14 years and counting!
I came officially back to work after summer this Monday and, browsing through my calendar, I realized that I am celebrating 14 years as an image consultant this August! Yay 🎉🎉
I don’t normally make a fuss about it, but as I started looking back at 2008 when I decided to move back to Brazil from Germany and transition my career from IT to what was to become my calling, I remember feeling so excited, but also scared.
I heard from people that I was crazy to throw away an international career, to waste so many years of study and hard work.
I was lost, they said, and I would regret it.
The fact is, though, that I had found myself, and nothing I did before was ever wasted.
The knowledge of IT, the experience working for 6 years in international and multicultural companies managing projects, budgets, and multiple clients, my attention to detail, and knack for processes ended up becoming one of my superpowers and differentials as an entrepreneur.
It helped me have realistic expectations and plan for ups and downs, professionalize my business in terms of processes, CRM, and so on, have the most beautiful and usable websites (I could create them on my own, after all) and become known throughout the country amongst clients and peers - and later expand to other parts of the world, too.
As a matter of fact, my clients hired and continue hiring me for it. People see value in this previous experience and career transition because I was where many of them are. I understand them, their struggles, and their needs.
As I always tell my students, knowledge and past experiences are never lost and can even become the thing that will make you stand out, as they did for me. You just have to learn how to use it in your favor.
After I figured that out, helping talented managers directors, leaders, business owners, lawyers, judges, and other entrepreneurs upgrade their professional image to feel confident, stand out authentically and take their careers to the next level was what I started doing best.
It became my mission & main niche, and being part of their transformations and success is a passion that remains strong even 14 years later.
I came a long way and feel proud of my courage to have embraced the change and followed my heart, of the accomplishments and the journey I have been through. It wasn’t always sweet, but every struggle made me grow and be where I am today :)
I am also so very thankful for all my dear clients - your trust in me and amazing results are what keep me motivated to push through any challenges! -, my family and friends who supported this journey, and for the partners and colleagues I met along the way.
Career changes can be hard and people will always judge, but it is worth the effort if it’s well planned and done to increase your happiness. To make you start working on your true calling and be passionate about what you do.
It’s normal to be excited and scared, but with the right steps and support, I know you can do it, just like I and many others successfully did before. The joy of looking back and feeling proud of yourself for having the courage to have acted is the cherry on the top! ;)
If you’re going through this process or thinking about it and want to talk, reply below! I’ll be happy to hear from and support you in any way.
Now, looking forward, a new phase of my business has started this year and I am excited for what is yet to come!
We'll have some special news soon, so stay tuned :)
Cheers,
Roberta Carlucci
PS: While updating my calendar, I also opened a few limited slots for new clients who want to start in September and October.
I work with brilliant professionals like you who want to improve their image and reputation, invest in their personal brand, and office wardrobe. Your appearance is part of your non-verbal communication and a powerful tool to become a leader, stand out for the right reasons for the right people, and to feel more confident in your own skin.
Interested? Let's talk!