Today we’d like to introduce you to Eileen Ryan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Eileen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My interest in helping others improve their appearance began with my years as a runway/photographer’s model. I then owned a modeling agency for a few years, and taught at a nationally known modeling school. My exposure to theories of skincare, hair styling, and dressing to highlight strengths and camouflage weaknesses lured me into a period of study. Acquaintances began asking for help and as they began appreciating their own changes, I gained new clients. For almost twenty-seven years, I’ve enjoyed working with women clients and a few men as well, all of whom wished to learn how to look their best.
Though I cover most of far north Dallas and suburbs, I also have clients who have moved from the area who fly me to their hometowns for closet consultations and personal shopping. The rewards for me are great, as I help people who are beginning a new career, dating again after a broken relationship or just needing a jump start to feel better.
My purpose is not to change anyone into a different person, but to find out who they really are and showcase that. The client’s coloring, personal style, fit issues, lifestyle needs and budget make them individual and assisting them interesting.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Due to the nature of what I do, the initial consultation is usually in the client’s home. Privacy is preferred for the color draping and style analysis portion of the session. There is also the need to see the entirety of the client’s wardrobe, shoes, accessories, etc. before advising on any changes.
This necessitates asking for directions to a neighborhood I may not be familiar with, sometimes on a country road with no street signs. Sometimes I just have to laugh when I’m hopelessly lost.
Then, there’s the issue of shopping. Prior to meeting a client for clothing shopping, I peruse several stores, pulling items I believe will be perfect for the client’s coloring, size and style, etc., having the sales person hold them for a few hours until we arrive. On several occasions, after that careful selection of items, the client and I are disappointed to find that every single item was mistakenly returned to the rack. It helps to smile when I feel like pulling my hair out!
Best Version of You – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What sets the company apart from some others is the focus on the individual. My goal is not to transform clients into a facsimile of a popular personality, since copying another’s style is usually not a good fit. Wearing clothing just because it’s stylish is another mistake if it isn’t appropriate or flattering to you and your body.
Listening to what someone is trying to accomplish gives clues as to how to best help them. With one teenage client who had moved to the big city from the country, a crash course in etiquette was her first concern. With a large advertising firm, their desire was to educate their entire staff of forty on a business casual dress code. Another large company wanted to give their employees personalized color charts as a holiday gift.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moments of my career have come from those who needed help rebounding from one of life’s severest challenges.
Losing a job after twenty-five years, losing a spouse to death or divorce, or losing a much loved child is devastating and those are the clients I remember with an extra measure of satisfaction. Nothing could take away their pain, but knowing I helped them prepare for taking the next step was so rewarding.
Pricing:
- Initial consultation includes color draping and swatches/style and fit analysis/personalized fitting notes and recommendations/ wardrobe weeding/suggestions for additions to wardrobe $300
- Color draping and personalized color chart with swatches $125
- Shopping with client $40 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: bestversionofyou.com
- Phone: 214.998.7700
- Email: info@bestversionofyou.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
