft/muted Autumn. Glowing in shades of olive. I got that tingle at the base of my spine. I find that the tonal plus the seasons gives good results. I would never have known what to suggest with my old system. I know my ladies love the results too as they do look younger, go 'wow' and tell their friends and relatives. I am getting referrals now which makes me feel good. I have had a few feelers from men so I might consider training in male style as well next year. That sounds rude to me somehow!" Sue, Uttoxeter (Dec 05)

"I've started practising on friends and it's going well. Yesterday I had a friend who is a true beauty with the strongest creative instinct with colour and style of anyone I've ever met. She always looks fabulous. I asked what she wanted from having colour analysis and she said she knew she had a very strong instinctive understanding of colour and hoped there was still the possibility of being surprised.

So I thought it might be like trying to teach my grandmother how to suck eggs. Anyway, she's an absolute Deep and was delighted that she keeps company with Ms Zeta-Jones. And as for surprised - navy blue blew her mind - she glowed and her colouring made the blue look the richest, most sophisticated colour ever and it just spoke for itself. Wow.

So, I can feel my confidence rising, there is a lovely flow developing with the consultations and I'm finding a vocabulary that relates to each client. It's good. I want to work more on bringing out the benefits of colour analysis, but that's just time and practise now." Michelle, London, UK (Sep 05)

"I am so happy to see the opportunity in London, and how the skills are valued as well in the industry. Thank you so much for sending this on to me! We have moved to Canada (July 20th we left) and have been busy catching up with people, getting settled and looking for jobs. I am really pleased to say, (and certainly partially credit to you!), I have taken a job in the fashion industry. I am heading up wholesale sales/business development for a range of designer clothing, for all of Ontario (province which Toronto is in)." Julie, Toronto, Canada (Aug 05)

"The weekend just gone I did the make-up for bride and 3 bridesmaids!! I was only asked two days before! I would have loved to have been involved intially; I could have done their colours before choosing the dresses. It was a great success and everybody was very complimentary, so hopefully this may be the start." BB, Manchester, UK (Aug 05)

"I'm doing well. I'm gradually doing more colours; it's taken me a while to juggle other priorities. Anyway, I did a joint consultation and was wondering if you could check over my suggestions. Thanks ever so much for being there - it's such a help!!!! This is so much harder than it looks sometimes!! :) I'm really enjoying it though so thank you so much for taking me on!" Claire, Bury St. Edmunds, UK (Jul 05)

"How I enjoyed Saturday's workshop so much!! It was so informative and well structured. I felt that I had learnt so much during my time with you and the other ladies. I was truly fascinated regarding how people react to colour and style. What a difference just a little alteration makes to these ladies!! I feel so inspired and ready to go! Thanks Kim so much for inviting me along and especially for your hospitality." Bev, Manchester, UK (Jun 05, after attending a fun Colour & Style workshop)

I'm doing well with my colour analysis. I'm just doing friends at the moment; I've done two Autumns. I've hung my certificate on the shop wall and already had enquiries!" Pauline, Leeds, UK (Jun 05)

"Did my first proper, or sort of proper, consultation and it went OK. Mind you it was very easy. I had her spotted as a Winter quite quickly, and that is what she turned out to be. I now have to work on my presentation. The formula which you sent me worked wonderfully, and helped my confidence no end. I didn't feel so out of my depth as I did the first time." Di, Mansfield, UK (Jun 05)

"You little duck (a Mansfield expression). Thank you so much for your help today. Watching you work was a greater help than you can imagine. Sally departs tomorrow quite pleased that she isn't a 'smut'. Thank you again." Di, Mansfield, UK (May 05)

"Straightforward chart-type explanations which you provided in my training materials are still what I use for my reference during my colour sessions; they are handy and quick to read." Julie, London, UK and now Canada (Apr 05)

"Your newsletters continue to be a terrific inspiration and a good chuckle too!" LE, Cambridge, UK (Aug 08)

"I keep meaning to say after every newsletter that they are just so good at present.  Every time I read them I find out new stuff.  The photos and ideas for the make up are outstanding." SC, Uttoxeter, UK (Aug 08)

"Very interesting newsletter thanks and very inspiring little piece at the end!" NC, Halifax, UK (Aug 08)

"Just to let you know I appreciate all the newsletters you send to me. I utilise the information  in all aspects of my career. Thank you." RI, Sheffield (May 08)

"How are you? - very well, to judge from the lively tone of your newsletters which I continue to enjoy and find very encouraging! Thanks for your continued support." LE, Cambridge, UK (Oct 07)

"Much laughing into the CocoPops. (Your fictional consultant) 'Flossie' obviously went to a othercompany-trained consultant. I recognise the signs." SC, UK (Sep 07)

"Many thanks for the latest newsletter and for printing my 'report' - and keeping my anonimity!!  I hope it helps others who may have similar experiences!!  Whenever I get your newsletters I find myself buoyed up again with enthusiam and pleasure - so please keep them coming." Consultant, UK (Sep 07)

"Thank you for all the lovely e-mails that have been pouring from your computer lately. I loved the bit from PG.  Oh, how I know that feeling.  Wrong place, wrong place, wrong life but the kids need to finish school and then I will see..!" Sue, UK (Aug 07)

"Also, I love to get your newsletters - always lots of things of interest in it, some of which I use in my leaflets for my ladies to take away." Carol, UK (Jul 07)

"Many thanks for all your tips and interesting questions from other consultants, I really enjoy the e-mails." Ingrid, UK (Jul 07)

"Can’t wait for my next newsletter as I devour them and reuse ALL the information, I guarantee you." Emma, UK (Jun 07)

"Many thanks for your (consultant-only) newsletters. I find them very helpful." DM, UK (May 07)

"Hi Kim, thanks so much for the interesting (consultant-only) articles and tips about colour analysis.  It really helps." SW, UK (May 07)

"By the way I've been meaning to tell you how brilliant your newsletters are. The recent one about the puffball / tent dresses made me laugh out loud! Your sense of humour really comes through but the (consultant-only) letters are also great advice." WM, UK (Apr 07)

"It's great to get your (consultant-only) bulletins, and gives me a lot of encouragement in these early stages of trying to get my business off the ground." LE, UK (Mar 07)

"Hi Kim, meant to e-mail last week.  I really enjoyed the last (consultant-only) newsletter.  Very good." Sue, UK (Dec 06)

"Thank you for the information, you're a god-send." Patricia, London, UK (Dec 06)

"I received your (consultant-only) newsletter this morning and  want you to know how much I enjoy reading them, I feel it's always good to get feedback letting you know your efforts are appreciated. I haven't been 100% so the newsletters keep me in touch and, most of all, motivated." Linda, Doncaster, UK (Nov 06)

"I also wanted to say thank you for all the e-mails you send out with advice and snippets of news, it's lovely to get these and as it's such a lonely business sometimes, it makes me feel very supported." Natalia, Halifax, UK (Sep 06)

"I never get tired of your e-mails. They're fab!! Thanks for all the really useful information you send. I keep all the e-mails in a folder under different sections so that I can refer to this anytime." Bev, Manchester, UK (Sep 06)

"Thanks for the newsletters ...I find them really useful and makes one feel part of a team which is good when you work for yourself." Linda, Doncaster, UK (Sep 06)

"Thanks too for the (consultant-only) newsletters. I always enjoy them enormously." Michelle, London (Aug 06)