27June 2012 |26 | June 2012

FusionExpert

FusionExpert

Starting pointFrom modelling to acting and starting up

her own empire, Sangeeta has the experience of the best of best. With years of accumulated knowledge and skills, she launched her venture in 2006, ‘Impact Image Consultants’. The dynamic diva shares with us her journey behind the success – “Since young age, I was exposed to an environment where I was surrounded by fashion, luxury, glamour, and the crème de la crème of the society. I hail from the state of Jammu and Kashmir and I came to Delhi to spend my holidays at my Aunt’s place after my 11th standard exams. I was 16 then. My aunt was an independent lady employed at a high level job in the early 80’s and working women were not very prevalent at those times. I used to adore her as my role model. It was she who instilled the fire in me to start working and become independent,” gasps the fascinating business woman. Further she adds, “I studied in a convent school, hence acquired good English language skills. My aunt suggested that I should try for “Sales Girl” positions. I did exactly that. I got selected, chose one of the boutiques to work and earned my first salary of Rs. 1,200 which was a big amount for a 16 year old girl at that time. From there my journey began. However, I completed my studies alongside and acquired a Bachelor’s degree. I left the boutique after a period of one and a half years, took up modelling for some time and then went on to the hospitality business where I easily climbed up the ladder with promotions. My stint with

As soon as the name Sangeeta S Bahl strikes one’s mind, the image of a diva infused with confidence and adorned with a big smile springs up. She is one powerful woman who

literally has many feathers in her cap. Dipti. P talks to the

empress of ‘IMPACT IMAGE CONSULTANTS’.

the airlines industry began when I watched and noticed the airlines’ crew check-in at the hotel. I was mesmerised by the beauty of poised air-stewardesses and their uniforms that I decided to join the industry. And it turned out to be a good step; I spent many years in the industry.” From a ground staff to an airline crew member, ambitious Sangeeta climbed the success ladder one after the other in the same field. She has worked for the Thai International Airways, Royal Saudi Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Jordanian and Emirates Airlines to name a few. But her 14- member Indian crew got sent back while serving the Royal Jordanian when the Gulf war broke out. Wanting to work and continue in the same field, this self-driven Indian beauty applied for the Emirates in Dubai, got selected and worked and resided in Dubai for 12 years. Based in Dubai, she worked as an airline’s crew and quickly reached to the title of Cabin Services Director. She had trained around 70 nationalities from all over the world for over a decade, both on board and on ground. Also she held grooming workshops for crew and worked alongside the welfare committee of the airlines. Among many achievements, she also headed a Crew Magazine for the Emirates, launched and designed the crew uniforms, formulated media strategy, produced full marketing brochures for the holiday subsidiary of the company and improved marketability of the airline with attractive design layouts for service on board. Popularly called the ‘Blue Eyed Girl’ at the Emirates, Sangeeta has to her credit an ‘Executive MBA in Marketing and Finance’ from

the University of Bradford U.K., a first ever in her crew!

The First Image Consultant in IndiaSangeeta left Dubai after she got married

to Ankur Bahl and came back to India. It was in 2004-2005 that she discovered the industry of Image Consulting and Training. Soon she enrolled to the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and she was mentored by Dr. Joyce M. Knudsen, PHD, the first consultant to be awarded Certified Image Master (AICI, CIM). After completing it, Sangeeta became one of the

first image consultants in India to be certified by the AICI. She is also popular as the pioneer in starting and introducing image consulting in India. She has also completed her ‘Colour Consultant’ training in Universal Colour System from Australia.

What is Image Makeover? Image consulting is …

In simple terms your image is the perception or opinion people have about you and it is created the moment someone notices you. Everyone knows that looks shouldn’t matter, after all

The Baroness of Image Enhancement

FusionExpert

AD 6

beauty is only skin deep. Yet perhaps the saying ‘first impression is the last impression’ is significant. Image consulting is the process of helping you project your image the way you want it to be seen by others. These consultants will coach you on how to control and enhance the first impressions you give out to a random person.

‘ABCs of Image’Sangeeta’s Motto: “Empower your look,

enhance your image and build credibility to your persona.” She guides you on how to polish your image in the following three areas:

Appearance — grooming, hair, make-up know-how, colour, wardrobe management.

Behaviour — social skills, stress management, etiquette, civility and protocol advice.

Communication — improving diction, body language, relationship building and conflict resolution.

“My expertise lay in the areas of makeup, colour analysis, corporate training, business etiquette, and image and style. Whether you

are looking for a personal makeover, make up courses or wanting to project a brand new image for your corporation, IMPACT has a solution to every question. I am also a public speaker. There are group coaching sessions, workshops, and presentations that companies and schools can opt for strengthening professional presentation, professional attire and etiquette. We provide services for both individuals and corporate groups and customise it according to the client,” adds Sangeeta, the AICI India President and co-author of “Executive Etiquette Power”.

Colour Analysis “There are two types of skin tones – Warm

and Cool. Universal Colour System is the most comprehensive system which accurately diagnoses your true colours. At IMAPCT, I help you discover this through the same. The client is given 50 personal swatches of chosen colours as part of the analysis. Also handouts of the same chosen colours are provided for reference and style quotient when one goes out for shopping. Colour analysis can have a dramatic effect on your appearance. I use a structured diagnostic technique to analyze hair, eyes and skin tone which determines a palette of colours for your wardrobe and cosmetics,” adds Sangeeta, the celebrated and elected Division Governor, J-District 41, for 2012-2013 of Toastmasters International, a non-profit organization which operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of developing public speaking and leadership skills.

You can be one too!“To become an image consultant one has

to have the passion to help people. I work 7 days a week yet never feel tired. You need that kind of determination to be a successful image consultant. It is an immensely satisfying job and I absolutely LOVE what I do. You can also enrol for my 12 week programme and become an ‘Image Consultant’ as well. I am about to bring out two new courses where young people can enrol. One is on ‘How to become a Public Speaker’ and the other is ‘Personal Shopper’. Both these courses are ideal for youngsters. My word of advice to people entering this field is –

1. Look at par. You represent your work. 2. Never copy someone else. Be unique and

you will be successful. 3. Be committed 4. Follow work ethics. You have got to deliver

what you promise to the client,” wraps up the weekly columnists for Hindustan Times’ newly launched paper for the youth in India, YUVA, Sangeeta S Bahl. n

28 | June 2012