Expert tips to brighten your professional image
For the AJC
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Would you like to update your professional image but think you can’t afford it? There are ways to achieve a fresh look without breaking the bank, according to Parker Geiger, CEO of the Chuva Group, an image development training center in Atlanta.
Image consultant Geiger — with his team of hairstylists, makeup artists and other experts — helps professionals meet their image goals through personal services and motivational seminars. Using four design elements — body, face, color and personality — he aims to help clients find their uniqueness.
Brazilian model Rayanne Moraes gets help from Director of Talent Caio Castro at the Chuva Group image development training center in Buckhead before a photo shoot.
Jimmy Van Boxel, Internationally awarded Hairstylist and founder/CEO of Uberzoot Hair Company, and Creative Director at the Chuva Group, styles model Rayanne Moraes’ hair at the Chuva Group image development training center.
Parker Geiger is the President & Founder of the Chuva Group, an image development training center.
Photos by Leita Cowart / AJC Special
Jimmy Van Boxel, styling model Rayanne Moraes’ hair at the CHUVA Group training center in Atlanta, says every day should be a good hair day. The look should be natural and well-groomed, he says.
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“It’s not about choosing certain colors or styles just for the sake of making a change,” Geiger said. “It’s about doing everything in your power to be the best you can be. We’re about self-awareness. We want you to remember who you are, to see your own talents and make the most of them because that gives you confidence and that will make you successful.”
The process starts within, he said.
“The mind is impersonal and doesn’t care what you put into it. If you plant a rose bush into subconscious soil, you’ll get a rose, but if you plant negative thoughts, like ‘I’m not attractive,’ or ‘I’m not smart enough to go back to school,’ that’s what you’ll believe,” Geiger said. “If you’re unhappy, it doesn’t matter what you spend on your wardrobe or makeup because you won’t have confidence.”
Geiger said that people should take control of their destiny and image by controlling their mental operating system — or what they tell themselves.
“You can be your own worst enemy or your own best friend. It’s up to you. Start by telling yourself you are going to do everything in your power to be your best today,” he said.
A lot of people think they need a major overhaul when all they need is a bit of polish. A high-impact, budget-conscious place to start is with a hairstylist whose reputation you trust. “People will look at your face first, so spending the money to get a good cut and the right hair color [if needed] is worth the investment,” Geiger said.
Jimmy Van Boxel, an internationally awarded hairstylist, owner of Uberzoot Hair Co. and member of the Chuva Group, aims to help his clients achieve a good hair day every day.
“I ask them to remember their last best hair day. What was the cut and color like? What did they do to style it?” Van Boxel said. “If you want to have good hair days, you have to be intentional. You have to build a routine for consistency.”
He said the look should be natural and well-groomed.
“If you become aware of how people first look at you, you’ll see that they meet your eyes and then they look up to your hair,” Van Boxel said. “The trend is to have hair that doesn’t look overstyled.”
The keys to having good hair days are having the right cut, using the right products and knowing the right tools and techniques, Van Boxel said. “A good cut is the foundation. The shape should complement the facial structure and texture of the hair. It should add lift, volume and movement in all the right places and minimize proportion flaws.” Bangs can soften a high forehead, for instance.
A good haircut may cost more, but it will grow out well and last eight to 10 weeks. A professional stylist can recommend the right products for your hair type, such as a volume spray or shine enhancer. While salon products are higher-priced than grocery story brands, they are usually more concentrated and last longer.
“The trend has been … ‘wash and wear’ styles for a while now, but I teach my clients how to use blow drying to fully maximize their style’s shape,” Van Boxel said. Clients need a European-style hair blower with a condensing nozzle that directs the air flow into a thin line, as well as a paddle brush and a medium-sized round brush with plastic and boar bristles. Fingers are the No. 1 tool because they can create tension and volume while blowing the hair dry. Since the hair will go in the direction of the air flow, it is important to learn a routine that creates the desired results and follow it.
When it comes to makeup, “less is more,” said Barbara V. Johnson, aesthetician, makeup artist and member of the Chuva Group. “It’s best to keep it simple. When it’s obvious, people don’t react well.”
She likes using neutral tones that match a person’s eyes and skin tones. Black, grays and browns can add eye definition. Blush should be pinks, browns or reddish-browns and can be used for contouring the eyes as well as the cheeks.
“Doctors notice that when women start to feel better, they start putting on makeup,” Johnson said.
“Makeup is a reflection of how you’re feeling about yourself. It’s about self-esteem and confidence level. If you change the way you look on the outside, it will change how you feel inside.”
People can learn tips from the Internet or magazines, and they don’t have to buy the most expensive brands to get good results, Johnson said. “Many drugstore brands have the same ingredients without the brand-name price. Read the labels. Anybody can shop retail: It takes a really creative person to shop on a budget.”
If you can’t afford a new wardrobe, at least organize your closet, Geiger said. “Take everything out of your closet and eliminate anything you haven’t worn in six months or more,” he said. Organize what you put back — hanging all like items together and from light to dark colors. If you store shoes in boxes, take a picture of each pair and paste it on the end. “If you can find what you need easily, you’ll cut your stress before work or an interview,” Geiger said.
Turn the hanger of things you’d like to replace backward and then make a detailed list of what you need before you shop. Prioritize your needs to fit your budget. “If you can only buy one suit, don’t make it red: People will notice how often you wear it. Instead buy a classic, neutral color that will go with different blouses or accessories,” he said.
Or you can start by buying less expensive items to freshen up a wardrobe.
“For men, a good pair of shoes, a belt, new tie or eyeglasses can update your look. An old-fashioned briefcase or eyeglasses sends the message that you might be out of date in your knowledge as well as your style. A newer European, over-the-shoulder briefcase shows you’re aware of fashion trends,” Geiger said.
Women can add new interest with jewelry, a classy belt, shoes or purse. He advises clients to shop at designer-discount stores so they can buy a few better quality pieces.