The Business of Style

Why You Don’t Need New Year’s Goals to Grow a Successful Styling Business

Do you feel pressure to set big business goals just because it’s a new year — even if it doesn’t feel right? In this episode of The Business of Style Podcast, we’re challenging the idea that January automatically means new goals, new strategies, and a complete business reset. Instead, we explore why it’s not only okay to not set goals, but why that choice can actually support long-term, aligned growth in a personal styling business. We talk about what happens when life gets in the way of last year’s plans, why some goals need more time to work, and how constantly chasing “what’s next” can pull you out of alignment. You’ll also learn why guiding principles or values can be far more powerful than traditional goal-setting — especially in a creative, client-facing industry. Louisa shares the guiding principles used in her own business and explains how each one applies specifically to personal stylists and image consultants who want to build a sustainable business that feels good to run. If you’re craving permission to slow down, simplify, and trust your own pace — this episode is for you. ***And don't forget, Louisa will be answering listener questions on the 100th episode of The Business of Style Podcast. To get an answer to your question, send a voice note to louisa@styleacademyintl.com, include your name, location, years in business, and of course your question. ***

Should You Buy Holiday Gifts for Your Clients...or Not?

In this episode of the Business of Style podcast, we dive into one of the most common end-of-year questions personal stylists and image consultants face: Do I need to buy gifts for my clients — or even my potential clients? Louisa breaks down the real purpose of client gifting, how to create an inclusive experience that respects different holidays and cultures, and why thoughtful, niche-aligned gifting can elevate the client journey without crossing boundaries or blowing your budget. If you’ve ever felt pressure to give more than you should, wondered what truly matters to clients, or struggled to find meaningful, style-focused gift ideas, this episode will help you make confident, aligned decisions this season. ***Want to get your question answered on the Business of Style Podcast 100th episode? *** Louisa will be answering specific listener questions in the 100th episode of the podcast, airing in early January 2026. To get an answer to your question, send it in the form of a voice note to louisa@styleacademyintl.com. Please include your first name, location, years as a stylist, and your question. Also, don't forget that you can find more personal stylist training and resources at www.styleacademyintl.com [www.styleacademyintl.com]

The #1 Business Mistake Personal Stylists Make — And How to Fix It

Are you unintentionally limiting your income and success as a personal stylist or image consultant? In this episode, Louisa breaks down the most significant business mistake she sees stylists and image consultants make: trading time for money. This standard but outdated model keeps you overworked, underpaid, and constantly hustling for new clients. Louisa explains why one-off services and hourly sessions create an income ceiling — and how shifting to a signature styling program can transform your income, your client results, and the long-term sustainability of your business. If you're ready to step into your authority, create consistent revenue, and deliver a premium client experience without burning out, this is the episode you NEED to hear. Looking for more training and resources to help you start your career as a personal stylist or grow a successful styling business? Then visit The Style Academy International [https://www.styleacademyintl.com].

Are You Working for Free Without Even Realizing It?

Are you accidentally working for free? In this episode of The Business of Style Podcast, Louisa Gabriel breaks down the subtle, yet common, ways personal stylists and image consultants give away their time, expertise, and energy without realizing it. From spending hours creating social media content that doesn’t convert, to answering detailed style questions in DMs, to letting client boundaries slip, these “invisible freebies” can quietly drain your business's profitability. Louisa shares practical ways to recognize where your time is being spent, set healthy boundaries, and start positioning your expertise for profit — not for free. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by social media, overwhelmed by client demands, or guilty about charging for your services, this episode will help you take back control of your business, your time, and your value. The Business of Style Podcast is brought to you by The Style Academy International®, a global leader in education and training for personal stylists and image consultants. To find out more about our training and resources, visit www.styleacademyintl.com [https://www.styleacademyintl.com]

Is Brand Misalignment Costing You Clients?

If you’re a personal stylist or image consultant struggling to attract your ideal clients, even though you’re posting consistently and doing “all the right things,” the problem might not be your marketing. It might be your brand alignment. In this episode of The Business of Style Podcast, host Louisa Gabriel, founder of The Style Academy International®, dives deep into one of the most overlooked issues in the styling industry: brand misalignment. Louisa explains how small inconsistencies between your niche, your image, and your messaging can silently push clients away, even if your work is great. You’ll learn how to identify when your brand is out of sync, why this misalignment damages trust, and exactly how to realign your brand to attract the right clients with ease. Whether you’re a luxury stylist showing too many budget finds or an everyday stylist trying to sound “high-end,” this episode will help you reconnect your brand with the audience you actually want to serve. You’ll discover: * What brand alignment really means for stylists and image consultants * The most common signs of brand misalignment * Real-world examples of how misaligned branding confuses clients * How to audit and realign your brand to attract your ideal client * Why authenticity — not perfection — is the key to building a profitable styling business 🎯 This episode is for: Personal stylists, image consultants, and aspiring stylists who want to refine their brand, strengthen their positioning, and attract aligned, high-value clients. The Business of Style podcast is brought to you by The Style Academy International®, a leading online training school for aspiring personal stylists, image consultants, and color analysts. To find out more about their online trainings and resources, visit www.styleacademyintl.com [https://www.styleacademyintl.com]