Blessed with a gift for identifying one’s sense of style, Maria Donhauser unites the essential components that make up an ideal wardrobe with Your Style Counsel. Maria is the visionary and talent behind this one stop shop for anyone’s fashion fix. She has developed a systematic approach answering the question of what to wear. To accomplish this goal, she provides a personal shopping service and a closet analysis.
An effortless alternative is available for those who do not enjoy shopping or simply are lost when the moment arrives of choosing what to purchase. Upon engaging in the personal shopping experience the luxury of attaining clothes that are tailor made for your body type, personality, and lifestyle are yours. “Listening to clients is the key to success in this business. I listen to what they like and don’t like about boutiques,” Maria states. The option to join Maria and gain the education of where to go, what designers work best with your body type, and how to put an outfit together is yours to gain. However, those who prefer to stay on the sidelines have the benefit of being presented with their new and improved wardrobe. The common dilemma that many encounter is deciphering what items are still wearable.
With the Closet Analysis, Maria goes through a process of separating what items to keep, which to donate, and what are best to build upon. This process also serves as a referenced guideline for the personal shopping service.
Maria initially started her career as a sales representative for a jewelry company. She then transitioned her sales and marketing skills to the IT industry where she spent eight years. A turning point occurred when personal shopping for a friend who needed a brand new wardrobe upon entering the corporate world. She was able to provide him with the basic essentials he needed to feel confident and successful in his new job. The passion that has always existed had surfaced into an idea to launch a company that would utilize her talents and knowledge of fashion.
Based on her client’s given demographic, online was the ideal platform to start her business. Regarding the deciding factors, Maria explains, “I wanted a cost effective and targeted way to reach clients. The internet is an effective way to market and get your information to the marketplace.” Upon starting YSC in August of 2006, Maria used promotion techniques such as search engine optimization and keyword marketing that are known for drawing traffic to a website. She was able to balance using effective marketing tools while staying within the current budget. With her target market consisting typically of men, 25 to 45, she would like to increase the marketing initiatives that cater to style awareness and male skin care. In addition, “Continued growth and client retention,” are among the goals in place for YSC this year.
Throughout the eras of fashion, there are those who are recognized and celebrated as style icons. Maria attributes her Grandmother for inspiration, “She had a style all of her own and could turn an ordinary dress into couture with broaches, scarves and her extensive shoe collection”. In addition she accredits Coco Chanel, “She believed that ‘Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.’” Your Style Counsel provides the knowledge and tools necessary to increase style confidence and sustain a successful wardrobe. After a client’s encounter with YSC, Maria hopes, “That the process was fun! That they have a better understanding of how clothes should fit. And that they feel confident every time they walk out the door.”
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