Rachael recently completed the Personal Styling for a Career course with us, and her journey into the world of fashion and styling is truly inspiring. With a background in science and years spent as a stay-at-home mum living abroad, Rachael took the leap into a completely new industry. In her own words, she shares how the course helped her rediscover her confidence, navigate a new career, and overcome the challenges that came with it.
DISCOVERING A NEW PATH
My experience with the MM Styling Academy career course has been quite the journey—a total deviation from my background but, in many ways, a natural progression. I spent years working as a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry after finishing university in 1999, but since 2014, I’ve been a stay-at-home mum, moving around the world for my husband’s job with two young children. From Singapore to Geneva, and now settled in Basel, Switzerland, it’s been a whirlwind.
After eight years away from paid work, it felt like a big deal to dive headfirst into a new career—especially something so different. I’ve had to face real confidence issues and deal with imposter syndrome almost daily.
That said, I’ve always loved clothes and fashion, often shopping as though it was my job! So, while it’s a big shift, it also felt natural to sign up for the personal styling career course. I’d considered training for a few years, especially after losing my way with my own style. Having kids, moving across different countries, and going through all those peri-menopausal body changes had me feeling a bit lost.
Melissa’s course helped me understand my new body, dress it better, and rediscover my style—accepting that I’m no longer in my 20s! I wasn’t sure if the course would be right for me at first. I worried that an online course might lack the interaction and networking I wanted, but after chatting with Melissa and a past student, I went for it—and I’m so glad I did. The course content was fantastic and really prepares you for what this industry is like.
FEELING SUPPORTED EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
The support throughout the program has been amazing. Even though it’s online, I always felt like I had help when I needed it, through discussion points in the course and from the MM Styling Academy team. Everyone was so friendly and approachable. Despite not doing the course face-to-face, I’ve become part of a community I can reach out to for support and advice whenever I need it.
SURPRISING DISCOVERIES
When I signed up for the course, my main focus was on learning how to style different body types. I hadn’t really considered how crucial an online presence is for success. The course dives into social media and branding —things that were totally out of my comfort zone! I’m usually the one behind the camera, not in front of it. But now, I feel more confident navigating that world, which is a huge win for me.
WHAT'S NEXT
The next 12 months are all about building up my experience and confidence. Right now, I’m styling friends and family, working on developing my website and branding, and getting my head around social media for business. Soon, I’ll start offering online styling sessions, wardrobe boards, and in-person services like wardrobe restyles and personal shopping here in Basel.
I’m also keen to take Melissa’s upcoming colour course to boost my confidence in selecting the best accent colours for clients and creating even more inspired outfits. Who knows? I might even branch out into men’s styling!
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
One of the biggest challenges I’m facing is the limited shopping options here in Switzerland compared to the UK. Basel doesn’t exactly have a bustling high street! But this is a challenge many expats face, so I’m aiming to help local expat ladies navigate their options and discover new places to shop they might not know about.
LIFETIME ACCESS? A LIFESAVER!
Having lifetime access to the course materials has been so helpful. I find myself regularly referring back to lessons and videos whenever I come across a new scenario, whether it’s a body shape I’m less familiar with or something I didn’t need to focus on as much earlier, like creating Reels for Instagram (still getting the hang of that one!).
I’ve really loved feeling part of the MM Styling Academy family. It’s given me so much support as I branch out into this completely different career path.
We’re thrilled to have Rachael as part of the MM Styling Academy family and are so proud of her journey. Watching her transition into a new career with confidence and passion has been incredible. If Rachel’s story has inspired you, remember that no prior experience is needed to join our Personal Styling for a Career course. You’ll gain full accreditation, enjoy lifetime access to all course materials, and receive support from our team every step of the way. Plus, we offer a payment plan to help spread the cost. Why not take the first step towards your own styling career today?
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