| Gracing the pages
of Italian Vogue and sharing the set with Cindy Crawford and
Iman for clients including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Maycy's
Field's probably sounds like the ultimate in glamorous living!
It was, and I treasure every moment, but after fifteen years
as an international model, it was time to share my experiences
and knowledge with new, hopeful models. As talent agent and
scout for Elite Chicago and a prestigious agency in Europe,
I grew to love the satisfaction of steering many young women
onto successful careers. The seed was planted, and I somehow
knew I could find even greater joy with my own business!
In 1998, I launched LOOKS in my humble suburban
basement studio as a consulting service for aspiring models.
And I do mean launched! We soon moved
operations to an impressive address on Oak Street in downtown
Chicago. Talent agencies would send us their fresh models
to learn the ropes of the business and refine their skills.
Our instruction included the fine arts of make-up, dress,
runway poise and stage presence. Success in the world of modeling
is exclusive, if not elusive, but I have always believed each
of my clients benefits from learning to be well groomed and
comfortable in his or her own body. It is a passion to that
belief that steered the focus of my company to total image
consulting.
There was a bright spot on September 11,
2001. We relocated our office to downtown Naperville. We have
been riding on a growth high ever since. Many of our clients
now come to us for a non-surgical "not-so-extreme"
makeover! The LOOKS store is where clients can shop
for cosmetics, skincare products and beauty literature
What Makes LOOKS
Unique?
It's the little extras that speak volumes! The moment you walk through the door,
you enter a clean, relaxing comfort zone. Our clients have confidence in our
competent, nurturing staff with years of experience in their craft.
Some Accomplishments?
Business has tripled in two years! Word is really spreading
and we are super-excited to announce that LOOKS is about to
hit the small screen! We've been commissioned to appear in
two episodes of the new NBC reality hit show "Starting
Over," which airs weekdays at noon. I am also very proud
of our signature line of cosmetics, which we introduced ten
years ago. It's been a big success and a huge benefit to clients
who can bring the same products we apply professionally in
the Studio, into their own homes. It's a high quality line
with reasonable price tags. With respect for our clients sensitivities,
nost the products are hypoallergenic and mineral based.
How We Grew to What
We Are Today
I want to thank my husband, Sven, and daughter Rachel, and
parents Bernie and Gloria Wilger for their support. And I
know that I couldn't have done it without the wisdom, knowledge,
and direction of Susan Fignar (owner of Pur'sue, inc.) and
dear friend, Bob Whitney.
Seriously, I am driven by my goal to help
women, in particular, better themselves to achieve a higher
level of self-confidence. And I believe in the quality of
my services and products to achieve that.
Favorite Part of
Owning a Business
Being excited about going to work! It's a fantastic thing.
One of my original goals was to create a great working atmosphere,
and I feel strongly that I've accomplished that. I'm surrounded
by fabulous people, inside and out. I really love my staff!
Overall Impression
of being an Entrepreneur?
I don't really think of myself as an entrepreneur and definitely
not a boss. The most important thing is that I love what I
do. If each day I can make someone feel good because they
look good, that's worth more money than anyone could pay me.
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