Suzain Dodoo: The Image Consultant
Her line of profession might not be widely known to many but it is one of the finest jobs that brings her into contact with politicians, celebrities, top executives, broadcasters, models, lawyers, pastors among others.
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She is Suzain Dodoo, an Image Consultant. Today, the demand for quality image consultants has risen to a new high as new markets have emerged.
Image Consultants?
Image consultants are professionals who assess the current status of the public’s perception of an individual, company or other organisation. The main function of a person in this position is to evaluate the degree of positive or negative perceptions present and determine the best way to enhance the positive aspects of the public image.
Celebrities, politicians and other public figures often utilise the services of an image consultant. This is because of the significant impact that the public image of these individuals has on their ability to function effectively in their chosen professions.
Who is Suzain?
With these incredible attributes of who an image consultant is, The Mirror caught up with Suzain, as she is affectionately called to delve into her aspect of image consulting.
Spotting a cute ‘boyfriend top’ over a magenta jeans with a platform shoe to match, she said the definition of image consulting had broadened beyond “makeovers” to include behaviour, civility and etiquette, body language, interview skills, communication, presentation and personal branding.
She explained that for instance, musicians commanded attention but it's the image consultant who could help an artiste make sure the attention is positive. Vocalists must present themselves in ways that appeal to their intended audience.
“Duties of an image consultant include helping the artiste shape their first impressions and image by identifying and refining their music's sound and message, performance personality, physical looks and style and media interaction. An image consultant has regular planning sessions with the artiste to assess goals and actions to improve public image and to give feedback.”
Having been in this business for sometime now, Suzain also acts as a fashion stylist for some renowned pastors, ministers of state, lawyers, broadcasters, businessmen and women.
She also does personal shopping for individuals from clothes, shoes, bags and other accessories. “Basically, there are some people who want to spend say $10,000 to change their entire wardrobe but do not know how to go about it. Therefore, my services are engaged for the entire wardrobe replacement or re-arrangement”.
For Suzain, no matter the type of clients, the main job of the image consultant is to make clients look good including fashion image, hair and makeup, daily clothing and formal wardrobe.
“There are some public figures who have passion for fashion yet do not know how to dress well. It is always good to look at your skin tone then select colours that will suit you at any time. You don’t wear anything for public functions and think people’s eyes would not be on you, “ she stressed.
Suzain disclosed that there are certain clients who have problems with their skins, breathe and body odour. “ Can you imagine being a pastor, minister or a singer with bad body odour? For such people, I recommend they see a specialist for attention because your entire being must look and smile fresh all the time”.
As the owner of a clothing line known as Gorjiors by Royal Dennis, she said everybody has his or her own preference. For instance, she explained that there are people with potbellies who do not have time to hit the gym to lose weight. “With such people, I need to select clothes that will cover their excessive flesh and also make them look cuter”.
Journey into Image Consulting
Narrating how she landed into image consulting, Suzain said her husband is a fashion designer, therefore, as she worked closely with him, she realised clients needed more than just what to wear for a particular event. As a result, she decided to pursue a career in image consulting at the South Africa Image Academy where she was taught the rudiments of the profession.
With such professional training up her sleeve, she deals with corporate organisations and individuals on their appearance, behaviour and communication.
“My services extend to executives, politicians, television personalities, job seekers, stay-at-home moms, busy professionals,
Masters of Ceremony, beauty pageant contestants, brides to be and anyone looking for a confidence boost.