Her turning point in life came when she started my personal styling business. Helen Solange Inengite is a personal stylist, fashion entrepreneur and style editor of online style blogazine, Madame Solange.com.
In this interview, she reveals that discipline and commitment are virtues one needs to thrive in any business environment.
Excerpts:
Who is Helen Solange Inengite?
I am a personal stylist and fashion entrepreneur, based in Lagos, Nigeria, but I travel throughout the region and around the world for my clients. The busy executive, banker, business person, and the stay at home mum no longer have to be rich and famous to enjoy a style consultation. My services are created to suit the needs of clients from all walks of life.
Although I am originally from Cameroon, I have lived in Lagos most of my life. Compared to the competitiveness of Nigerian fashion, I have been met with positive feedback and support from the Lagos fashion enthusiast. I see fashion and style as a staple in city life when you are working in a place like Lagos, because it is integrated into the culture.
What can you tell us about your background?
As a fashion expert, I hold a certificate in Fashion and Designing from the Singer School of Fashion and Designs. As a working professional, I obtained a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Lagos, and am currently studying for a Master’s in Global Human Resources at the University of Liverpool.
What’s the first thing you do when styling someone?
When styling a client it’s important to have a personal style assessment of the client.
We start by getting to know each other. I will then ask a series of questions to identify their personal style, body shape, size, colour assessment and what will fit, flatter and feel good to create a friendly wardrobe.
What challenges have you styling your clients given they have their own style and personality too?
Some clients feel they understand their own style and would want to stick with what they know. Sometimes it is difficult getting these clients change their perception of what really suits them and getting them to take advice from a style expert.
What does fashion mean to you?
For me the term fashion is broad, it means a way of life, it is art, it’s about youth, life, aspiration, about change, taking what belongs to the past and making it relevant for today. It’s about creating emotional and material worth that people may refer to.
How do you handle difficult clients?
The business of styling is a people oriented business, and every client comes with their own challenges, some are emotionally attached to certain things, some need a whole re-orientation on the concept of styling, some don’t see the relevance of being styled.
But with our different unique approach to client management, such as the personal assessment sessions, I am able to deal with a vast range of issues. Most importantly, patience is a virtue to have when dealing with clients and I also apply emotional intelligence in such situations.
Aside what you do, how would people describe you?
I would say stylish, calm, charming and hardworking.
What would you consider a turning point in your life?
A turning point in my life was when I fully started my personal styling business. I realized that in life the higher you go the tougher it becomes. Thus discipline and commitment to a cause are virtues you need to thrive in any business environment. This has kept me going knowing that, no one will buy into your business if you aren’t dedicated to making it grow.
What are some of the business tips you live by?
I would always advise any business person to be committed to the goal. When in doubt, ask someone who has done it before, get a mentor or coach, be self disciplined . You also have to be emotionally intelligent especially with when you work closely with people.
An entrepreneur has to understand how to network and know the industry they operate in, as well as get the best resources especially manpower, people who understand your vision and mission.
You have to know that business is about creating customers, because customer referral value is the key to major return on investments (ROI). A satisfied customer will always refer a friend to you. After all, we all want to make profit.
How did becoming a stylist change you as a person?
The rewards of making someone look and feel their very best is incredible and as a stylist leaves you with a sense of achievement every single day. This idea of making people happy changed my outlook generally to life. All I want to do is affect people positively.
What are some of the mistakes you have made in your business and what did you learn from them?
Some mistakes I have learnt from what I do would be giving wrong assessment of clients. It has taught me to never make assumptions for a client, but always work with what suits them best and re-modify their style perspective. Never force a client to buy what they don’t need, and always seek good discounts for clients. No matter the calibre of persons, people still appreciate when you offer services from a frugal perspective
In one sentence, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
I am driven, with a passion for success.
What is your favourite aspect of being a stylist?
The favourite aspect of my job is the fact that I get to meet people and can put a hearty smile on their faces once I give them a nice makeover.
What lessons has life taught you?
No matter how low you started, never give up. Because whatever you put your mind to doing, you can achieve it.
What fashion items do you splurge on?
Mostly shoes, bags and clothes.
How financially rewarding is what you do?
The pay is good when you have the right customers. More so, it’s a viable industry because a lot of people don’t know what suits them in terms of style. Hence with the right market reach, the financial rewards can be good.
What advice do you have for young ladies in the fashion industry?
I would say to young ladies out there, fashion is about presenting your dream world to the customer, and this dream has to be valuable to whoever is buying. If it’s not inspirational enough no one would buy into it. So, make it worth their while.
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