Regarding Jana's Letter

I thought I would share with you some of the reasons why I love being an Image Consultant and selling the Jana Kos collection.

Jana Kos changed my life! In 2004 I began selling the Juliana Collection which was designed by Jana Kos. In 2006 The Voice Tribune began the Best Dressed of Louisville awards. In its first year I was awarded top 5 best dressed. I know it was the beautiful designs of Jana Kos that put me in that category.

It’s not just the award that changed my life. It was noticing that my husband always wanted to take pictures of me in my Jana Kos clothing. My girls weren’t telling me to put something else on. It was learning on a daily basis to just say “thank you” to the numerous comments I would get on my outfits. What you put on the outside truly affects how you feel on the inside. I was changing from the inside out.

Private label shopping is the way of the future. Once a woman shops this way she never wants to go back to fighting mall traffic or unqualified sales people. My customers love the individual attention, relaxed setting, detailed records on previous purchases and the ability to add to previous purchases. I have the latest in foundation pieces available to view, along with videos of the latest fashion show or television interview I’ve produced.

I have sold another private label but found Jana’s designs and company to surpass any of the competition. This is what makes the Jana Kos Collection superior:

1. When I wasn’t wearing Jana’s clothing I didn’t get complimented. The styles were pretty and the fabrics nice, but they didn’t have the “wow” punch that Jana’s clothing has.
2. Jana has details unlike anyone else. From her lining to seaming details, I’ve never seen another collection come close to her attention to detail.
3. Jana’s buttons are like art. Buttons are enameled like jewelry, hand painted, or covered in special fabric. She takes as much pride in selecting buttons as she does fabrics.
4. Jana is very passionate about the New York garment district. Her labels say “made in NYC”. The only pieces made out of the US are the leathers and silks because those companies have gone out of business in the US. She is loud and proud about keeping the work in the USA.
5. Jana’s staff has performed miracles for me. They go out of their way to get me what I need – even if it is a button from a year ago.
6. If I need to speak to the executive team they are there for me – even Jana. I don’t have to go through levels of management to get answers.
7. Jana Kos Style Partners have positive and professional consultants. I love meeting with other consultants on a quarterly basis. Everyone is there to help each other, share ideas, and encourage one another. A true sisterhood.

I love my work. I look forward to helping women on a daily basis. Just two nights ago I heard a customer telling my makeup artist that “Chris brought me into being a woman and not just a wife and mother”. That is why I do what I do. You could too. If you are passionate about helping women look and feel their best, interested in working part time, and would like to get fabulous clothing at a discount, give me a call at 502-939-6000. The view from the top is breathtaking – come join me.

Joyfully,

Chris

Private Label Shopping

Are you tired of going through the malls looking for the right outfit for a special occasion? Are you fed up with salespeople telling you how beautiful something is on you only to take it home and your family hates it on you? Are you tired of shopping boutiques that cater to smaller sizes? Are you ready for some good old-fashioned customer service?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then private label shopping is for you. PLS has been catching on over the years. I personally didn't experience it until 2004 with the Juliana Collection. Other PLS companies include Doncaster, Carlisle, Worth, Cabi, and the new Jana Kos Style Partners.

When shopping with private labels, you are invited into someone's home or boutique for a shopping experience unlike malls or boutiques. You are either one on one or with a small group of like minded women. In most cases, the wardrobe consultant is trained on what would look best for your particular body type and over time comes to know your personal style. PLS will carry two or four collections per year. Fall is shown in June, July, and August. Winter is shown in September, October, and November. Spring is shown in January, February, and March. Summer is shown in April and May. Your consultant will have on file previous purchases for you to build on what is already in your closet.

I love PLS because it is relaxed, comfortable, and fun. I used to shop with a PLS company just because the consultant was so much fun to be around. I looked forward to my visits with her and knew she was always being honest with me on what did or did not look good on me. Unlike traditional stores, most consultants are very concerned with how you look in their private label clothing because it is a reflection on them. If you look good - it makes them look good.

Some consultants will pay for your alterations, deliver to your door, have giveaways, and will always work your appointments around your schedule. The only catch is that you have to order your clothing and wait for it to arrive which isn't a problem - who wants to wear their fall purchases in July? This isn't for the impulse shopper - it's for smart shoppers who want to make smart purchases. As I always say - it's about having less clothing in your closet, but more outfits to wear. With PLS, you can accomplish just that.

Happy Shopping,

Chris

Happy Birthday Barbie

Barbie needs no last name - like Cher or Madonna. This is the gal we grew up with - perfect full bustline, tiny waist and hips, long legs, successful in her many careers, lots of cute friends, and the perfect man - Ken. Like her or not, Barbie has been the standard of beauty for the average female - however she isn't the girl to model ourselves after. She's just to...plastic.

Barbie is turning 50 - so am I. A friend today suggested we have a Barbie birthday party for my 50th. I was thinking more in line with a week at the Golden Door Spa. Actually, what I would really like is a Barbie outfit I saw on television from a recent fashion show. This show, held in New York City, featured original Barbie designs from various designers. It was fabulous. A dream come true. I never had the pink convertible Barbie car - surely I could get a Barbie designer ensemble.

I cherish all the Barbie clothes my mom made for me as a little girl. My mother was all about appearances - I suppose that is why I am an Image Consultant. Barbie and her friends taught me how to dress, fix hair, and be a true girlfriend. I spent hours with my Barbies and loved every minute of it.

I wish Barbie all the best and another 50 fabulous years. I make a toast to the gal that never stopped trying different careers, kept a smile on her face, and put up with Ken all these years.

You go girl!

The Life of an Image Consultant

My Grand Glam Makeover winner, Ginny Costello, just left my house after a body and personality analysis. Ginny has a triangle shape body so I walked her through Doncaster's spring 2009 collection explaining what would best highlight her beautiful triangle figure. We reviewed her colors, I showed her several ways to tie a scarf, then we sat and talked about what it means to transform.

In my middle 20's I started a modeling school and agency with my friend Julie. We were shocked at the number of more mature women that attended our school. The local newspaper even wrote a story about these ladies. One of them was over 70 years old. These more mature women opened my eyes to what transformation was all about. As these ladies became confident putting on makeup, fixing their hair, and demonstrating proper walking and poise, I witnessed changes I didn't expect. Many of them went back into the work force, some were confident enough to get out of marriages they should of left years ago. I received notes thanking me for the confidence they felt and the new life they were leading. They became better mothers, daughters and friends.

Once again tonight I was reminded by Ginny how powerful transforming can be. Ginny shared that she is searching for the woman she use to be before she allowed being a mother, wife and care giver to take over her life. Like most women, she doesn't regret doing what she does for others. Our regret is that of losing ourselves in the process of caring for everyone else. We forget that we have to care for ourselves and when we do, it benefits those we love and care for.
It isn't about losing ten pounds, knowing how to dress your figure, proper makeup application, or what colors are best for you. It's what you learn about yourself on the journey.

I love my job. I love helping others discover their true, best self. I love when individuals feel joy on a daily basis.

I am so happy for Ginny. I love being part of her journey. She is journaling and I'm sure will share some of her experiences at some point.

I could make a lot more money in another career, but in my opinion, the life of an Image Consultant is the richest career anyone could have.