Personal shopper idea

[ACL]

Hello
I have a friend whose daughter is keen to be in the fashion business however is struggling to find a job in London. She has been amazing doing unpaid jobs in the varous fashion magasines to see what they are like behind the scenes, and has a contemporary music degree.

I have suggested she could set up a business as a personal shopper to busy mums as it is tricky to keep up-to-date with fashion trends when looking after a young family.

Do you think this would be a good idea? How much should she charge if she gave it a go? I would certainly ask for her help as I am turning into M&S woman - eek!

I have asked for your help as I do not wish to give her an idea which would not help her. She is very knowledgeable about current trends from Topshop to designer.

Many thanks!

Trouble is, it's available free in most good department stores, who have such a wide selection of "brands" you do feel there is plenty of choice. So not sure you'd find many folk willing to pay

Thanks. Will have to think of another idea. Ideas anyone for a career for my good friend's fashion loving daughter?!

Personal shoppers who charge for the service are image consultants. Companies like House of Colour and Colour me Beautiful are pretty well known and provide training, although if you google you'll find dozens of companies who'll train you as a freelancer.
Not sure if that's what a young girl who's mad about fashion will be looking for, though - assessing someone's colouring, personality and lifestyle and finding clothes to suit is entirely different from being 'into fashion.'
But maybe you could mention it to her as a possibility and let her decide.

I's suggest she contact stylists and look for an assistants job, once she has more experience she could branch out on her own.

Yes - stylist sounds more appropriate and probably more appealing to a young girl than image consultant.

It is quite viable in America, where personal shoppers/consultants can often get a significant trade discount and thus take a good commission whlle saving client money... can she look at working overseas?