Five Things EP16: Image and Branding with Mia LaMotte

In episode 16 of his Five Things podcast, Brian Smith talks about image mistakes business people make with Mia LaMotte, a transformation coach and personal brand strategist.

ABOUT MIA LAMOTTE
I have always been the person that my friends and family came to for fashion and personal advice. As a young girl, I was always the leader or the one who brought everything together. And now it’s my life’s work! I help professionals realize their greatness and package it in a way that it is communicated beautifully.

I grew up in rural Louisiana, very far from any fashion capital or personal development gurus for that matter. While I had a great time running around in fields, taking tomatoes off the vines from my grandparent’s garden and playing games with my many cousins, I knew there was more to life than my small town.

My love for fashion started with my mother. She was a fashionista who sewed and designed clothing. She bought me my first Barbies ™ as well as Fashion Plates ™ . These were my favorite things to play with as a young girl. I started my career in the beauty in high school where I attended John Jay Beauty Academy while I was a senior. My aunt was a hairdresser and this was my way to get into that world. Once I graduated I attended John Robert Powers Modeling School in New Orleans, LA where I fell deeper in love with all things artistic.

Being so young and lacking the confidence it took to be a model or hairdresser, I was resigned to attend college and get a “real job”. So I went to school and pursued my BA in History and law school was next on the agenda. I began working for a judge providing child care for her and was hired during my senior year to work professionally at Juvenile Court. This was my first “real” job and I knew nothing about navigating that professional space.

During my tenure there I made many mistakes and grew from them. I also attended school part time and earned a Master of Public Administration. While having these new skills and degrees helped me, I knew something was still missing.

After moving to NC with the love of my life, I began working in the judicial system in North Carolina and took on a position of leadership. Here is where I began to soar. I was in my element and loved every minute of helping others realize their potential and yet, I hadn’t realized a dream of my own.

I learned about image consulting through a self-development seminar and decided to go for it. I began learning everything I could about the industry. I joined AICI, Association of Image Consultants International and grew my skills (see certifications). Image consulting is so much more than fashion or styling. When I work with a client, I help them to become the best version of him or herself. I help them overcome limiting beliefs and have the life of their dreams all while looking great.

CREDENTIALS
Certified Public Manager, State of North Carolina
Certified Image Consultant, Association of Image Consultants
Certified Transformational Trainer, Global Designs Training
Certified Corporate Coach, Illustra Business Consulting
Certified Transformation Coach, Divine Living Academy