Interview with Image Consultant - Tina Walia

In a tete-e-tete with Tina Singh Walia, her journey is a powerful story of transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of self-love. Raised in a supportive family, Tina faced significant challenges growing up, often being teased for her tall, skinny frame, unibrow, cystic acne, and hirsutism due to PCOS. These struggles deeply affected her self-esteem and confidence, shaping her early years. During her 12th-grade exams, comfort eating led to a weight gain of 14 kilos, further complicating her emotional well-being. However, Tina’s determination to change her life would prove unstoppable.

Tina pursued a degree in Economics Honours, excelling academically by topping both her first and final years. This achievement highlighted her resilience, but the desire for self-improvement led her to adopt extreme measures. Her journey of self-discovery led Tina to realize her true passion for design, styling, and makeup. She launched her own retail stores, offering unique designs for women.

Her creations quickly gained recognition, with celebrities embracing her work and magazines featuring her designs. At 39, she enrolled in a course to further her career and, by 40, became an internationally certified Image Consultant and Soft Skills Trainer. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. To begin, could you please introduce yourself and explain what an image consultant does?

Tina Walia: Thank you for having me! As an image consultant, my role is to help individuals and businesses enhance their image, appearance, and overall personal brand. This includes offering advice on clothing choices, grooming, body language, communication, and etiquette. My goal is to ensure that my clients project an image that aligns with their personal or professional aspirations.

Interviewer: That sounds fascinating! How did you get into the field of image consulting, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?

Tina Walia: I’ve always had a passion for fashion, psychology, and helping people feel confident. I stumbled upon image consulting while exploring ways to combine my interests, and I realized that it allows me to have a deep impact on a person's self-esteem and professional success. I wanted to empower others through the art of personal branding and image enhancement.

Interviewer: India is a diverse country with varying cultural norms and fashion trends. How do you tailor your services to suit such a wide range of clients, considering regional, cultural, and traditional differences?

Tina Walia: Great question! India’s diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity. When working with clients from different regions and backgrounds, I take the time to understand their unique cultural values and traditions. For example, the clothing and styling choices I recommend may vary depending on whether the client is from North India, South India, or the Northeast. However, some core principles of image consulting, such as understanding body shape, skin tone, and lifestyle, remain universal. I blend the client’s cultural identity with modern trends to create a personalized image that feels authentic to them.

Interviewer: How has the demand for image consulting evolved in India over the years? Have you seen any significant changes in how people approach personal image?

Tina Walia: Over the last decade, I’ve definitely seen a shift. In the past, image consulting was often associated with the elite or those in the entertainment industry. However, with growing awareness, more people are recognizing the importance of first impressions and the impact of their personal brand, both in their personal lives and careers. Social media has played a huge role in this change. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn have increased the visibility of personal image, and as a result, individuals from all walks of life are seeking professional help to improve their image.

Interviewer: That’s interesting! Speaking of social media, do you think it has had a positive or negative impact on people’s perception of their image? How do you guide clients in navigating the pressures of social media?

Tina Walia: Social media can have both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, it allows people to express themselves creatively and build their personal brand. However, it can also create unrealistic beauty standards and increase anxiety about appearance. As an image consultant, I focus on helping clients embrace their uniqueness and enhance their strengths, rather than conform to social media trends. I guide them on how to use social media authentically, focusing on projecting their true personality while maintaining professionalism.

Interviewer: What would you say is the most common misconception about image consulting in India?

Tina Walia: A common misconception is that image consulting is all about just fashion and looks. People often think that it’s only about picking the right clothes or wearing expensive brands. In reality, image consulting is much more holistic. It’s about communication, confidence, body language, and understanding the psychological aspect of how people perceive you. It’s not just external but about creating a balance between inner and outer self-presentation.

Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense! Can you walk us through the process of working with a new client? What’s the first step, and how do you build a relationship with them?

Tina Walia: The process starts with an initial consultation where I try to understand the client’s goals and needs. I ask questions about their lifestyle, profession, personality, and any specific challenges they might face. Based on this, I analyze their body type, color palette, and overall style. I then create a personalized plan that includes wardrobe recommendations, grooming tips, and body language exercises. Building trust is key, so I ensure my clients feel comfortable and empowered throughout the journey. I believe in fostering long-term relationships and helping my clients grow in their confidence, not just in their appearance.

Interviewer: That sounds like a thorough and thoughtful approach. What’s the most rewarding part of being an image consultant?

Tina Walia: The most rewarding part is seeing the transformation in my clients. It’s incredible to witness how a positive shift in their image and confidence can influence both their personal and professional lives. Whether it’s someone landing their dream job, acing a presentation, or simply feeling more confident in social situations, it’s fulfilling to know that I’ve played a part in that journey.

Interviewer: Finally, what advice would you give to anyone looking to improve their personal image in today’s fast-paced, image-conscious world?

Tina Walia: My advice would be to focus on authenticity. Understand who you are and embrace your individuality. Your personal image should reflect your inner confidence and values, not just trends. Pay attention to the small details like grooming, posture, communication but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. And most importantly, don't compare yourself to others. Everyone's image is unique to their own story and purpose.

Today, Tina is a leading figure in image consulting and corporate training, with expertise in image management, grooming, and soft skills. She has worked with top organizations like HCL Healthcare, Indigo Airways, Kotak Life Insurance, and more, transforming the professional lives of countless individuals.

Now an ICF Certified Life and Wellness Coach, as well as a Certified Master NLP Practitioner, Tina shares her knowledge with a massive Instagram following. She empowers women through her insights on wellness, image management, behavior, communication, and etiquette. Tina is also working on her first book, further cementing her role as a thought leader in her field.