Give the gift of style
Christmas is about to get a lot busier for one local businesswoman as she moves her business to a new location.
We recently caught up with Joan Cashman from the Colour and Image Academy to find out about the business and the services she provides, which would make a lovely Christmas gift to a special someone in your life.
How did it all start?
“I have always been interested in clothes and makeup. As a child, I loved watching while my mother worked away at the sewing machine making clothes-to-order for me and my siblings with no pattern or anything. My brother and I had a trad group back in the '70s so doing my makeup and getting all glammed up for the stage was part of my regular routine. When I got married, I gave up my day job as a head of credit control. Two children later, I was restless to do something on a part-time basis. Little did I know the journey that part-time job would take me on.”
Then what?
“Once trained, I really couldn’t ignore the calling. I was obsessed. I loved telling people their colours, teaching them appropriate shopping skills and styling them so they are happy and confident with their new look. I opened a small little studio in the Savoy Shopping Centre. Bookings rolled in, and every year I proudly held my place as the top global award-winning consultant with Colour Me Beautiful. Then I was headhunted to take over the Irish division, which was a huge honour and a mind-blowing experience. I also took on the role of the international trainer which meant a huge amount of travelling, training consultants all over the UK and Europe.
“So, in 2006 I decided to take the plunge and open my own academy. This business is constantly evolving so I wanted to attract fashion designers, beauty bloggers, boutique owners and women with exceptional creative flair, who want to work for themselves. Now after 19 happy years on Carey’s Lane in the city centre, I am taking the Colour and Image Academy to its rightful home on Academy Street and I am so excited with the move.”
What's the best thing about your job?
“I enjoy meeting new people every day. Some have become lifelong friends and having the ability to create a transformation before my very eyes and see the smile on their faces when they look in the mirror gets me every time. I have the best job in the world! To quote Diane Von Furstenberg: 'to inspire confidence is the best gift you can give anybody,' and that is what I do every day. I help women and men to make the most of themselves by giving them the confidence and easy step-by-step guidance and the tools to do so.”
Tell us about the gifts people can buy from you:
“A colour consultation takes one hour. You will receive a palette of colours to suit your hair, eye colour and skin tone so that you can create multiple different outfits for every occasion. You will also get a modern makeup application and advice on your hair colour and style to suit your face shape and features.
A style consultation takes two hours. You will get head to toe advice, so you know the right clothes to suit your shape, proportion and style personality, and how to build a wardrobe to fit your lifestyle.
A makeup lesson takes one hour. You will get step by step advice to suit your skin tone, face shape, eye colour and how to take your look from day to night using the latest techniques.
A personal shopping trip takes two hours. We will start off with a plan of action to visit shops that accommodate your budget, we will choose clothing pieces for everyday wear all the way up to occasion wear - plus the finishing touches, and build a good hardworking wardrobe that works for you.
Gift vouchers are available for all our services.”