On Nov. 14, Lipscomb’s College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business hosted the first ever Professional Women’s Event entitled “How to Project a Professional Image.”
The event, held in Shamblin Theater, offered female students the chance to network with Lipscomb alumna and other business leaders around the community. Mila Grigg, the owner of Moda Image Consulting located in Green Hills, gave a keynote address. After Grigg’s presentation, female students modeled some of the latest fashions in professional wear from Dillards department store. Grigg spoke to the audience about the importance of a woman’s appearance in her professional life and even more importantly about the first impression she makes on a future employer.
“In the world of instant destruction and instant reward, it’s about being the best you can be to the potential employer,” said Grigg. “We are first seen, not heard, so as silly as it may sound, what you look like is crucial. The key to finding what fits you best is finding your personal brand and take the responsibility to emanate what’s on the inside.”
Grigg also talked about personal success and how when people dress well, they feel good, and when they feel good, they produce good things. By dressing to a level of success, it is possible to inspire others.
The main focus of the night was to encourage students to dress the part when interviewing for internships or jobs for the first time.
“Your clothes say, ‘What you see, is what you get,’” Grigg said. “If you can look the part, the interviewers will say, ‘She’s probably capable of what she looks like.’”
Grigg mentioned that one of the top complaints she hears from employers is about modesty. She encourages those she consults to portray on the outside what they believe on the inside. She said if people have a strong faith and character and integrity but the outside doesn’t match, then it’s a bad thing. Internal beauty, faith and purpose should be reflected on the outside as well.
For those worried about the costs of having a great work wardrobe, Grigg advised that students should know their personal brand and what works well for them, that way they won’t waste money on pieces that they feel uncomfortable in. And for those worried about being confined to stuffy work wear, she recommends the “mullet theory.” Based on the quintessential 80s hairdo that boasts “business in the front and party in the back,” Grigg said a good outlet for expression is to create an outfit that pairs classics with a fun, eye-popping piece that makes you stand out in a crowd. She also advised students to match the company’s brand, as well, because employers want to know you will fit into the company.
The most fitting quote of the night, however, is from Coco Chanel, who said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”
For more information or a free consultation, visit www.modaimageconsulting.com