personal stylist business plan

How to Start a Personal Styling Business

A personal stylist helps to perfect the image of a client. The services of a stylist may be required before a major event or even be incorporated into daily life for certain clients. The role of a personal stylist includes handling hair, makeup, fashion, and anything else related to the image of a client. This business is a vital part of any community as it helps individuals achieve success in an increasingly image-conscious world.

You may also be interested in additional low cost business ideas .

Learn how to start your own Personal Styling Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a Personal Styling Business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Personal Styling Business
• Form your Personal Styling Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Personal Styling Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Personal Styling Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Personal Styling Business
• Get Personal Styling Business Insurance
• Define your Personal Styling Business Brand
• Create your Personal Styling Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your Personal Styling Business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Personal Styling Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your Personal Styling Business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a personal styling business.

Perhaps the most attractive thing about opening such a business is that it costs so little. Many personal stylists meet their clients at the clients' home or business, so you do not need to pay for any expensive overhead. Ultimately, you can start this business for around $3,000. Of that, $500 should go towards a professional website, $2,000 should go towards local advertising (via newspapers, radio stations, etc.), and $500 should go towards online advertisement. The biggest early obstacle is to get your name out there, which is why most of the initial money is going towards advertisement.

What are the ongoing expenses for a Personal Styling Business?

A key factor of this business is that there are almost no ongoing expenses. For instance, you will spend about $100 a year maintaining your website, and you will pay varying amounts driving around and meeting clients. Similarly, you will pay varying amounts for any makeup or hair care products you need for a particular client's needs. However, you will typically either charge the client for those costs or adjust your prices to reflect those costs, so these do not cut into your bottom line.

Who is the target market?

While many people will want your services, the chief market is young professionals. These are up-and-coming people for whom image may be a deciding factor in both their professional and romantic aspirations.

How does a Personal Styling Business make money?

You will ultimately decide whether you wish to bill clients by the hour or to bill them by session.

How much you charge depends on your experience, the client's needs, and your business model. If you charge hourly rates, you'll likely start out charging $20 to $50 an hour or $150 to $200 or so for a session (which may last most of a day). As you grow in experience, you may consider raising your rates (it's not unreasonable for a professional stylist to charge over $100 per hour and $1,000 or more a day), but you should also keep the local economy in mind: you don't want to price yourself out of business.

How much profit can a Personal Styling Business make?

It's difficult to assess how much profit you can make, as there are unknown factors such as how many clients you will have and what you will be charging them. Someone charging $50 per hour who manages to work thirty hours per week, for instance, can easily make $78,000, and the lack of significant overhead means that the majority of this is profit. You can also supplement your business by advertising services such as personal shopping and even creating a blog about your experience in which things like referral links help drive your profits.

How can you make your business more profitable?

As mentioned above, you can become more profitable by embracing side business opportunities that range from personal shopping to blogging. You can (and should) raise your rates as time goes on and your experience grows. Finally, you should consider expanding the area you serve: someone who is willing to service several cities in the area will inevitably build more clients than someone serving only one city.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your Personal Styling Business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a personal stylist business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Services Contract

Personal stylist businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example of one such services agreement.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Personal Styling Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Personal Styling Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a Personal Styling Business

As mentioned before, it's worth spending money on radio and newspaper advertisements to help build a community reputation, but much of your advertising will be online. You should advertise extensively through your website and create various social media pages: these forms of advertisement are cheap and free, respectively, and you can supplement these activities through paid online advertisements. Ultimately, the product you are selling is image-based, so online advertising is ideal because it lets you show off your skills with makeup, hair, and fashion makeovers.

How to keep customers coming back

In addition to the advertising methods outlined above, you should consider doing some initial consultations for free (or at a reduced rate). This will create grateful early customers who effectively become your brand ambassadors. You may also consider some traditional sales techniques such as offering discounts or even free sessions after someone has purchased enough sessions. Fortunately, retention is built into the business: someone who loves the look you give them will typically be eager to come back for more.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is ideal for someone who has personal and/or professional experience in categories such as fashion, hair care, and makeup. It is also good for those who are already part of a network that may include actors, broadcasters, and anyone else who regularly requires personal styling before media appearances. Finally, it's a good job for a “people person,” as you may spend extensive amounts of time with very different kinds of clients.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a Personal Styling Business?

Your exact daily activities may vary based on the changing needs of diverse clients. Generally, however, you will meet with clients for an initial consultation, agree on a particular look and style, and then facilitate the client's style makeover. To this end, you may need to shop for clothes, makeup, and other supplies, and then help the client with everything from makeup application to fashion coordination in order to perfect their look.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Personal Styling Business?

As mentioned before, any previous personal or professional experience in the fields related to a personal styling business are very beneficial. This includes any formal educational experience in these categories as well. Finally, being part of a network that includes cosmetic stores and related businesses can help provide an opportunity for cross-promotion and brand awareness early on.

What is the growth potential for a Personal Styling Business?

The growth potential of this business is decent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating that the related fields of hairdressing and cosmetology are expected to grow by ten percent between 2014 and 2024. This also gives you a kind of marketing edge as well, as you can point out to prospective clients that a visit from you is like a visit from three different specialists rolled into one.

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For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a Personal Styling Business?

If possible, practice your personal styling skills on friends and family before starting your own business. Try to get consent from some early clients to create very striking “before/after” images that you can advertise with to show how you can transform someone's image. Consider building relationships with things like local clothing and makeup stores so that they promote your business and you steer clients towards those businesses.

How and when to build a team

The nature of this business means you are likely to keep doing it solo: the appearance of having a personal stylist is a large part of your brand and appeal. However, if you become successful enough (and busy enough), you may consider hiring other stylists to work under your banner.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• Fashion Industry Association
• Stella & Dot (Franchise opportunity)

Real World Examples

Further reading.

• Interview with celebrity stylist Chiara Solloa

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Home » Fashion

A Sample Personal Stylist Business Plan Template

A personal stylist business is a business that helps clients create the most suitable image by choosing clothes and accessories that fit clients’ body types and individual needs. A personal stylist may also provide style advice and assist with hair, make-up, and even home décor.

Usually, the services of a stylist may be required before a major event or even be incorporated into daily life for certain clients. The role of a personal stylist includes handling hair, makeup, fashion, and anything else related to the image of a client. Available data shows that among Personal cum Fashion Stylists, 79.2 percent of them are women compared to the 20.8 percent who are men.

Steps on How to Write a Personal Stylist Business Plan

Executive summary.

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. is a standard and registered personal stylist business that will be located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and we are well-trained and equipped to provide our clients premium services that will make them stand out. We will incorporate a budget into our client’s fashion needs and help them look their best.

At Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc., our client’s best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professionals who are well experienced in the personal stylist and fashion consulting industry. Mason Gray is the founder and CEO of Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc.

Company Profile

A. our products and services.

• Fashion communication and styling
• Fashion image making and styling
• Fashion product and promotion
• Fashion styling and creative direction
• Fashion styling and production
• Interior styling and design.

b. Nature of the Business

Our personal stylist business will operate the business-to-business and also business-to-consumer business model.

c. The Industry

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will operate under the personal stylist and fashion consulting industry.

d. Mission Statement

Our mission is to establish a world-class personal stylist business that will provide professional personal stylist and fashion consulting services that revolve around helping our clients achieve their image goals.

e. Vision Statement

Our vision is to be among the top 3 personal stylists and fashion consulting firms in the whole of the United States of America.

f. Our Tagline (Slogan)

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. – Creating The Personal Signature That Will Stand You Out!

g. Legal Structure of the Business (LLC, C Corp, S Corp, LLP)

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will be formed as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). The reason why we are forming an LLC is to protect our personal assets by limiting the liability to the resources of the business itself. The LLC will protect our CEOs’ assets from claims against the business, including lawsuits.

h. Our Organizational Structure

• Chief Executive Officer
• Admin and HR Manager
• Personal Stylist and Fashion Consultant
• Marketing and Sales Executive
• Customer Care Executive / Front Desk Officer

i. Ownership / Shareholder Structure and Board Members

• Stacy Greenwood (Owner and Chairman / Chief Executive Officer) 56 Percent Shares
• Matt Romel (Board Member) 14 Percent Shares
• Chris Logan (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Verone Lamp (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Cloe Alpha (Board Member and Sectary) 10 Percent Shares.

SWOT Analysis

A. strength.

• Ideal Location for personal stylist business
• Highly Experienced and Qualified Employees and Management
• Availability of a wide range of personal stylist and fashion consulting services
• Excellent operational history

b. Weakness

• Financial constraints may restrict the publicity and branding of the business
• A new business that will be competing with well-established personal stylists in the city and on the internet.
• Inability to retain our highly experienced and qualified employees longer than we want during the teething stage of the business

c. Opportunities

• Excellent location – Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida is a thriving market for personal stylists and fashion consulting services.
• Increase in the inflow of celebrities into our location
• Online market, new services, new technology, and of course the starting of new markets

i. How Big is the Industry?

The personal stylist and fashion consulting industry is big and the average personal stylist and fashion consultant in the United States earns $83,650.

ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?

The personal stylist and fashion consulting industry are growing. Available data shows that the market is expected to grow by almost 25 percent from 2016 to 2026.

iii. What are the Future Trends in the Industry

The personal stylist and fashion consulting industry are changing, and players in the industry are improvising. No doubt, technology, and social media will change the landscape of the industry going forward.

iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

Yes, there are existing niches when it comes to the personal stylist business. Here are some of them;

• Independent personal stylists (Freelance stylists)
• Consortium personal stylists
• Mega personal stylists (They have offices in different cities of the world).

v. Can You Sell a Franchise of your Business in the Future?

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. has plans to sell franchises in the nearest future and we will target the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, and Australia.

• The arrival of a new personal stylist business within our market space
• Low demand during an economic meltdown will reduce industry profitability.
• Economic uncertainty
• Liability problems
• The government could change its regulatory status and decide to enforce strict regulations that can strangulate new businesses like ours.

i. Who are the Major Competitors?

• Tom Eerebout & Sandra Amador
• Ilaria Urbinati
• Rebecca Corbin-Murray
• Elizabeth Stewart
• Petra Flannery
• Jessica Paster
• Karla Welch
• Julia von Boehm
• Elizabeth Saltzman
• Jill Lincoln & Jordan Johnson
• Micaela Erlanger
• Samantha McMillen
• Leslie Fremar
• Van Van Alonso
• Rob Zangardi & Mariel Haenn
• Cristina Ehrlich
• Ashley Weston.

ii. Is There a Franchise for Personal Stylist Business?

No, there are no franchise opportunities in the personal stylist business.

iii. Are There Policies, Regulations, or Zoning Laws Affecting Personal Stylist Business?

There are no county or state regulations and zoning laws for the personal stylist business, but players in this industry are expected to work with the existing regulations governing such business in the county or state where the business is domiciled.

Marketing Plan

A. who is your target audience.

i. Age Range

Our target market age range covers people that are 18 years and above.

ii. Level of Educational

We don’t have any basic educational qualifications for those who we are targeting; everyone is welcome to hire our services.

iii. Income Level

Anyone who can afford our service fee will be welcome to hire our services.

iv. Ethnicity

There is no restriction when it comes to the ethnicity of the people we want to patronize our personal stylist business.

v. Language

There is no restriction when it comes to the language spoken by the people that will patronize our personal stylist business.

vi. Geographical Location

Anybody from any geographical location is free to do business with us, but we will prefer people who reside in the location where are have our physical offices.

vii. Lifestyle

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will not restrict any customer based on their lifestyle, culture, or race from doing business with us.

b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies

• Host Themed Events That Catch Attention.
• Tap Into Text Marketing.
• Use FOMO to Run Photo Promotions.
• Share Your Events in Local Groups and Pages.
• Turn Your Social Media Channels into a Resource
• Develop Your Business Directory Profiles
• Build Relationships with Other Businesses in Your Area

i. Traditional Marketing Strategies

• Marketing through Direct Mail.
• Print Media Marketing – Newspapers & Magazines.
• Broadcast Marketing -Television & Radio Channels.
• OOH, Marketing – Public Transits like Buses and Trains, Billboards, Street Furniture, and Cabs.
• Including direct sales, direct mail (postcards, brochures, letters, fliers), print advertising (coupon books, billboards), and referral (also known as word-of-mouth marketing).

ii. Digital Marketing Strategies

• Social Media Marketing Platforms.
• Influencer Marketing.
• Email Marketing.
• Content Marketing.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing.
• Pay-per-click (PPC).
• Affiliate Marketing
• Mobile Marketing.

iii. Social Media Marketing Plan

• Start using chatbots.
• Create a personalized experience for your customers.
• Create an efficient content marketing strategy.
• Create a community for our target demography.
• Gear up our profiles with a diverse content strategy.
• Use brand advocates.
• Create profiles on the relevant social media channels.
• Run cross-channel campaigns.

c. Pricing Strategy

When working out our pricing strategy, Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will make sure it covers premium, skimming, economy or value, and penetration. Our pricing strategies will reflect;

• Cost-Based Pricing
• Value-Based Pricing
• Competition-Based Pricing.

Sales and Distribution Plan

A. sales channels.

Our channel sales strategy will involve using partners and third parties—such as referral partners, affiliate partners, managed service providers, marketplaces, or value-added resellers—to market our personal stylist business.

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will also leverage the 4 Ps of marketing which are place, price, product, and promotion. By carefully integrating all these marketing strategies into a marketing mix, we can have a visible, in-demand service that is competitively priced and promoted to our customers.

b. Inventory Strategy

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will operate an inventory strategy that is based on a day-to-day methodology for ordering, maintaining, and processing items in our warehouse. We will develop our strategy with the same thoroughness and attention to detail as we would if we were creating an overall strategy for the business.

c. Payment Options for Customers

Here are the payment options that Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer

d. Return Policy, Incentives, and Guarantees

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will operate a refund policy but it will be dependent on the service providers we are working with. Please note that service providers such as fashion designers, fashion accessories supplies, and related product suppliers et al will determine the kind of return policy we will operate.

e. Customer Support Strategy

Our customer support strategy will involve seeking customer feedback. This will help us to continue to provide excellent customer service to our patrons. We will make use of effective CRM software to be able to achieve this. Regularly, we will work towards strengthening our Customer Service Team and also Leverage Multi-Channel Servicing as part of our customer support strategy.

Operational Plan

We plan to expand our revenue by 50 percent in the second year and the plan will include a marketing, sales, and operations component. The operations component of the plan would include organizing regular giveaways and other incentives.

a. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Personal Stylist Business?

• The office is open for the day’s work
• The walk-in areas, chairs, and tables are properly arranged
• Walk-in customers are attended to
• Phone calls and inquiries are attended to
• Personal stylists and fashion consultants are attached to clients
• Administrative duties are carried out
• Reports are written and submitted to superior officers
• The facility is administratively closed for the day.

b. Production Process

There is no production process when it comes to personal stylist business.

c. Service Procedure

When a personal stylist business is opened and everything is in place, customers either come in to request the services they want or they call or email the personal stylist business. Once the request is gotten and the service fee is agreed upon, the personal stylist and fashion consultant go to work to deliver on all agreements.

d. The Supply Chain

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will rely on trusted agents to supply some of the needed supplies (fashion accessories) and we have been able to establish business relationships with key stakeholders in the fashion and beauty care industry.

e. Sources of Income

Financial plan, a. amount needed to start your personal stylist business.

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. would need an estimate of $50,000 to successfully set up our personal stylist business in the United States of America. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all the staff for the first month of operation.

b. What are the Costs Involved?

• Business Registration Fees – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $7,300.
• Marketing, Branding and Promotions – $5,000.
• Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
• Insurance – $5,400.
• Rent/Lease – $70,000.
• Other start-up expenses like commercial satellite TV subscriptions, stationery ($500), and phone and utility deposits ($2,800).
• Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $30,000
• Store Equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $4,750
• Website: $600
• Opening party: $3,000
• Miscellaneous: $2,000

c. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will it Cost?

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will not build a new facility for our administrative office; we intend to start with a long-term lease and after 5 years, we will start the process of acquiring a facility.

d. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Personal Stylist Business?

• Utility bills (gas, internet, phone bills, signage and sewage et al)
• Salaries of employees

e. What is the Average Salary of your Staff?

• Chief Executive Officer – $62,000 Per Year
• Admin and HR Manager – $42,000 Per Year
• Personal Stylist and Fashion Consultant – $40,000 Per Year
• Marketing and Sales Executive $40,000 Per Year
• Accountant – $38,000 Per Year
• Customer Care Executive/Front Desk Officer – $32,000 Per Year.

f. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Personal Stylist Business?

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell shares to interested investors
• Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
• Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.

Financial Projection

A. how much should you charge for your service.

The amount a personal stylist charges a client depends on the type of services rendered and of course the type of project. Many personal stylists charge anywhere from $60 an hour to $200 an hour. Some charge by the project as well: from $500 to $2,000 per day or project.

b. Sales Forecast?

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $350,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $500,000

c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. is projecting to make;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): (50% of revenue generated)
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): (45% of revenue generated)
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): (45% of revenue generated)

d. Profit Margin of a Personal Stylist Business Product/Service

The profit margin of a personal stylist business is not fixed; to a large extent, it will depend on some factors that are unique to the service you are offering and of course the commission attached to the services.

Growth Plan

A. how do you intend to grow and expand by opening more retail outlets/offices or selling a franchise.

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. will grow our personal stylist business by first opening other offices in key tourist cities in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Australia within the first five years of establishing the business and then will start selling franchise from the sixth year.

b. Where do you intend to expand to and why?

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. plans to expand to:

• Los Angeles, California
• Long Beach, Washington
• Newport, Rhode Island
• Chicago, Illinois
• Clearwater, Florida
• Portland, Maine
• Orange Beach, Alabama
• Ocracoke, North Carolina
• Dallas, Texas
• New York City, New York.

The reason we intend to expand to these geographic locations is the fact that the cities attract huge numbers of celebrities and they are known to patronize personal stylist companies. Internationally, we plan to expand to Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Australia.

Stacy Greenwood™ Personal Stylist, Inc. intends to build a family business hence our exit plan will be family succession. For that reason, the founder Mrs. Stacy Greenwood is already grooming her daughter Yvonne Greenwood to take over from her.

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How To Build A Personal Stylist Business From The Ground Up

If you dream of one day starting your own personal styling business and don’t know where to start, worry not! We’ve compiled a list of expert tips on how to get started.

Fashion or personal styling is a very popular profession and the industry is known for being highly competitive. Therefore, having the knowledge of how to take the first steps into starting a profitable stylist business in this highly desirable industry is so valuable.

So if you want to stop dreaming and start doing, stay tuned as we give you the rundown on how to build a personal stylist business from the ground up.

Table of Contents

How to start a personal styling business

1. Educate yourself

The best way to start your journey to becoming a personal stylist is by undertaking professional training via a personal styling course. There are a number of companies that offer a range of useful courses such as the Professional Styling Academy that will help you to build on your existing knowledge of fashion and styling whilst gaining an insight into how the industry works.

Many personal styling courses will teach you the basics such as how to dress certain body types and how to dress clients of different ages. Once you have the basics covered you can then move onto improving your knowledge of the styling industry and how to set up a successful business.

2. Gain relevant experience

The next step to building your business is finding relevant experience in the industry. This could be through completing an internship or even working in a retail environment where you could learn more about personal shopping and client wants and needs when it comes to clothing. Gaining hands-on experience prior to going it alone is invaluable and can help you realign your expectations once you start your own business. Once you begin to gain the correct experience, you should also think about creating a portfolio that will showcase your skills as a professional stylist.

Networking is so important to build your career, so ensure you never turn down an opportunity to mix with like-minded professionals who also work in fashion and styling. There are many benefits to building professional relationships with designers, photographers, similar fashion stylists and any other relevant companies. One of main benefits of networking is that it can often lead to finding more work.

4. Market yourself

Marketing yourself correctly is an essential part of becoming an independent fashion stylist. It’s important that you gain knowledge of how to market your business and constantly think of new ways to build your brand . Get the word out there about what you do through social media platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok and build an online presence by investing in a website that showcases your business.

Conduct effective market research so that you can take the right steps. Knowing who your specific audience is, what they want, and how they want it can significantly impact your marketing effort. So, ensure you prioritize this. 

It will also help to work with niche markets. For instance, you can decide to target a specific market based on age, location, gender, social class, and more before you climb up the ladder in the fashion industry.

If possible, host small events to promote your business. For example, you can set up a fundraiser or any other kind of charity event, and this can also be an excellent way of getting sponsors and angel investors. This is perhaps one of the most effective ways to advertise your business by making an impact in your community.

Have you established a loyal customer base? If so, then you should focus your energy on marketing yourself to them. Impressing existing customers can improve your reputation and help attract new ones. 

5. Be confident in your ability

It’s important that throughout your journey to becoming a successful fashion stylist, you keep your end goals in mind. There will be times where things do not go as originally planned and you may think about throwing in the towel, but stick with it. Persistence is key! Remember to constantly look for new ways of gaining new clients, apply for new styling gigs and build your reputation as a stylist .

To conclude…

Hopefully, the above points should help you get your personal styling business started. It’s important to remember that building a successful business as a stylist can take time, so be patient, work hard and never lose sight of your end goal. All your hard work and dedication will be worth it in the long run when you have achieved the job of your dreams.

FAQ’s

What does a personal stylist do.

A personal stylist is a professional who helps people look and feel their best through fashion advice. They help clients choose clothes that flatter their body type, lifestyle, and personality. Professional stylists can work in many different settings such as TV shows, photo shoots, editorial publications, and department stores. As a personal stylist you’ll need to keep up with current trends in order to provide timely fashion advice. Additionally, it will be beneficial if you develop relationships with retailers so that you can get discounts for your customers as well as yourself.

Are personal stylists in demand?

The short answer is yes! With the rise of online styling services like Stitch Fix, more and more people are recognizing the value of working with a personal stylist to help them curate their own unique style. Whether it’s for a special event or just everyday wear, personal stylists can help their clients feel confident and put-together. In a world where first impressions matter, it’s no surprise that the demand for personal stylists is on the rise. If you’re interested in fashion and have an eye for style, then a career as a personal stylist might be the perfect fit for you.

What qualifications do you need to become a fashion stylist?

Anyone with a passion for fashion and a good eye for style can become a personal stylist. However, there are some qualifications that can make the job easier. A degree in fashion design or merchandising is helpful, as it gives stylists a better understanding of clothing construction and trends. In addition, many stylists have experience working in the retail or customer service industries, as this helps them build people skills and learn how to deal with different types of clients. However, the most important qualification for any fashion stylist is a strong sense of personal style. After all, what good is a stylist who can’t dress themselves?

How much should a personal stylist charge?

When it comes to personal styling, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The fee you charge will depend on a number of factors, including your experience, the market you’re targeting, and the nature of the project. For example, if you’re working with a corporate client who wants you to help them update their professional wardrobe, you’ll be able to command a higher fee than if you’re working with a friend who just wants some advice on what to wear to a party.In general, personal styling services range from $50-$500 per hour, though some high-end stylists can charge much more. Ultimately, the best way to determine your fee is to ask around and see what other stylists in your area are charging for similar services.

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Start a Personal Styling Business

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PERSONAL STYLING BUSINESS

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How To Start A Personal Stylist Business

To start a personal stylist business, one needs to gain relevant expertise and credentials in fashion, define a target clientele, develop a comprehensive business plan, register the business legally, establish a pricing structure, set up a professional website or social media channels, and market their services effectively.

• Last Update: November 23, 2023

• Steps in this Guide: 11

Starting a personal stylist business can be an exciting venture for individuals passionate about fashion and helping others feel confident in their appearance. As a personal stylist, you have the unique opportunity to use your expertise to transform people’s wardrobes and provide them with a refreshed, personalized style. Whether you are a seasoned fashion enthusiast or just starting out, this blog post will guide you through the essential steps to kickstart your personal stylist business and build a successful career in this lucrative industry. So, if you’re ready to turn your love for fashion into a profitable business, keep reading to discover the ins and outs of starting a personal stylist business.

How To Start A Personal Stylist Business: Step-by-Step

Step 1: business plan development,.

A well-crafted business plan is essential to communicate your vision, identify your target market, determine a competitive pricing structure, outline an effective marketing plan, and establish a sustainable growth strategy.

Step 2: Skill Improvement,

Enroll in image consultant or fashion stylist courses to enhance your sense of style, color, and clothing. Combine this with mastering the fundamentals of business etiquette and effective communication skills to propel your professional success.

Step 3: Identify Your Target Market,

Personal stylist services can be utilized by a diverse range of clients, including professionals seeking a polished image, celebrities desiring unique looks, or individuals who simply want to enhance their personal style. Our services cater to anyone seeking a transformative and elevated appearance.

Step 4: Legalise your Business,

In order to operate a personal stylist business, it is important to register your business and obtain all the necessary licenses, permits, and insurances to ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect your business.

Step 5: Create a Brand,

Design a distinctive and memorable brand identity for your stylist business by creating a captivating name, visually appealing logo, and compelling mission statement that effectively captures the essence of your business’s unique personality and comprehensive range of services.

Step 6: Setup your Workspace,

Having a home office is crucial for managing administrative tasks and storing items, even if you frequently visit clients. It provides a dedicated space to handle paperwork and organize essential items like clothing and accessories, ensuring efficiency and professionalism in your business operations.

Step 7: Portfolio Building,

Create a stunning portfolio that highlights your unique style work. Incorporate a range of before and after photos showcasing transformations you’ve achieved for clients. If you haven’t worked with clients yet, include examples of styles you’ve created to showcase your talent.

Step 8: Marketing and Promotion,

Utilize social media, web ads, and local media for effective marketing. Be actively involved in local events and build strong relationships with neighboring businesses for maximum exposure and success.

Step 9: Launch your Website,

A professional website is an essential tool for promoting your business. It not only displays your services, past work, and client feedback but also offers a convenient platform for potential customers to reach out and inquire about your offerings.

Step 10: Establish Vendor Relationships,

Establish strong partnerships with clothing and accessories vendors, fostering mutually beneficial alliances that can lead to favorable agreements and the potential for unique and sought-after products.

Step 11: Customer Service Excellence,

To grow your business, prioritize exceptional client service. Satisfied clients may refer others, expanding your customer base. Communicate professionally, honor their preferences, and consistently exceed expectations.

Starting a personal stylist business can be a fulfilling and exciting venture for individuals with a passion for fashion and helping others express their unique style. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be well-prepared to embark on this journey and establish a successful personal stylist business.

Remember, building a strong client base and maintaining a positive reputation will be essential for the growth of your business. Continuously educating yourself about the latest fashion trends, honing your styling skills, and staying up-to-date with industry developments will help you stay competitive.

Networking and marketing strategies will play a crucial role in attracting clients and building partnerships with other industry professionals. Creating a strong online presence through social media platforms and a well-designed website will also contribute to your visibility and credibility.

Furthermore, offering exceptional customer service and personalized experiences will help set you apart from the competition. Active communication, attentiveness to individual needs, and a genuine passion for helping others will foster stronger relationships and ensure client satisfaction.

Starting your personal stylist business may require some initial investment, but with careful planning, it can be a profitable venture. Remember to develop a comprehensive business plan, set realistic financial goals, and track your progress regularly.

Ultimately, starting your own personal stylist business enables you to combine your love for fashion with the joy of transforming lives through style. With dedication, determination, and a strong work ethic, you can build a successful career helping others look and feel their best. So, embrace the opportunities and challenges that come along the way, and make a lasting impact on the world of fashion.

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The Business of Style Masterclass™

If you're ready to take your Personal Styling career from side-hustle to 6-figures then our Business of Style Masterclass is for you!  Whether you're new to styling or you've already started your business but need help finding a way to make it more profitable, our self-paced, online training offers you the opportunity to learn the specific tools and strategies needed to create a 6-figure styling business.  The Business of Style Masterclass comprises of 9 video modules, with accompanying worksheets that walk you through each step you need to take to build a thriving personal styling business.  This unique training has been developed by a personal stylist with other personal stylists in mind so, you'll learn how to apply the skills and strategies directly to your styling business. This comprehensive training will teach you how to create your business plan, identify your target clients, create your niche, brand your business, create high-value signature programs, develop your marketing and social media strategies, generate PR, develop profitable connections and collaborations, and also how to develop a success mindset. 

So if you're ready to create a thriving personal styling business, then enroll now and get started!

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Terms and conditions: Payments are non-refundable. Course materials are the property of The Style Academy International. The copying, distribution, sale, or use for profit of course materials and content is prohibited by law.  Please note: The Style Academy International does not guarantee any student they will make 6-figures and results may vary.

The Business of Style Masterclass was full of amazing information and details.  Many things learned that I would not thought of needing to know. Finished the course feeling empowered. I love that I have all the steps I need to further my business!

Silke B - Houston, USA

I was extremely impressed with the content of this course. My expectations were blown out of the water. Louisa has shared so much valuable knowledge into the business side of styling that I know it's going to have a strong effect on my career and styling business. I would highly recommend this course.

Katie H, NSW Australia

Setting up a Personal Styling Business

All you need to know about starting and running your business.

In this article

What is a Personal Styling Business?

The clothing and fashion industry in the UK is thriving and is estimated to be worth nearly £55 billion. Even with the recent decline of the British high street and the Covid-19 pandemic changing how people shop and changing retailers’ and consumers’ perceptions of clothing (there has been a bigger shift towards sustainability and being aware of the social and environmental impact of the clothing industry), the clothing industry continues to thrive in the UK.

Personal styling was once reserved for the rich and famous, e.g. for finding the perfect outfits for red-carpet events. However, personal styling is now becoming more mainstream, with personal stylists operating for more affordable prices, operating in popular department stores, such as John Lewis and Harvey Nichols, and offering their styling services online.

A personal styling business is made up of one or more professional personal stylists who advise their clients on clothing style, personal style and fashion trends. They help to inspire their clients to find their style, create their visual identity, embrace their look and feel more confident in their clothes. A personal styling business can operate in the retail, commercial or high fashion industries.

Personal stylists help their clients to create looks based on their individual needs, their personality, their body types and their personal preferences. If you start up a personal styling business, you will help your clients to choose clothes, shoes and accessories to create their desired image and curate their wardrobe. You will also teach them how to mix and match their clothes.

A personal styling business can help their clients to create the perfect outfit for a specific event or purpose, such as red-carpet events, weddings, job interviews and parties. They may look at your existing wardrobe and pick out pieces to base your look around and make your look more cohesive. To ensure the pieces they choose last and to ensure their business runs more sustainably, many personal stylists recommend higher-quality pieces to their clients.

A personal stylist can be known by several other names, including:

• Image consultant.
• Style consultant.
• Fashion adviser.
• Personal shopper.

If you are thinking of starting up a personal styling business, you must first decide how you want to run your business.

There are several different ways you can choose to run a personal styling business, including:

In-person personal styling business

In-person styling involves meeting with your clients directly, conducting in-person consultations, taking body measurements, showing your ideas and recommendations and being present while your clients try on the clothes.

There are two main ways you can run an in-person business:

• Mobile business: Many personal stylists meet at their clients’ homes or other locations. You will conduct in-person consultations and then either bring clothes and accessories to the clients or go shopping with them.
• Studio business: This type of personal stylist will operate from their own studio. All client consultations, styling and alterations will take place in your studio. This type of business is more popular with high-end or luxury clients who are looking for more expensive pieces or regularly use the services of a stylist.

Online personal styling

This type of business operates remotely. Online personal stylists help clients to create and finesse their clients’ personal style and help them select the perfect clothes, shoes and accessories for their preferences, budget and body type. All client consultations, styling and shopping will occur online; for example, you may meet with your clients via video call, create style questionnaires and send them links to potential outfits and looks. All clothing and accessories will be delivered directly to the client’s home.

Personal styling within a specific store

You can operate your personal styling business from a specific clothing shop or department store or with a specific brand or designer. Your customers will primarily be customers of that store and any clothing, footwear and accessories you recommend will be sold within the store. To operate as your own business (rather than as an employee), you will need to work on a self-employed basis.

There are many responsibilities associated with a personal styling business. Your responsibilities may vary depending on the specific clothing industry you operate in and the services you offer.

Some of the duties you may assume include:

• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of fashion trends and different designers and brands.
• Consulting with clients, assessing their needs and desires and listening to and understanding their requirements.
• Scheduling appointments.
• Discussing client budgets and planning accordingly.
• Sourcing fashion items, clothing and accessories from different brands and designers.
• Wardrobe organisation and reviewing and editing wardrobes.
• Attending runway shows.
• Curating clothing, footwear and accessories to create looks.
• Consulting with other fashion professionals or working in conjunction with other people in the industry.
• Studying market trends and keeping an eye on current, developing and changing trends in fashion and style.
• Considering the client’s own interests and preferences in colour, style, shape and fit.
• Teaching your clients how to build outfits and looks.
• Teaching clients how to dress for their body shape.
• Sending photographs and updates to your clients, communicating with them effectively throughout the process and keeping them up to date with your progress.
• Keeping receipts and purchase records for customers and for your business’s accounting purposes.
• Developing and maintaining professional relationships with brands, shops, suppliers and customers.
• Assisting clients with wardrobe organisation.
• Overseeing deliveries.
• Arranging for fittings and tailoring to ensure clothing fits properly.
• Advertising and marketing, including managing your website and social media.
• Completing business and administrative tasks.
• Ensuring your business complies with all health and safety regulations and legal guidelines.

If you are thinking of starting up a personal styling business, there are certain skills and personal qualities that will be advantageous. This includes creativity, attention to detail and a strong understanding of style, fashion, trends and visual design. Although anyone can work as a personal stylist, it can be beneficial to obtain training or gain qualifications in the fashion industry. To help your business succeed, previous experience working in the fashion industry or as a personal stylist is recommended. You will also need strong interpersonal and communication skills, to help you communicate effectively with your clients and manage client consultations effectively.

Types of Customers

Determining the types of customers your personal styling business is likely to appeal to is an important step when planning and setting up your business. Once you have determined who your typical customer base is, you can then decide how best to target them. You will need to gather information and insights into your clients. You can do this via multiple sources, including social media.

Many people use the services of a personal stylist. The main reasons clients tend to hire a personal stylist include:

• To find the perfect outfit for a special event.
• To update and refresh their wardrobes.
• When transitioning their gender.
• If they have recently lost or gained weight and want to find new clothes for their figure.
• To create a more professional wardrobe, for example, following a promotion or a career change.
• If they have recently undergone a major or life-changing event or experience.
• To purchase new clothing for the season, e.g. going into Summer or Winter.

Although anyone can use the services of a personal stylist, there are certain factors which can influence your typical customer base. By identifying a more specific typical customer base and determining the types of customers your personal styling business is likely to appeal to, you can plan your advertising and marketing strategies more effectively, focus your business and maximise your profits.

Some of the factors that can influence your typical customer base include:

The type of clothing or styling you specialise in

This is one of the most significant factors in determining your typical customer base. You may choose to specialise in a specific type of clothing or offer a variety of clothing options. Although clothing is not gender limited, you may choose to work as a stylist in men’s or women’s clothing or focus on a particular type of clothing (e.g. formal wear) or clothing for certain events. Some personal stylists choose to focus only on the luxury clothing market. The type of personal styling or clothing you specialise in can have a significant impact on your typical customer base.

How and where you offer your styling services

The way you operate your business will likely have a significant impact on your customer base. You may offer an independent styling service, you may work in a specific shop or department store or may offer an online styling service. Consider your primary selling strategy when trying to identify your customer base and keep in mind that your typical customer base could change as your business grows and evolves.

Your pricing

This is another important factor in determining your customer base. Clients often have a specific budget in mind when shopping for clothes and this can determine the personal stylist that is best suited to their budget.

Customers can typically be separated into three pricing categories:

• Budget: Price is the most important factor for this type of client. They will be less concerned with the quality of the materials and the longevity of the garment. This customer tends to favour fast fashion and will look for a personal stylist who is affordable and can work within their budget.
• Mid-range: This type of customer is looking for a combination of quality and affordability. Although price won’t be the most important factor, it will be an important consideration. They will likely look for a personal stylist who is affordable but also skilled and experienced.
• Luxury: This type of customer is willing to pay the highest prices for the highest quality garments and the best service. They will likely be looking for a luxury shopping experience and will look for clothes made from high-quality materials that are likely to last for longer. They may also prefer a personal stylist who works primarily within the luxury market and with high-end brands and luxury designers.

Your marketing and advertising strategies

Your marketing and advertising strategies will have a significant impact on the types of customers you attract. For example, you will attract different clients by advertising on social media compared to if you run your own website. Your business name and logo, the aesthetic and design of your business and the design of your website or physical location can also impact your typical clients.

Equipment You Will Need

Your equipment is an essential requirement, as without it you will not be able to operate your business. A personal styling business typically has fewer equipment requirements, particularly compared to other businesses in this industry, as you will work with each client afresh and source them new clothing, footwear and accessories individually.

The type of equipment you require will depend on the type of personal styling business you set up. Although your equipment requirements can vary, below is a list of equipment typically required by a personal styling business:

General Equipment Requirements

A high-quality camera

You will need a mobile phone with a high-quality camera or a digital camera to send photographs of different pieces, looks, colours and patterns to your clients for approval while you are out shopping for them. A high-quality camera with good light exposure ensures the photographs you send are clear and true to life.

Unless you do the majority of your shopping online or work exclusively in one shop, you will need a vehicle to travel to different clothing shops, visit different designers and transport the items you choose home or to your client meetings. If you already have a vehicle that is clean, spacious and in good working order you can use this; if not, you will need to purchase a new vehicle.

Tape measures

These can be used for measuring each client’s height and body proportions. Choose a soft and flexible strip tape measure that is made from a malleable material so that it can be used to measure parts of the body such as the waist and hips.

If you order clothes for your clients for delivery, they may come in packages or boxes that result in them becoming creased or wrinkled. It can be difficult for your clients to see the fit of the clothes or the draping if they are creased and it can make the clothing appear less attractive. A steamer allows you to steam the clothes (with less chance of damage occurring compared to if you use an iron) in preparation for your client consultations.

Clothing racks

Depending on how you run your business, you may require clothing racks to hang all of the pieces you have prepared for your clients. If you operate your business in a clothing shop or department store, the shop may provide racks for you or you can purchase your own.

You can choose from:

• Rolling racks.
• Double bar racks.
• Spiral racks.
• Shoe racks.
• Belt and tie racks.

If you run a business where you visit your clients’ homes, a portable clothing rack is recommended. An online personal styling business will also require clothing racks to ensure the clothes don’t become creased or wrinkled before being photographed or sent to the clients.

You can never have too many hangers, particularly as some clients may request to take their hangers home with them or some hangers may break. There are many different types of hangers you can choose made from different materials, including wood, metal, plastic and padded hangers. Choose your hangers based on the types of clothes you will be hanging up.

Mirrors are an essential piece of equipment as your customers will want to try on the clothing and accessories and look at the cohesive look. You will likely need a full-length mirror, although you may also opt for smaller mirrors for accessories.

Mannequins can allow your clients to see the looks more clearly, including the way the clothes fit and the way the material falls. If your clients are choosing between multiple looks, mannequins can help them to see the outfits more accurately.

A computer or laptop and a Wi-Fi system

If you run your business online or plan to advertise your services online, a computer and a reliable Wi-Fi system are essential. You can use your computer for client consultations, video phone calls, ordering clothing and accessories, running your business website and social media, and advertising your personal styling services.

A website is useful for advertising your business and will likely act as your primary selling strategy. It should contain photographs and descriptions of your services, including previous stylings and before and after shots (if your clients consent to this). It should also show the areas and locations you serve, any brands, designers or shops you partner with, your qualifications and experience and your customer reviews. Your website may also feature your contact information. Design your website to include your business logo and to reflect your branding.

A business phone

A business phone allows your customers to call to make appointments, discuss their styling and ensure the lines of communication remain open. It is recommended your business phone is separate from your personal phone. You can advertise your business phone number on your website.

Business cards and appointment cards

Business cards can be used for advertisement purposes and handed out to customers and potential customers. The business cards should include your business name and logo, the services you offer, your location and your contact information. Your appointment cards should be designed in a similar way to your business cards but should feature a space for you to write the date and time of the appointment.

A payment system

The type of payment system you require will depend on your primary selling strategy. For example, if you accept in-person payments, you will likely require a Point of Sale (POS) system with a cash till. If you accept online payments, you may require an online payment system and a way to track payments to your business bank account.

Online Personal Styling Businesses

If you operate an online styling business, your equipment requirements may vary. As well as some of the equipment listed above, you may also require shipping equipment, such as:

Boxes of various sizes

Depending on the size of the order and the items ordered, you may need to send some deliveries in boxes. Choose boxes of different sizes to suit different orders. You may also need specific types of boxes, such as shoe boxes.

Compostable garment bags, mailbags, mail envelopes or corrugated cardboard envelopes

There are many different ways you can choose to package clothing. Your preferred method will depend on the size and delicacy of your clothing and your budget. Ensure your packaging is environmentally friendly and attractive and displays your business name or logo.

Packaging tissue paper, packing peanuts, Styrofoam inserts or paper bubble wrap

These items keep the contents of the packages securely in place and reduce the likelihood of any damage occurring. Most consumers try to shop in a more environmentally friendly way so prefer eco-friendly packaging. Keep this in mind when planning your packaging. For example, paper bubble wrap is similar to traditional bubble wrap but is more environmentally friendly, as it is made from recyclable paper.

Shipping labels

These labels will need to include:

• Customer name.
• Customer address.
• The business name and address.
• The shipping method.
• The packaged weight.
• A scannable bar code (if relevant).

Packaging tape

You will need packaging tape to secure your packaging and prevent any items from falling out or being tampered with.

Twine or ribbon

Twine or ribbon can be used to tie around your boxes or packaging to keep them more secure and make them more aesthetically pleasing.

Cards and delivery notes

Small business consumers appreciate personal touches such as a card or delivery note. They could also feature your business logo and information and a discount code to encourage repeat business.

Personal Styling Studio Business

If you set up a personal styling studio, characterised by your own business premises where your customers can have consultations, look at styling options and create their looks, your equipment requirements will differ. As well as some of the equipment listed above, you may also require:

Dressing rooms

Your clients will need to try on the clothes and looks before purchasing. You will need to partition off an area of your studio or create purpose-built dressing rooms for your clients to try on clothes. Each dressing room should offer complete privacy, using doors or curtains. They should also feature a small stool or bench, hooks to hang the clothing and a mirror.

Storage shelves

Depending on the size of your studio and the amount of stock you store onsite, you may need additional storage areas. If you expect to have a high sales volume or plan to keep example clothing items onsite, storage shelves are recommended.

Window dressing materials

Your window is the first thing your clients will see. If you hope to capitalise on foot traffic and attract passers-by, you will need to ensure your window display is attractive. As well as mannequins, you could also include posters and signs, accessories and décor items.

Décor items and accessories

Decorating your studio to fit your brand aesthetic is a key way to attract clients. You should ensure your décor items do not clutter your studio, but instead complement your brand and the type of personal styling you specialise in. Some décor items and accessories you could choose are lights, flowers and plants.

Reception and admin equipment

Some of the equipment you may require for your reception are:

• A cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system.
• A laptop or computer.
• A phone – for customers to make appointments.
• An appointment book or scheduling software – to keep track of appointments and cancellations.
• A reception desk and chair.
• Business cards and appointment cards.
• Pricing signs and opening hours signs.
• Shelving for displaying products.

A seating area

You may choose to install a seating area where you can conduct client consultations.

Some of the equipment you may require includes:

• Comfortable chairs.
• A coffee machine or water cooler.
• Fashion magazines.
• Your portfolio.

Cleaning supplies

Keeping all areas of your studio clean is imperative, particularly as different clients will be visiting your studio. You will likely need different cleaning materials for different parts of your premises. You may need to invest in cloths, sponges, antibacterial surface cleaners, bleach, sanitiser and a sweeping brush and mop.

A CCTV system

Because you will be storing expensive stock, CCTV can protect your business from potential break-ins and theft. CCTV can also protect your business in the event of an injury or accident and can provide vital footage to the police if a theft or incident occurs in your studio. You can choose the specification of the equipment and how many cameras you require.

Typical Costs

When you are planning your personal styling business, you will need to calculate the approximate costs associated with setting up and running this type of business. Calculating your typical costs allows you to estimate your initial investment requirements, any monthly and annual costs, your pricing strategy, your profit goals and your acceptable profit margins.

There are multiple costs associated with setting up and running a personal styling business. Some of these costs will be one-off initial costs that you will need to pay when you are setting up your business. Other costs will be ongoing costs you will need to pay regularly – usually weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.

The typical costs associated with a personal styling business can vary, depending on the type of business you run and the size of your business.

The typical costs you can expect include:

Your equipment will be an important expenditure when setting up your business. Your equipment costs can vary, depending on the type of personal styling business you set up and the services you offer your clients. To reduce your start-up costs, you could buy only essential equipment initially and then purchase more equipment as your business grows. You can expect to spend between £500 and £20,000 on equipment.

Clothing, footwear and accessories for clients

Although these costs will be absorbed by your customers and will be included in your invoice, you may have to initially front these costs yourself, particularly if you plan to purchase multiple items for your clients to choose from. Ensure you have the available finances to purchase these items or create a payment policy that involves the client covering all costs upfront.

If you require a business vehicle, a car will likely be the best option. The price of a car can vary significantly, depending on the make and model and whether it is new or second-hand. Prices can begin at £5,000 (for a second-hand vehicle). For a new car, expect to pay at least £20,000.

Vehicle running costs

Whether you buy a new vehicle or use your existing vehicle, you will need to factor your vehicle running costs into your budget. Your vehicle running costs include your vehicle insurance, petrol, MOT, services and the costs of any repairs. These costs can vary significantly, depending on the age and condition of your vehicle, the level of insurance you choose and the amount of travel you need to do. Typically, you can expect to pay between £50 and £200 per month.

Repairing, replenishing and replacing equipment

Repairs, maintenance and replacements are ongoing costs you will need to factor into your budget. Although some of your equipment will come with warranties, repairs and replacements are inevitable. For example, your laptop may wear out and stop working effectively over time. Correctly cleaning and maintaining equipment and ensuring it is used correctly can extend its life, but potential repairs and replacements should still be factored into your budget. Some of your equipment, such as packaging materials, will also need to be replenished regularly.

A business premises

If you open a physical premises for your styling business, this will likely be your biggest expenditure. You will need to rent your premises on a monthly or annual basis. Rental prices can vary significantly, depending on the location and the size of the premises. City centre locations and newly built premises usually have the highest rental costs. Rental costs are often calculated per square metre. They can range significantly, from £500 to £15,000 per square metre annually. Your rental cost may be higher if you are renting an already established, refurbished or equipped styling studio.

Refurbishment and installation costs

If you decide to set up a physical premises, you will need to consider your refurbishment costs. Unless your premises previously operated as a styling studio, you will likely need to refurbish or convert your premises to install the equipment and furniture you need for your business and make the area fit for purpose. You will also want to refurbish and decorate your premises to fit the aesthetic of your business and make it attractive to clients. Renovation costs can vary, from £500 to £20,000 depending on the level and scale of work required.

Your business website

If you operate an online personal styling business, your website is an essential tool for running your business. Your website will act as your primary selling tool and your advertising and marketing strategies, allowing potential clients to find your business. Your website should be functional, easy to use, attractive and search engine optimised, to ensure it ranks highly on search engines, such as Google. Your website will need regular monitoring, updating and upgrading. You also need to make sure your website is secure, particularly if you will be collecting any customer information or banking details. You may choose to set up and run your website yourself or hire someone to do this for you. You can expect to pay between £20 and £100 per hour for someone to set up and run your website.

When creating your brand identity, consider how you want your business to be perceived by potential clients. When creating your brand, consider the type of personal styling you offer and your typical customer base. Branding can include creating your business’s visual identity, design and aesthetic, your business name and logo and your website. You could hire a professional to help you with branding or do some or all of the work yourself. Branding can cost between £500 and £10,000, depending on the level of work required.

Advertising and marketing

To ensure your personal styling business attracts customers and creates maximum profits, you will need to spend money on advertising and marketing. It is recommended that you spend between 1%-3% of your annual turnover on marketing. For example, if your annual turnover (or your desired annual turnover) is £60,000, you should spend between £600 and £1,800 on advertising and marketing. You may need to invest more money when you initially set up your business or when you are trying to grow your business. Online businesses also typically require more marketing and advertising. To reduce your costs, capitalise on free marketing strategies, such as on social media or in your local community.

If you hire any staff to work for your business on a permanent basis (rather than as self-employed stylists), you will need to pay them at least the national minimum wage and account for other expenses such as holiday pay, sick pay, maternity/paternity pay, National Insurance and any company pension contributions.

Running costs

These are the day-to-day costs associated with running your business. Some running costs are paid monthly, and others are paid quarterly or annually. Your running costs can vary significantly depending on whether you set up an in-person or online business. Your running costs could include electricity, gas and water and your delivery costs. To maximise your profits, try to keep your running costs as low as possible.

Business insurance

There are several types of coverage you could choose for your personal styling business. Prices can vary depending on your insurance provider and the level of coverage you choose.

Business insurance typically chosen by personal stylists includes:

• Public Liability Insurance.
• E-Commerce Insurance.
• Buildings Insurance.
• Equipment and Stock Insurance.
• Legal Expenses Insurance.
• Personal Accident Insurance.
• Business Interruptions Insurance.

Insurance costs can vary depending on your insurance provider and the level of coverage you require. Prices typically start at £10 per month.

Typical Pricing for Customers

Once you have calculated the expected costs associated with setting up and running your personal styling business, you can then determine your pricing.

The cost of hiring a personal stylist can vary significantly, depending on multiple factors, such as:

• The type of personal styling business you run (e.g. online, from your own studio or from a department store).
• Whether you focus on the luxury clothing market or high-street fashion.
• The type of personal styling you specialise in.
• The amount of styling and looks required (e.g. one event vs. a wardrobe overhaul).
• How much time you will need to dedicate to each client.
• Your typical customer base.
• Your qualifications, experience and level of expertise.
• Your reputation.
• The demand for your services.

Personal stylists in the UK typically charge between £50 and £200 per hour.

Safely Running a Personal Styling Business

Safe practices in your personal styling business can help to protect you, your customers and your employees (if relevant). Safe practices can also help to protect your business and your profits.

Some ways you can safely run your personal styling business are:

Provide receipts

Clients should be provided with the receipts of any items you purchase on their behalf. This gives them the opportunity to return the items if they choose and provides them with proof of purchase if there is an issue with the clothing.

Although each receipt should be provided by the designer or shop you purchased the item from, you should check they contain information such as:

• The item purchased.
• The total price.
• The payment method.

Implement an inventory system

If you keep any clothing or accessories onsite or at your home, an inventory system can help you to keep track of your stock. This helps you to manage your inventory by ensuring you always know what items you have available. An inventory system can also protect you from theft, as it helps you to quickly identify if a theft has occurred and allows you to access the CCTV footage and contact the police.

Obtain a criminal record check

If you will be styling children below the age of 18 (e.g. for a prom dress or a Bar Mitzvah) or any people that could be considered vulnerable, it is recommended that you apply for a criminal record check to check your suitability to work with vulnerable people.

The type of check you require depends on the country you live in:

• England: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• Wales: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• Scotland: Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
• Northern Ireland: AccessNI.

Carry out risk assessments

Although risk assessments are only a legal requirement for businesses with more than five employees, they are recommended to all businesses to ensure the safety of you, your staff and your customers. Risk assessments can help you to identify any potential hazards and risks in your business and how these can be reduced or eliminated.

As part of your risk assessment, you should:

• Identify hazards.
• Determine who could be at risk.
• Evaluate any potential risks.
• Implement relevant safety measures.
• Record the results of the risk assessment.
• Review the risk assessment regularly.

Use a secure payment system

If you accept online payments, this is a key way to protect your business and your profits. You must ensure all payments are completely secure and are made through secure and legitimate channels. This ensures none of your payments are lost or untraceable and reduces the likelihood that you will fall victim to fraud or theft. Secure payment systems can also help to protect your and your customers’ identities and other personal information.

Implement security measures

If you have business premises or keep expensive stock at your home, security measures can be implemented to protect your business from theft. Some ways you can protect your equipment and stock include installing a CCTV system, using secure and reliable locks and installing an alarm system.

Obtain qualifications

Although formal qualifications are not a requirement for a personal stylist business, they can help you to run your business more safely and effectively. Formal training or qualifications can also help your business be more attractive to potential clients.

You could opt for:

• A bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Styling.
• A foundation degree in Fashion and Styling.
• An Advanced Diploma in Personal Styling.
• A Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Retail.

Legal Requirements

Complying with any regulations or legal requirements is essential when setting up and running a personal styling business. The legal requirements can change depending on the type of business you set up.

Some factors that can impact the legislation you need to comply with include:

• Whether you have a business premises.
• Whether you sell your products online.
• Whether you hire employees.
• The clients you work with (e.g. if any of your clients are below the age of 18).

Some legal guidelines and regulations you should be aware of are:

Comply with invoice requirements

You may make it standard that you provide all of your clients with an invoice for your services. Even if you do not make this standard practice, many of your customers will request an invoice.

There are certain pieces of information you must include:

• The word ‘invoice’ and a unique invoice number.
• Your business name and address.
• The client’s name and address.
• A brief description of your work.
• The total you are charging the client and when the payment is due.

Comply with the Consumer Rights Act (2015)

The Consumer Rights Act gives the consumer the right to enforce terms about goods and reject or return any items that are not as expected.

The Act states that all products that are sold in the UK must be:

• Fit for purpose.
• Match any description given by you.
• Of satisfactory quality and not faulty or damaged.

Even though you do not make clothes for or sell clothes or accessories directly to your customers, you are likely still involved in the transaction process so must ensure you comply with this Act.

Comply with retail legislation

There are several pieces of legislation you need to follow when selling goods to consumers. As mentioned above, even though you will likely be sourcing the clothes from a designer or shop, you are still involved in the selling process so must comply with all retail legislation. You must ensure any products are described correctly and that your clients are aware of the pricing. You must also ensure the products you provide are of good quality and are fit for the intended purpose.

Comply with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA)

If you take orders online, you must comply with both pieces of legislation when storing or sharing personal information, such as your clients’ personal information, contact details and banking information. You must also apply for a Notification to Process Personal Data Licence. You will also need to apply for a licence with the Information Commissioner’s Office and renew your registration every year.

Register your business

Your business must be registered with HMRC before you begin operating. You can choose to register as a sole trader or as a limited company. You will also need to register your business name and any other relevant information.

Register for self-assessment tax

This allows you to calculate and pay your own taxes each year. You will need to track your finances every month and submit any expenses as part of your tax assessment.

As part of your tax responsibilities, you must:

• Record all forms of income and expenses.
• Complete an annual self-assessment tax return.
• Register for VAT if you earn above the threshold (currently £85,000).
• Pay National Insurance contributions.
• Keep a record of your business accounts for the previous five years.

A Personal Styling Studio

If you operate your personal styling business from a business premises that is frequented by your clients, employees or other members of the general public (such as delivery drivers), there will be several legal guidelines you must comply with, including:

Comply with fire regulations

If you run your business from a studio attended by staff or customers, you must ensure fire safety measures are implemented onsite. There are multiple fire regulations you must ensure you comply with.

For example:

• Perform a fire risk assessment.
• Comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• Implement any necessary fire safety measures.
• Implement emergency procedures and ensure these are clearly displayed on your premises.

Comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

The Electricity at Work Regulations state that any workplaces that use electricals must construct electrical systems in a way that prevents danger, maintain electrical systems to ensure they are safe, ensure electrical equipment is checked by a competent person annually and conduct Portable Appliance Tests (PAT).

Comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998

These regulations apply to you and any employees you hire. You must ensure all equipment (and furniture) is fit for purpose and is maintained and inspected regularly. You must also ensure that health and safety risks are minimised to an acceptable level, that you (and your employees) have the correct knowledge and training to use the equipment, and that protective measures are put into place. You must also ensure the equipment is used under appropriate conditions.

Comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Manual handling regulations can help to protect you and your employees from sustaining an injury or illness as a result of manual handling tasks. The regulations apply to practices such as the lifting or moving of any objects (such as equipment and stock) and bending down and reaching high (for example, when taking customer measurements and cleaning your premises).

Comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

RIDDOR states that you must report all injuries, diseases and dangerous events that occur in your business. Reports must be made to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) using an appropriate recording document. These regulations apply to any incidents that involve you, your staff or your customers.

Comply with employment legislation

If you employ any staff, you must ensure you follow employment legislation, including the Employment Rights Act (1996) and the National Minimum Wage Act (1998). You must also comply with legislation relating to recruitment, working hours, sickness, discrimination, dismissals, and maternity or paternity pay.

Comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act lays out the duties of all employers in the UK regarding ensuring the health, safety and welfare of everyone in your workplace. As you are the business owner, you will be responsible for protecting the health and safety of your employees and any clients or visitors to your business.

Prepare a health and safety policy

The law states that every business in the UK must have a specific policy for managing health and safety. Your policy should state exactly how you will manage health and safety in your studio, who is responsible for specific tasks and how and when these tasks are completed. Follow the recommended tips from the Health and Safety Executive when creating your health and safety policy. You should make your policy easily visible to any visitors to your business.

Appoint a competent person

A competent person should be appointed to help your business meet your health and safety legal duties. You can act in this role yourself or appoint another person to fulfil this role. The competent person should have the skills, knowledge and experience to identify any hazards in your business and put controls in place to protect people from harm.

Apply for a music licence

If you play any music in your studio, you will need to apply for a licence with Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) and/or a Performing Right Society (PRS) Licence. You can apply for both a PPL and a PRS online.

An Online Personal Styling Business

Some pieces of legislation apply specifically to businesses that operate online. Keep in mind that even if you operate an in-person business, some of this legislation may still be applicable if you also operate a business website.

The legal guidelines you should be aware of include:

Comply with e-Commerce Regulations

If you have a website advertising your products or services or selling your personal styling service, you must comply with the Electronic Commerce Regulations. These regulations state how you communicate with your website users. Under these regulations, you must clearly display your terms and conditions, display clear pricing information and delivery charges (if applicable) and identify who sends any business communications. You must also ensure email privacy and comply with laws on distance selling.

Ensure your website is disability friendly

Under the Equality Act (2010), all websites in the UK must be accessible to people with disabilities. If you set up your own website, you must make reasonable adjustments to your website to ensure it is accessible, for example having text-only versions of each page so that they can be read by text converters.

Ensure your website complies with the guidelines

If you set up a website, there are several guidelines you need to comply with, including:

• Privacy policies.
• Cookie legislation.
• Service descriptions.

Positives of Owning a Personal Styling Business

Starting up a personal styling business can be rewarding in many ways.

Some of the main pros associated with this type of business are:

Work in an industry you are passionate about

If you are passionate about clothing, fashion and personal style, running a personal styling business can be extremely rewarding. You can share your talent and creativity with the world, style people and teach them how to style themselves and spend every day immersed in a world you love. You can also spend time going to fashion shows, collection launches and looking at fashion magazines and websites. This can be extremely rewarding. Earning money while doing what you love can make your business feel less like work and more like a vocation.

Make people feel good about themselves

Styling someone and teaching them what looks good on their body can help them feel comfortable in what they wear and feel good about themselves. Your styling can empower people and make them feel more self-assured and confident. You can also teach them how to style themselves in the future to help them portray themselves in any way they choose. One of the most rewarding things about personal styling is seeing the positive impact you have on your clients and knowing that you made them feel good about themselves.

Creative work

Your day-to-day work will involve a lot of creativity; you can create a style and an image, mix different textures, colours, patterns and styles and work creatively every day. If you enjoy being creative and want to create your own looks, rather than following the trends of other people, a personal styling business can be both interesting and rewarding.

You can offer a personalised customer experience

You can offer client consultations where you discuss what your clients want and offer advice and insight. Your customers will receive a personalised experience and the possibility for you to design their own wardrobes and find the perfect products for them. With a personalised experience, the customer is likely to be more satisfied with your service and recommend you to their family and friends.

Work with designers and brands

If you love fashion and clothes, working as a personal stylist will allow you to work closely with famous designers and brands. You could create strong connections and get first access to new collections and new pieces. You can also easily keep up with new fashions and trends.

Gain exposure and publicity

You can easily gain exposure, no matter the types of clients you are dressing. If you are working with everyday clients, they may post pictures of their looks on social media, such as Instagram or TikTok. If they tag your business name, this can bring exposure to your business and introduce you to new clients. If you dress celebrities or influencers, their photographs are likely to be posted online and in news articles.

Design your dream business

You can make all the key business decisions and design your dream business. You can choose whether to operate an in-person or online business, the type of styling and clothing you specialise in, the customer base you want to target and how you want to run your business. You will have complete control and creative freedom to run your business any way you choose.

A growing industry

The clothing and fashion industries are consistently growing, with 2023 set to see a growth rate of 15%. This growth is expected to continue, increasing the value of the industries. As the clothing industry grows, so does the demand for personal stylists. This makes now a great time to set up your personal styling business and increases the likelihood your business will succeed and make a good profit.

Connect with other people in the industry

You will have the opportunity to build connections with other people in your industry and other people who are artistic and creative and are as passionate about their work as you are. Building both professional and personal relationships allows you to stay up to date with new trends and techniques and create useful business connections that can help you to grow your business, for example by connecting with different shops and boutiques to find the perfect items for your clients.

Opportunities for growth

A personal styling business has high scalability, meaning it has the opportunity and capacity to expand and grow easily. Once your original business plan succeeds, it is easy to grow your business, for example, by hiring more personal stylists, widening your customer reach, opening a physical business premises and operating your business online. You will already have positive relationships with suppliers and vendors and positive customer reviews and can utilise these relationships to help you grow your business with minimal stress.

Unlimited income potential

The more experience and exposure you gain, the higher prices you will be able to charge. As your business grows and you develop a good reputation, you will likely see the number of clients you work with increase and your profits grow. You can even charge higher prices and hire more staff and expand your business to increase your profits. A personal styling business can have a high income potential and your profit margins are likely to be high. With a good business plan and strategy for growth, your business could have unlimited income potential.

Choose your workload

As the business owner, you can choose the hours you work and how many clients you want to work with each week and month. You can run your business around your personal life, for example by only operating during the week. You can temporarily refuse new clients if you are at full capacity, or you want to take time off. You can also hire additional staff to reduce your working hours.

Pick and choose your clients

You will have the option to accept or decline any potential clients. If a potential customer seems difficult, or you don’t think the type of styling they want plays to your strengths or isn’t something you are interested in doing, you can decline to work with them and recommend another personal stylist instead. You can opt to only work with clients that you think will benefit your business growth, will pay a higher rate or that you think you will enjoy working with.

You can choose to target a niche market

You can set up a general personal styling business or target a niche market, such as luxury clothing or children’s clothing. This allows you to focus on the specific customers you want to attract or design your business in a way that increases its likelihood of success.

Face-to-face interaction

If you love working with people, a personal styling business can be very rewarding. You will spend time with different clients every day and the consultation experience means you will spend time talking to them and getting to know them. You will also be communicating with designers and clothing shops to find the perfect pieces. For someone who enjoys face-to-face interaction, this can be very enjoyable.

Low start-up costs

Compared to other businesses in this industry, a personal styling business has relatively low start-up costs. Unless you open a business premises, you will have few equipment requirements and can run your business yourself, with no employees. Low initial investment requirements will mean you won’t require any outside investment and can begin turning a profit earlier.

Be your own boss

You can make all key decisions yourself and steer your business in whichever direction you choose. You can choose how involved you want to be, the type of personal styling business you want to set up, the services you offer and your premises, equipment and employee requirements. You can make the best decisions for you and your business.

Negatives of Owning a Personal Styling Business

Although owning a personal styling business can be rewarding, there are some potentially negative aspects to this type of business that you should be aware of.

Building your customer base can be difficult

With so many already established personal styling businesses in operation and many big shops and department stores (such as John Lewis) having their own personal stylists working for them, it can be difficult to grow your customer base. It can take years to grow your customer base to where you want it to be, which means you receive less business and lower profits when your business first begins operating.

High time commitment

Searching for the perfect clothes for each client can be time-consuming, particularly if they have very specific requirements or want you to create a whole new wardrobe. You will also have additional responsibilities associated with running your business, such as advertising and marketing and completing business and administrative tasks.

Demanding or difficult clients

Some of your clients may be demanding in their requirements and expectations, may take up a lot of your time and may expect you to be constantly available to help them or speak to them. They may have no understanding when you are dealing with other clients and may expect their clothes to be ready immediately, even if you have to order them or have them altered. To avoid complaints or negative reviews, you may feel like you have to cater to these clients, even if their demands are unreasonable. This can be stressful and time-consuming.

A lot of skill, knowledge and experience is required

To make your business succeed, you will need a high level of knowledge about the fashion industry and different styles and trends. You will also need to constantly update your knowledge and keep up to date with changing trends. Previous experience styling people is also recommended, as you will need to know what works well on different body shapes and what patterns and textures go well together. It can be time-consuming to gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to make your business succeed.

Inconsistent business

The clothing industry can be seasonal, with many clothing businesses seeing increased sales in the lead-up to holidays and events, such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day and in the lead-up to Summer. There may be other times of the year when business is slower, and you have fewer clients. This can make it difficult to predict your availability and your profits.

Issues out of your control

This can be one of the most frustrating aspects of running a business, as things that are out of your control can delay projects and have a negative impact on your profits. For example, delivery delays can result in you missing your client’s deadline, which can result in unhappy customers and a loss of business.

Your business could fail

Starting up your own business can be risky. Many new businesses fail which could result in you losing money or getting into debt. Your business could fail for several reasons, such as high local competition, an ineffective business plan or if the UK encounters another recession or a period of financial difficulty. If you have invested a lot of money and time into your business, this can be extremely disheartening and can result in you losing a lot of money.

Bad reviews

Although the majority of customers leave honest reviews, some customers are difficult to please and will leave a negative review because of the smallest complaint (even if it is something outside of your control, such as clothing not fitting them). Sometimes a fake customer also leaves a fake review, which can be extremely difficult to disprove and remove. Negative reviews can be extremely damaging to your business, particularly if your business is new or you’ve had relatively few reviews.

No benefits

As you are self-employed, you won’t receive benefits such as pension contributions. You will also be responsible for doing your own taxes and organising your National Insurance contributions. You will also have a lack of job security.

Planning Your Personal Styling Business

If you are considering starting up a personal styling business, an effective and well-designed business plan is essential. A business plan can help you to focus on the specific steps that will help your business succeed, plan your short-term and long-term goals, determine your financial needs and help your business to grow.

Your business plan should contain information such as:

• Your company information.
• Your company description.
• The services you will provide.
• Your branding, marketing and advertising plan.
• The structure of your business.
• The operational plan for your business.
• The financial plan for your business.

When creating your business plan, consider some of the questions below:

The type of personal styling business you are going to set up

This is one of the first decisions you will need to make when planning your business. Will you offer in-person styling or online styling? Will you run your own studio or operate a mobile business? Will your business operate primarily in one store or with one designer? What will your primary selling platform be for your styling services? The type of business you set up will impact your start-up costs and running costs, your typical customer base and your premises and staffing requirements. Consider your available capital and the market demand when making this decision. You may choose to set up one type of business initially and then change as your business grows.

The type of personal styling you will specialise in

You may choose to offer general personal styling to all types of clients. However, many personal stylists choose to specialise in a particular area of the industry, e.g. women’s clothing, luxury clothing or red-carpet events. Choosing a speciality can help you to build your skills and knowledge, become an expert in fashion and styling within your chosen speciality and grow your business reputation. Consider your skills, experience and personal interests, as well as the type of personal styling that is likely to be the most popular and the most lucrative.

Your target market

Determining your target market is a key step to helping your business succeed. Different types of styles, trends and clothing, different designers, brands and shops and different selling strategies can all influence your typical customer base. Your pricing strategy and the design and aesthetic of your business are also key in determining your typical customer base. Once you have identified your target market, you can then focus on how to attract them to your business.

Your business location (if relevant)

If you open a personal styling studio, your location will have a significant impact on the types of customers you are likely to attract. It will also impact your premises’ rental costs. If your business is located in an area with high footfall or a place popular with your target market, the increased custom and higher profits will be extremely beneficial to your business. Consider your rental budget, your size requirements and your typical customer base when choosing your premises.

Your competition

Your main competition will vary depending on your primary selling strategy, for example in-person vs online. Analysing your competition allows you to look at what your competition does well and what you think can be improved upon. Being aware of your competition is an important step to ensuring the success of your business. Look at the type of styling your competitors specialise in, the brands, designers and shops they partner with, their pricing and their typical customer base. Analysing your competition also identifies whether there is space in the market for your business; for example, if there is already a successful personal stylist specialising in men’s formal wear operating close to your location, you may choose to focus on another niche or think of ways to make your business stand out.

Your brand and your unique selling point (USP)

Creating your brand is a key way to ensure you stand out from your competition. Branding can help you to focus your target audience, attract clients and concentrate your marketing and advertising strategies. Some ways you can create your brand are by focusing on your styling, the clothes you specialise in, your business’s visual identity and creating a brand story. Your business name and logo are also part of your branding so ensure you consider these when creating your business plan. A USP can also be part of your brand and can help your business stand out from your competitors. Consider what can make you stand out and how this fits into what defines your business.

Marketing and advertising are especially important when you first open your personal styling business. Your marketing strategy needs to be effective and budget friendly. Consider your target customers and the best way to reach them.

Some ways you can market and advertise your business are:

• Partnering with designers, brands and clothes shops.
• Creating targeted online advertisements.
• Building a functional and attractive website.

Your equipment requirements

Consult the list above to determine your equipment requirements. The equipment you require will depend on the type of personal styling business you set up and whether you have a business premises. Once you have determined your equipment requirements, you can then calculate the initial costs of purchasing the equipment and any monthly replenishment costs.

Your start-up costs and running costs

Consult the list above to calculate your approximate start-up costs and running costs. Determining your approximate costs allows you to calculate your initial investment and what your monthly or annual running costs will be. You can then calculate whether you can finance your business yourself. Being aware of your expected costs also allows you to create a budget, which is a key part of your business plan. Once you have calculated your approximate costs, you can then calculate your pricing policy and determine your profit forecast.

Financing your business

Consult the list of start-up costs and running costs above to determine what capital you will require. Can you finance the business yourself or will you need to source outside investment? You will also need to calculate when you are likely to begin turning a profit. If you require outside investment, you could consider a bank or other financial institution, a business loan or an investment partner.

Your pricing policy

How will you price your services? What will your pricing be based on (e.g. time commitment, amount of styling required)? You should also take into account the pricing of your competitors. Once you have determined your pricing, you can then create a sales strategy to help you maximise your business opportunities.

Your sales forecast

How many clients can you work on at one time? How many sales do you hope to make each day, week and month? Are there certain times of the year that are likely to be busier than others? What are your weekly, monthly and annual sales forecasts? As your business grows, your sales forecast is likely to change.

Your strategy for growth

Your strategy for growth is the actions you will take to realise your goals for expansion and any potential challenges your business could face and how you will avoid or overcome them. This can help to make your business more successful.

Potential challenges could include:

• No availability to take on new clients.
• Less business at certain times of the year.
• A lack of new clients.

Some potential strategies for growth include:

• Expand your advertising and marketing.
• Hire other personal stylists to work for your business.
• Focus on a more lucrative market, e.g. luxury clothing.

Your business summary

Your business plan should include a detailed overview of your business, including the type of personal styling business you are setting up, your primary selling strategy, your typical customer base, your staffing, premises and equipment requirements and your business goals.

Your business goals

Your business goals or objectives are an essential part of creating your business plan. Your business objectives highlight the targets and goals of your personal styling business and help you to create a one-year, three-year and five-year business plan.

Your business objectives should be SMART:

• S = Specific
• M = Measurable
• A = Achievable
• R = Realistic
• T = Time-bound

Check you have complied with all legal requirements

Consult the list of legal requirements above to check you have complied with all requirements and regulations and that all your paperwork is accurate. Failure to comply with legal requirements could have a detrimental effect on your business or could result in a fine, the forced closure of your business or, in serious cases, prosecution.

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Personal Shopper Business Plan

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Style on Point

Value proposition.

Style on Point offers a personalized shopping experience that is tailored to each customer’s unique style and preferences. We provide expert guidance and advice to help customers curate a wardrobe that reflects their individuality and makes them feel confident and stylish.Our goal is to make shopping stress-free and enjoyable, while ensuring that our customers always look and feel their best.

Busy individuals struggle to find time to shop and select outfits that flatter their body type and style, leading to wardrobe dissatisfaction and a lack of confidence in their appearance.

Style on Point gives personalized styling that saves you time and boosts confidence. Our expert stylists provide a comprehensive wardrobe consultation, curate a budget-friendly wardrobe, and offer personal shopping assistance. Say goodbye to wardrobe dissatisfaction and hello to a cohesive wardrobe that reflects your unique style.

Target Market

Our services are tailored to individuals who value their time and want to look their best without the stress of shopping. This includes:

• Busy professionals
• Stay-at-home parents
• Anyone who wants to upgrade their wardrobe without hassle

Competitors and Differentiation

• Other personal shopping services
• Online retailers

Our team of expert stylists has extensive experience in the fashion industry, and we are passionate about helping our clients look and feel their best. We also offer a personalized service that sets us apart from other personal shopping services.

Funding Needs

We estimate that our initial startup costs will be $75,000, which includes website development, marketing, and inventory. We plan to finance this through a combination of personal savings and a small business loan.

Sales Channels

• Social media
• Online advertising
• Word of mouth
• Partnerships with local boutiques
• Service package deals offered with local boutiques

Financial Projections

Ongoing expenses for Style on Point will include employee salaries or contractor fees, rent or leasing fees, website and hosting fees, marketing and advertising costs, office supplies and equipment, travel expenses, professional development and training costs, inventory costs, and utilities. 

• Year 1: $250,000
• Year 2: $500,000
• Year 3: $750,000

Expenses/Costs

• Year 1: $100,000 
• Year 2: $175,000 
• Year 3: $250,000 

Profit Projections

• Year 1: $150,000 
• Year 2: $325,000 
• Year 3: $500,000
• Launch website
• Secure first clients
• Expand services to include wardrobe maintenance and subscription services

Team and Key Roles

Founder/owner.

Responsible for overall strategy, business development, and financial management.

Lead Stylist

Responsible for providing personalized styling service to clients, including wardrobe consultation, shopping assistance, and fashion advice.

Assistant Stylist(s) 

Support the lead stylist in executing styling services and may specialize in specific areas of fashion or client segments.

Marketing/Social Media Manager

Responsible for managing the company’s social media accounts, online advertising campaigns, and content creation.

Website Developer

Responsible for designing and maintaining the company’s website and ensuring optimal user experience.

Administrative Assistant

Provides support in administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing client databases, and other office tasks.

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Personal Shopper Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Personal Shopper Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on March 16, 2022 Updated on March 13, 2024

Investment range

$2,050 - $5,100

Revenue potential

$50,000 - $100,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$45,000 - $90,000 p.a.

Industry trend

In a famous scene from the iconic sitcom Friends, Rachel starts working as a personal shopper at Bloomingdale’s and leaves Monica this voicemail: “I just helped an 81-year-old woman put on a thong, and she didn’t even buy it!”

Personal shopping services have boomed in recent years, but most of these jobs aren’t as glamorous as picking out dresses for Beyonce. Some personal shoppers get groceries and run errands for the elderly and disabled, while others rely on their fashion sense to help clients shop for stylish clothing and accessories. 

Whichever route you choose, a personal shopping business offers a great opportunity to start a business from home for little investment and make good money while doing good for others. Your first order of business, however, is to learn the process of launching a company. Fortunately, this step-by-step guide has all the information and insight you need to shop your way to entrepreneurial success.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a personal shopping business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Low Startup Costs – All you need is a website to market your services
• Flexibility – Work as much or as little as you want
• Job Satisfaction – Help people get things they need
• Weak Income – Personal shoppers are rarely millionaires
• Fashion Divas – Customers can be difficult when shopping for clothes

Personal shopping industry trends

Industry size and growth.

Industry data about the personal shopping industry is not readily available, since the industry consists of small, private businesses. 

• Industry size and past growth – Career resource site Zippia says personal shoppers in the US earn an average of $35,000, or a total of more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue.(( https://www.zippia.com/personal-shopper-jobs/demographics/ ))
• Growth forecast – Demand for personal shoppers is predicted to decline 2% from 2018 to 2028.((​​ https://www.zippia.com/personal-shopper-jobs/ )) But curated shopping and social commerce are on the rise. 
• Number of businesses – There are 33,568 personal shoppers employed in the US.

Trends and challenges

Trends in the personal shopping industry include:

• Anecdotal data shows that customers who are offered a personal experience when fashion shopping are 80% more likely to buy. 
• Interestingly, there is also an opportunity to create a social media-based personal shopping network where you make personalized fashion recommendations.
• Aging Baby Boomers should increase the need for personal grocery shoppers and errand runners.

Challenges in the personal shopping industry include:

• Personal fashion shoppers need to continuously keep up with fashion trends , which are constantly changing, to keep customers happy. 
• It’s critical to also know where to find the right fashion items. This means knowing online and physical retail outlets inside out.

Demand hotspots

• Most popular states – The most popular states for shoppers are New Jersey, Maine, and Michigan.(( https://www.zippia.com/shopper-jobs/best-states/ )) 
• Least popular states – The least popular states for shoppers are Washinton, Missouri, and Nevada.

What kind of people work in Personal Shopping?

• Gender – 71.1% of personal shoppers are female, while 24.3% are male.
• Average level of education – The average personal shopper has a bachelor’s degree.
• Average age – The average personal shopper in the US is 43.6 years old.

How much does it cost to start a personal shopper business?

Startup costs for a personal shopper business range from $2,000 to $5,000. The costs include a website and a marketing budget.

How much can you earn from a personal shopper business?

The average rate for a personal shopper for things like groceries is $20 per hour. Personal fashion shoppers earn $120 per hour. These calculations will assume that you’ll be a personal fashion shopper. Your profit margin should be around 90%.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and shop for 2 clients per week for 4 hours each, bringing in $50,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $45,000 in profit, assuming that 90% margin. As your brand gains recognition and you get referrals, sales could climb to 4 clients per week. With annual revenue of $100,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $90,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a personal shopper business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• As a fashion shopper, you need to have a flair for style
• Building a customer base

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a personal shopper, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research personal shoppers to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a personal shopper who runs a variety of errands including trips to the drug store, grocery store, dry cleaners, and other stores.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as high-end brand name accessories or pricey jewelry.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away.

What? Determine your products or services

The key step is choosing your area of specialization. You could do grocery shopping, errands, or fashion shopping.

How much should you charge for personal shopping?

If you do grocery shopping and errand running, you can charge about $20 per hour. As a personal fashion shopper, you can charge $120 per hour or more. Your costs will be limited to fuel and marketing. You should aim for a profit margin of about 90%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will depend on your specialty. If you do personal grocery shopping, your target market will be broad, but you’ll be competing with the likes of Instacart and Postmates. You should try to make your service more personal to stand out, and market your value across all social media sites. If you do fashion shopping, your target market will be more established people who you can find on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Where? Choose your business premises

It’s unlikely that you will ever want to work from anywhere but home, but if you decide you need an office, you can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Personal Shopper Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “personal shopper” or “personal shopping”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Elite Shopping Services” over “Swimwear Specialist”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these.

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Personal Shopper Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: A concise summary outlining the core elements of the personal shopper business plan, including its mission, vision, and key objectives.
• Business Overview: An introduction to the personal shopper business, providing a snapshot of its nature, target market, and unique selling propositions.
• Product and Services: Detailed descriptions of the specific products and services offered by the personal shopper, emphasizing their value and relevance to the target customers.
• Market Analysis: A thorough examination of the target market for personal shopping services, including demographics, trends, and potential growth opportunities.
• Competitive Analysis: An assessment of competitors in the personal shopping industry, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and strategies to gain a competitive edge.
• Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting and selling personal shopping services, encompassing advertising, promotions, and customer acquisition plans.
• Management Team: Profiles of key individuals involved in running the personal shopper business, showcasing their skills and experience relevant to the venture.
• Operations Plan: Detailed procedures and logistics for running day-to-day operations of the personal shopping service, covering sourcing, purchasing, and delivering products.
• Financial Plan: A comprehensive outline of the financial aspects of the business, including startup costs, revenue projections, and budgeting for sustained growth.
• Appendix: Additional supporting documents and information, such as resumes, market research data, or any supplementary material that strengthens the personal shopper business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to personal shopper business.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your personal shopper business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have. 

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Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding : Website like Kickstarter offers an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a personal shopper business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. 

Step 8: Apply for Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a personal shopper business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits.

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more.

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your personal shopper business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability : The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property : Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance : Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation : Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property : Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto : Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability : Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) : This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as book it Live or HoneyBook , to manage your appointments, invoicing, and payments. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Starting a personal shopper business is an exciting venture, and effective marketing strategies can make all the difference. Beyond creating a website and networking, here are practical tips to boost your business:

• Social Media Presence: Leverage platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your fashion sense, share style tips, and engage with potential clients, creating a visually appealing brand.
• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with local influencers or fashion bloggers who align with your target audience, allowing them to experience your personal shopping services and share their positive experiences.
• Referral Programs: Establish a referral program that rewards existing clients for referring new customers. Word-of-mouth recommendations are powerful in the personal shopping industry.
• Pop-up Shops and Events: Organize pop-up shops or participate in local events to interact with potential clients face-to-face, providing mini consultations or showcasing your styling expertise.
• Exclusive Workshops or Webinars: Host workshops or webinars on fashion trends, styling tips, and wardrobe organization to position yourself as an authority in the industry and attract clients interested in your expertise.
• Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partner with local boutiques, salons, or fitness studios to cross-promote services, reaching clients who may be interested in a personal shopping experience.
• Client Testimonials and Case Studies: Feature success stories and testimonials from satisfied clients on your social media and marketing materials to build trust and credibility among potential customers.
• Seasonal Promotions: Introduce seasonal promotions or package deals to entice new clients, offering discounts for wardrobe overhauls or special rates for holiday styling sessions.
• Targeted Email Marketing: Build an email list and send targeted newsletters featuring style tips, exclusive offers, and updates on fashion trends to stay top-of-mind with your audience.
• Local Press and Magazines: Reach out to local publications or lifestyle magazines to feature your personal shopping services, sharing your story and expertise with a broader audience.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your personal shopper business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your personal shopper business could be: 

• Personal fashion assistance to up your style
• Caring hands to shop for all your essentials
• Busy? Let us run your errands for you

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a personal shopper business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in personal shopping for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections.

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in personal shopping. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a personal shopper business include:

• Personal Shoppers – shop for items for clients
• General Manager – scheduling, accounting
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Personal Shopper Business – Start Making Money!

What could be more fun than shopping for a living? Whether you choose to help people manage their daily errands, or you do high fashion shopping assistance, you’ll be offering a valuable service and making money at the same time. It’s an easy business to get started, and little investment is required, other than your time.  As you start your entrepreneurial journey, you’d be wise to consider the latest retail trends that might add value to your services. Now that you know everything you need to know, it’s time to launch your business and shop your way to success! 

• Personal Shopper Business FAQs

Yes. If you do personal fashion shopping, you can make about $120 an hour. If you do grocery shopping and errand running, you’ll make far less, but you’ll be helping people who need it. Either way, if you deliver great service you’ll likely make good money.

If you do personal grocery shopping and errand running, you can charge around $20 an hour. If you do personal fashion shopping, you can charge $120 an hour or more.

Personal shoppers can acquire clients through various methods, such as networking within their community, leveraging social media platforms to showcase their expertise, establishing relationships with local retailers or boutiques, offering personalized styling services , and relying on word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients.

High-net-worth individuals, affluent professionals, celebrities, and executives are among the clients who tend to pay the most for personal shoppers. These individuals often seek personalized, exclusive, and luxury shopping experiences and are willing to invest in the expertise and convenience provided by a personal shopper.

To become a luxury shopper, it is essential to have a strong understanding of high-end fashion brands, trends, and luxury market dynamics. Familiarize yourself with luxury retailers and their offerings, build relationships with luxury brands and boutiques, and stay updated on the latest industry news. 

The duties of a personal shopper typically include understanding clients’ preferences, needs, and style, researching and selecting suitable clothing and accessories, providing personalized fashion advice and recommendations, coordinating shopping trips or online purchases, managing wardrobe updates or special occasions, and staying informed about fashion trends and collections. 

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Personal Shopper Business Name
• Create a Personal Shopper Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Personal Shopper Business - Start Making Money!

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PERSONAL STYLING SERVICES

Style consultant for women, men, & teens.

DO YOU WANT :

quality pieces in your closet that you’ll have and love for years? to be able to go to your closet and put together something quickly? ease getting dressed every day? to have a wardrobe and style that you love and feel confident in?

Personal Styling

Personal Styling creates possibilities and opens up options for how to define your personal style and dress better. Whether you want help cleaning out your closet , updating your brand image, or you’re ready to embark on a complete wardrobe makeover; Erica will design a plan tailored specifically for you , taking into account your budget, body shape, and lifestyle. 

Over 16 years ago, Erica started her career as a Wardrobe and Fashion Stylist in Los Angeles. She has been fortunate to have styled numerous commercials, TV shows, films, and celebrities. Erica’s passion has always been working with people to help them achieve the personal and professional life they desire through personal style. 

Personal Styling Services

Personal styling client reviews.

Styling Services FAQS & Expert Tips

THE CLOSET CLEANOUT

We go through everything in your closet and decide what to keep, what to tailor, and what to buy. Erica makes a shopping list of missing gaps, and must-have items to reinvigorate your look and tie your outfits together with what you already own.  During the editing process, she teaches you how to organize your closet so that every item is accessible, visible, and wearable.  You also have the option of using her personal styling services to style and photograph outfits, using the clothes you already own.  

( 1-4 hours )

Erica takes you on an excursion to stores picked specifically for you.  When you arrive, you will have a dressing room full of outfit options to try on. This is a great service for clients who are looking for a closet refresh, not a full wardrobe makeover. 

( 3-6 hours )

THE ARRIVAL

Don’t have time to shop or just don’t enjoy it…  Skip the excursion and let Erica do all the work. She comes to your home with wardrobe selections that she has specially chosen for you both in-store and online. Clients can try items on in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.

( 4-7 hours )

THE BRAND UPDATE

Time   to create or refresh your business brand image?  From helping you select the clothing for your brand photos, to offering the option of being on set, Erica helps market your professional image to attract your ideal clients.

(2-8 hours )

Personal Styling for any special occasion, event, trip, or even just date night. Meet Erica at the stores you’ve agreed on, or let her do the legwork and bring everything to your home. 

( 2-4 hours )

THE TEEN DREAM

Let Erica shop and style age-appropriate fun and creative looks for your teenager.  She’ll help them feel confident with wardrobe selections that are on-trend and affordable.

( 1-7 hours )

“I couldn’t be happier with my recent experience with Erica! I did a full closet edit, shopping, and a “try on” session all virtually. Buying clothes or putting together outfits has never been easy for me. After spending so much money on clothes that didn’t fit me right and made me feel dumpy, I decided to hire a stylist to help me build a capsule wardrobe. I interviewed several stylists and Erica stood out due to: 1) Her focus on high-quality items, not quantity. 2) Helping you find clothes for YOUR style, body type and lifestyle. 3) Educating her clients on how to put together outfits and the styles/ brands that work for you.” -Rachael F. (Virtual Client)

“Before working with Erica, I had no idea what key items were missing in my closet. I felt overwhelmed and couldn’t figure out what clothes would go together. I also didn’t have a clear vision of my style. Erica helped narrow down essentials that I needed that would then help me make numerous outfits! Erica helped me identify my personal style. She was kind, friendly, and easy to work with. She has a great eye and was incredibly helpful and insightful. I now feel confident in my wardrobe and know how to create outfits. I’m also very aware of my style, which helps me when I’m out shopping! I know what to look for and what to avoid!” -Angela M. (Virtual Client)

“I am not a fan of shopping and was also excited by her shopping services– she buys the clothes, I keep what I want & she returns anything not selected.​  During the first visit to my home, she briefly interviewed me to get a sense of my goals, then we reviewed my closet. Did a fair amount of purging, but also identified several pieces that needed to be complemented in order to work. She is extremely efficient in helping to choose pieces that work well and helps to eliminate similar items. After narrowing down the field, she creates multiple outfits with the new items and pieces from my existing wardrobe.​” -Michael B.

“I used Erica’s services to help do a thorough closet clean out and makeover with new clothes. Before Erica came, I dreaded going into my closet to pick out an outfit to wear and never felt satisfied with my selection or the end result. Now, after using Erica’s services, I love walking into my closet and never stress over what I’m going to wear. Erica was supportive, thorough, and encouraging in helping me clean out my old wardrobe and start over, and I loved the items Erica chose for me.” -Allie D.

“My mother-in-law recommended that Erica come over to help me organize my closet. I’ve always had a hard time parting with clothes or keeping my closet organized and feeling like I had a complete closet. I also am more curvy and have yo-yoed in size my whole life, never really feeling like I knew what shapes, colors, and styles were truly right for my body. Now I feel 100% complete and happy. The best part is the clothing Erica helps pick out and pairs with your current closet. I felt like Erica was trying to find pieces that would be complementary or truly missing to make my closet a 360-functioning closet.” -Jenny L.

“My husband surprised me with a session with Erica for my 40th birthday and it was the best gift I’ve ever received! She helped me review my closet, edit what I had and then filled in the blanks with the most amazing, timeless staples that I never realized I was missing. Four years later I still wear every single piece Erica picked for me and have built on that wardrobe using the same logic. She helped me find my style and feel comfortable in my clothes.” -Sara L.

“I am proud to say I lost 75 pounds and it was the hardest journey of my life.  When I hit the halfway point, I turned to my closet, and there was not one single item that fit.  Erica helped me weed out, organize, and then start fresh.  She helped me find a new look that felt authentic and beautiful.  She was sensible with price knowing that I was on a journey, and she was strategic about clothing that would work in transition.  She is patient, sweet, economical, and has great humor.  I could not be happier with Erica as my Styling partner.” -Jill K.

Personal Styling Services FAQS

What do personal stylists do.

A Personal Stylist or Style Consultant helps their clients walk into their closets and love what they see. They teach them how to shop and remove overwhelm when they step into a store or shop online. Personal styling services are tailored to help clients learn the clothing styles that work best for their body types and how to wear everything in their wardrobe.

Most importantly, Personal Stylists help their clients feel like the best version of themselves through their wardrobe.

How can I improve my personal style?

Here are 10 easy ways you can start improving your personal style now.

• Have a Capsule Wardrobe .
• Elevate your basics.
• Take care of your clothes.
• Avoid fast fashion.
• Create a shopping list of gaps in your wardrobe.
• Do a closet clean-out 1-2 times a year.
• Invest in a good tailor.
• Skip emotional or impulse shopping.
• Save images of outfits you like and try recreating similar looks with what you already own.
• Keep your closet organized .

Related: “ 10 Tips To Improve Your Style And Look Better “

What is a personal styling session.

Personal Styling Sessions are tailored to the needs of each individual. We discuss your wardrobe goals, lifestyle needs, and teach you how to shop smarter. Services are focused on helping you create the best internal and external version of yourself through your wardrobe.

Is a Style Consultant worth it?

If you walk into your closet and feel dread and have a hard time finding several outfits you feel great in, then a Personal Stylist is completely worth the investment. Personal Styling services are geared to help you learn to make smarter shopping purchases and fewer mistakes . This not only saves you money long-term but also creates a feeling of joy when you step into your closet to put together an outfit .

Why are Personal Stylists important?

It’s important to feel good about how we present ourselves in the world. A big part of that is what we wear. Clothing can make us feel insecure and unsure about ourselves. On the contrary, having the guidance of a Personal Stylist can make us feel confident, create a lasting positive effect on our self-image, and it can even make us more successful.

According to GoRemotely , “women wear only 20-30% of their clothes in their wardrobe”. A Personal Stylist can help you create a wardrobe where you wear 100% of your clothing.

How do you shop like a Stylist?

These are 9 top tips to shop like a Stylist.

• Know the missing gaps in your wardrobe.
• Have a shopping list.
• Only buy items you can return.
• Ask yourself if you would buy the item if it was full price.
• Look for quality over quantity.
• Skip spending most of your budget on trends.
• Buy items that fit you now, not that reflect an ideal weight.
• Shop for the lifestyle you have.

Related: “ Shop For Clothes Like A Stylist “

What is the difference between a fashion stylist and a personal stylist.

The main difference between a Fashion Stylist and a Personal Stylist is that a Fashion Stylist works on various styling projects while a Personal Stylist works individually with clients. Wikipedia states, “A personal stylist is concerned with an individual rather than a particular fashion brand”.

Why do you need a Personal Stylist?

A Personal Stylist will help you create a personal and professional image of how you want to show up in the world.

What can a Personal Stylist do for you?

A Personal Stylist can help you love your clothes, teach you to shop smarter, and find the missing gaps in your wardrobe that are making it hard to get dressed.

Not only will a Style Consultant save you time and money, but they will also help you find the clothing brands and styles that you love and work for your body. You’ll be able to define your personal style and curate a wardrobe to match your lifestyle with their help.

Why would I need Personal Styling?

It is difficult to always see ourselves clearly. With the guidance of a Stylist, they will assess your body shape and teach you what clothing styles will work for you. They also take into account your personal and professional image and will work with you to curate a wardrobe to address your needs.

How do I find my personal style?

Here are the 9 best tips to find your personal style.

• Look for images of outfits that you are drawn to.
• Do a closet clean-out and pay attention to the pieces that you love.
• Identify your style in three words.
• Think about public figures whose style you admire.
• Ask yourself if you would be happier with a Capsule Wardrobe or focusing on trends.
• Become aware of which outfits in your closet you feel the best in.
• Assess the pieces in your wardrobe that you reach for again and again.
• Pay attention to what colors and styles you like and which ones you don’t.
• Be open to experimenting.

Related: “ Is Your Wardrobe Working? 9 Questions To Ask “

What’s the difference between a personal shopper and a stylist.

According to Wikipedia , “A personal shopper is a person who helps others shop by giving advice and making suggestions”. While a component of Personal Styling is shopping, Stylists help clients create a personal style they love, learn what clothing styles work best for them, and edit and refine their wardrobe.

Why should I hire a Style Consultant?

Simply put, hiring a Personal Stylist will help you curate a wardrobe and personal style you’re excited waking up to.

Personal Styling Services FAQs

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• The Best Sandals For Spring
• Spring Essentials For A Capsule Wardrobe
• Spring Dresses For Women
• 27 Fashion Tips To Dress Better In 2024
• Valentine’s Day Outfits

SHOP FAVORITES

How To Create an AI Personal Stylist Business Plan: Checklist

By henry sheykin, resources on artificial intelligence personal stylist.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan
• SWOT Analysis
• Business Model
• Marketing Plan

Welcome to our blog post on how to write a business plan for an Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist! In today's rapidly evolving fashion and technology industries, the demand for personalized fashion experiences is on the rise. According to recent studies, the global AI in fashion market is projected to reach $1.29 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 38.0% from 2020 to 2027. With this immense potential for growth, it's crucial to have a solid business plan in place to successfully launch and operate your AI personal stylist business.

So, let's dive into the 9 essential steps to create a comprehensive business plan for your AI personal stylist venture.

• Define your target market: Identify the specific demographics and preferences of your target audience, such as age, gender, and fashion preferences.
• Conduct market research: Gather information about market trends, customer behaviors, and potential opportunities for your AI personal stylist business.
• Analyze competitors: Evaluate your competitors' strengths, weaknesses, and unique features to develop a competitive edge.
• Determine your unique selling proposition: Identify what sets your AI personal stylist apart from existing competitors and how it fulfills a unique need in the market.
• Set your business goals and objectives: Clearly define the short-term and long-term goals for your AI personal stylist business, such as customer acquisition, revenue targets, and expansion plans.
• Develop a pricing strategy: Determine how you will price your services to remain competitive while ensuring profitability.
• Create a marketing and advertising plan: Outline your marketing strategies to attract and retain customers, including social media campaigns, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising.
• Determine the required resources and technology: Identify the resources, software, and AI technologies necessary for your AI personal stylist business to function effectively.
• Assess the financial feasibility: Conduct a thorough analysis of your financial projections, including costs, revenue streams, and potential funding sources to ensure the financial viability of your AI personal stylist business.

By following these 9 steps, you will have a solid foundation for your business plan, positioning your AI personal stylist venture for success in the dynamic and thriving fashion industry.

Define Your Target Market

Defining your target market is a crucial step in creating a successful business plan for an Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist. Understanding your target audience and their needs will enable you to tailor your services and marketing efforts effectively.

Start by identifying the demographics of your target market. Consider factors such as age, gender, location, and income level. This information will help you determine the specific group of individuals who are most likely to benefit from and be interested in your AI stylist services.

• Conduct surveys or interviews to gather information about your potential customers' preferences, fashion habits, and pain points.
• Segment your target market into smaller groups based on their unique characteristics to better tailor your fashion recommendations.
• Keep an eye on industry trends and changes in consumer behavior to ensure your AI stylist remains relevant and appealing to your target market.

Conduct Market Research

Market research plays a crucial role in the success of any business, and it is especially important when developing a business plan for an AI personal stylist. Conducting comprehensive market research allows you to gather valuable insights about the fashion industry, consumer preferences, and existing competitors. This information will help you make data-driven decisions and develop a strategy that effectively meets the needs and demands of your target market.

When conducting market research for your AI personal stylist business, it is important to focus on the following key areas:

• Fashion industry trends: Stay updated on the latest trends in the fashion industry, including clothing styles, accessories, and emerging design concepts. This will help you understand the current market landscape and identify opportunities for differentiation.
• Target market demographics: Determine the demographics of your target market, including age, gender, location, and income level. Understanding the characteristics of your potential customers will allow you to tailor your services and marketing efforts to meet their specific needs.
• Competitor analysis: Identify and analyze competing AI personal stylists or fashion-related mobile applications. Study their offerings, pricing strategies, customer reviews, and overall market positioning. This analysis will provide valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to identify areas where you can provide a unique and superior offering.
• Consumer preferences and pain points: Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather feedback from potential customers. Understand their preferences, pain points, and frustrations when it comes to personal styling and shopping experiences. This will help you tailor your AI stylist's features and functionalities to address these specific needs.

Tips for conducting effective market research:

• Use a combination of primary research methods (surveys, interviews) and secondary research (industry reports, competitor analysis) to gather comprehensive data.
• Consider utilizing online platforms and social media to engage with potential customers and gather feedback.
• Stay updated on fashion blogs, magazines, and influencers to gain insights into current fashion trends and consumer preferences.
• Create a database or spreadsheet to organize and analyze the collected data for a better understanding of trends and patterns.

By conducting thorough market research, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to develop a business plan that aligns with market demands, positions your AI personal stylist as a unique offering, and maximizes your chances of success in the fashion and technology industries.

Analyze Competitors

Conducting a comprehensive analysis of your competitors is crucial for the success of your Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist business. By understanding your competitors' strengths and weaknesses, you can identify opportunities to differentiate your offerings and gain a competitive edge. Here are some important steps to consider when analyzing your competitors:

• Identify your direct competitors: Start by identifying the key players in the market who offer similar AI-based personal styling services. Look for companies that target the same customer segment and operate in the same geographic area.
• Evaluate their value proposition: Explore how your competitors position themselves in the market. Analyze their unique selling points, customer benefits, and overall value proposition. This will help you identify gaps in the market and differentiate your business.
• Study their pricing strategy: Take a close look at your competitors' pricing models. Understand how they price their services and the value they offer in relation to their pricing. This will help you determine a competitive pricing strategy for your own business.
• Analyze their marketing and advertising efforts: Examine your competitors' marketing and advertising strategies. Look at their online presence, social media engagement, and content marketing efforts. This will give you insights into their target audience and the channels they use to reach them.
• Assess their customer feedback and reviews: Read through customer reviews and feedback about your competitors' services. Understand what customers appreciate and what areas they may be dissatisfied with. This will help you identify opportunities to improve your own offerings and provide a better customer experience.

Tips for analyzing competitors:

• Use online tools: Utilize online tools and software to track and monitor your competitors' activities. This will help you stay up-to-date with their latest initiatives and strategies.
• Stay objective: Avoid making assumptions or underestimating your competitors. Base your analysis on concrete data and facts.
• Identify gaps in the market: Look for unmet customer needs or areas where your competitors are lacking. This will help you identify opportunities to offer something unique and valuable.
• Study their customer acquisition tactics: Analyze how your competitors attract and acquire customers. Understand their marketing tactics, referral programs, or partnerships. This will inspire ideas for your own customer acquisition strategies.

Determine Your Unique Selling Proposition

At the core of your business plan for an Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist is your unique selling proposition (USP). This is what sets your business apart from the competition and convinces potential customers to choose your service over others. In the fashion industry, where personal style is highly subjective, it is crucial to establish a strong USP that resonates with your target market.

When determining your USP, consider the following:

• Identify your target audience: Understand the demographic and psychographic characteristics of your target market. Consider factors like age, gender, lifestyle, and fashion preferences. This will help you tailor your USP to meet their specific needs and desires.
• Highlight the benefits of AI technology: Emphasize how the utilization of AI technology enhances the personal styling experience. Discuss how the AI stylist's ability to analyze unique characteristics and provide accurate and up-to-date fashion recommendations sets your service apart.
• Emphasize convenience and customization: Customers today value convenience and personalized experiences. Highlight how your AI personal stylist offers a user-friendly mobile app that allows seamless browsing and purchasing of recommended items directly from the platform.
• Showcase expertise and credibility: Demonstrate your team's expertise in both the fashion and technology industries. Discuss the AI algorithms and machine learning capabilities that drive your AI stylist, establishing trust and credibility with potential customers.
• Research your competitors' USPs to ensure yours is unique and compelling.
• Conduct surveys or focus groups to gather feedback from your target market on what they value most in a personal styling service.
• Consider collaborating with fashion influencers or celebrities to increase the visibility and desirability of your AI personal stylist service.

Set Your Business Goals and Objectives

Setting clear and specific business goals and objectives is crucial for the success of your Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist business. These goals will serve as the foundation for your strategic decisions and help guide your overall business strategy. Here are some important steps to consider when setting your business goals and objectives:

• Identify your long-term vision: Start by defining your vision for the business. What do you ultimately want to achieve? This could be becoming the go-to AI personal stylist app, expanding globally, or establishing partnerships with major fashion brands.
• Establish measurable objectives: Break down your long-term vision into specific, measurable objectives. These objectives should be realistic and attainable within a specific time frame. For example, increasing user engagement by a certain percentage within the first year.
• Consider your target market: Your business goals and objectives should align with the needs and expectations of your target market. Understanding your target market's preferences and behaviors will help you develop objectives that cater to their specific needs.
• Set financial goals: Consider your desired revenue targets and profitability goals. This could include achieving a certain level of monthly or annual sales, maintaining a healthy profit margin, or securing funding from investors.
• Create an action plan: Break down your objectives into smaller, actionable steps. This will help you track progress and ensure that you are moving towards your overall goals. Assign responsibilities and timelines for each action item to keep everyone accountable.

Here are some tips to consider when setting your business goals and objectives:

• Be specific and measurable: Avoid setting vague or generic goals. Instead, define objectives in quantifiable terms so that progress can be tracked.
• Prioritize: Focus on a few key objectives that align with your long-term vision. Setting too many goals can lead to diluted efforts and lack of focus.
• Consider market trends: Stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in the fashion and technology industries. This will help you set goals that are relevant and responsive to market demands.
• Review and revise regularly: As your business evolves, it's important to regularly review and reassess your goals and objectives. Be flexible and open to adjusting your strategy based on new insights and market conditions.

Develop A Pricing Strategy

When developing a pricing strategy for your Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist business, it is important to consider various factors that will influence your pricing decisions. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

• Costs: Start by determining the costs associated with running your business, including app development, AI technology, personnel, marketing, and ongoing maintenance. Understanding your costs will help you set a baseline for your pricing.
• Value: Consider the value that your AI stylist brings to customers. How does it differentiate itself from traditional personal stylists? Will customers perceive the convenience and personalization offered by your app as being worth a premium price?
• Competitor Analysis: Analyze the pricing strategies of your competitors. Are they offering similar services at different price points? This information can inform your pricing decisions and help you position yourself competitively in the market.
• Target Market: Understand your target market's willingness to pay. Conduct market research or surveys to gauge their price sensitivity and their perceived value of AI-powered personal styling services.
• Revenue Goals: Consider your revenue goals and how pricing will contribute to achieving them. Determine whether you want to focus on affordability and high volume or if positioning your business as a premium service with a higher price point aligns better with your objectives.
• Flexible Pricing Options: Think about offering different pricing packages or subscription plans to cater to various customer segments. Pricing tiers could be based on the level of personalization, features, or access to exclusive fashion content.

Tips for Developing a Pricing Strategy:

• Consider offering a free trial or a limited version of your app to attract new customers and showcase the benefits of using your AI stylist.
• Regularly monitor and adjust your pricing strategy based on market trends, customer feedback, and the performance of your business.
• Offer special promotions or discounts during peak fashion seasons or to incentivize customers to try your service.
• Consider collaborating with fashion brands or retailers to negotiate exclusive discounts or partnerships that can enhance your value proposition to customers.
• Continuously evaluate and improve your pricing strategy to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs and preferences of your target market.

Create A Marketing And Advertising Plan

Creating a comprehensive marketing and advertising plan is crucial for the success of your AI personal stylist business. It will help you reach your target market effectively and promote your unique selling proposition. Here are some important steps to consider:

• Identify your target market: Clearly define your target audience, including demographics, preferences, and behaviors. This will help you tailor your marketing efforts to effectively reach them.
• Develop your messaging: Create a compelling and consistent message that highlights the benefits and unique features of your AI personal stylist. This will resonate with your target audience and differentiate your business from competitors.
• Choose the right channels: Determine the most effective marketing channels to reach your target market. This may include social media platforms, fashion blogs, influencer partnerships, and targeted online advertisements.
• Create engaging content: Develop high-quality and visually appealing content that showcases the value of your AI personal stylist. This can include blog posts, videos, tutorials, and lookbooks.
• Utilize social media: Leverage social media platforms to engage with your target audience, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to your AI personal stylist application. Regularly post relevant content, interact with followers, and run targeted ad campaigns.
• Collaborate with influencers: Partner with fashion influencers and bloggers who align with your brand values and target audience. Their endorsement can significantly boost brand visibility and credibility.
• Monitor and analyze results: Continuously track and analyze the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Use analytics tools to measure key metrics, such as website traffic, app downloads, conversion rates, and customer engagement. This will enable you to make data-driven decisions and optimize your marketing strategy.
• Develop a strong brand identity and ensure consistency across all marketing channels.
• Incorporate user-generated content to showcase real-life success stories and build trust.
• Consider offering promotional discounts or referral programs to incentivize new users and encourage loyalty.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and adapt your marketing strategies accordingly.

Determine The Required Resources And Technology

When starting an Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist business, it is crucial to carefully assess and determine the required resources and technology needed to successfully operate the venture. These include:

• Computing Power: AI algorithms and machine learning require significant computing power to analyze and process vast amounts of data. Ensure you have access to high-performance computers or cloud computing services to handle the computational needs of your AI stylist.
• Data Storage: As an AI-based business, you will accumulate a large amount of user data, including personal style preferences, body measurements, and browsing history. Implement a robust and secure data storage system to store and protect this valuable information.
• Data Analytics Tools: Invest in data analytics tools that can interpret and extract valuable insights from the vast amount of user data. These tools will assist in constantly learning and adapting to customer preferences, enhancing the accuracy of fashion recommendations.
• Mobile Application Development: To provide a user-friendly experience to your customers, you will need to develop a mobile application. Collaborate with experienced developers who specialize in mobile app development to create an intuitive and visually appealing platform.
• API Integration: Integration with fashion retail platforms and payment gateways is critical to enable seamless browsing and purchasing of recommended items. Ensure your AI stylist can effortlessly connect with popular fashion retail websites and facilitate secure transactions.

Here are some tips to consider:

• Research and compare different cloud computing providers to find the most suitable option for your business needs.
• Consult with data security experts to implement robust measures to protect customer data and comply with privacy regulations.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI technology and consider integrating new features and capabilities into your AI stylist as they become available.
• Build a strong network of partners and suppliers to ensure a steady supply of fashion items recommended by your AI stylist.
• Regularly monitor and evaluate the performance of your AI stylist to identify areas where technology improvements or enhancements are needed.

Assess The Financial Feasibility

Assessing the financial feasibility of your Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist business is a crucial step to determine its viability and sustainability. It involves analyzing the financial aspects of your business model, such as costs, revenues, and potential profitability. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• Costs: Begin by identifying and estimating all the costs associated with running your business. This could include expenses such as app development, AI technology, marketing, employee salaries, and overhead costs. Additionally, consider any recurring costs, such as software licensing fees or monthly subscription fees for cloud storage.
• Revenue Streams: Determine how your business will generate revenue. Will it be through subscription-based fees, commissions from affiliate sales, or a combination of both? Consider the pricing models of similar businesses in the industry and assess how they apply to your business.
• Profitability: Assessing the potential profitability of your business is crucial for long-term success. Use financial forecasting techniques to project your expected revenues and costs over a specific period. This will give you an idea of when your business is likely to break even and when it may start generating profits.
• Seek professional help: Consider consulting with a financial analyst or accountant to ensure your financial assessments are accurate and comprehensive.
• Be conservative with your estimates: It's better to underestimate your revenues and overestimate your costs to avoid any potential financial setbacks.
• Regularly review and update financial projections: As your business evolves, regularly review and update your financial projections to stay informed about its financial health.

Assessing the financial feasibility of your Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist business is vital to make informed decisions and secure necessary funding. By thoroughly examining the costs, revenue streams, and profitability, you'll have a clearer understanding of the financial viability of your business model, which will ultimately contribute to its long-term success.

In conclusion, creating a business plan for an Artificial Intelligence Personal Stylist involves a comprehensive analysis of the target market, competitors, unique selling proposition, and financial feasibility. It is important to set clear goals and objectives, develop an effective pricing strategy, and create a marketing and advertising plan to promote the AI stylist app. Additionally, determining the required resources and technology is crucial for the successful implementation of the business idea. By following these nine steps, entrepreneurs can lay a strong foundation for launching and operating an AI-driven personal styling business.

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Moscow International Business Center (Moscow City)

• Guide to Russia

What can you do at Moscow City?

• Dine in style: Moscow City is home to 100+ cafes and restaurants, including Europe’s highest restaurant and ice-cream shop
• See Moscow like never before: Ascend to one of Moscow City’s observation decks for an unparalleled panorama of Moscow
• Admire world-class architecture: Each of Moscow City’s skyscrapers has distinctive architecture and design
• Learn something new: Visit the Museum of High-Rise Architecture in Moscow or the Metro Museum

Moscow City is a multifunctional complex in the west of Moscow, which has come to represent the booming business of Russia’s capital. Its skyscrapers enrich Moscow’s skyline, contrasting the medieval cupolas and Stalinist high-rises. Visitors to Moscow City can enjoy entertainment high in the sky, as the complex is home not just to offices, but to restaurants, cinemas, viewing platforms, and museums.

Photo by Alex Zarubi on Unsplash

History of Moscow City

Moscow City was first conceived in 1991 by honoured Soviet architect Boris Tkhor, who proposed to construct a business center in Moscow. It would be complete with gleaming skyscrapers rivalling those of New York and London, to reflect the new life and growing ambitions of post-Soviet Russia.

The chosen site was a stone quarry and disused industrial zone in western Moscow, in between the Third Ring Road and Moskva River. Initially, the territory was divided into 20 sections arranged in a horseshoe shape around a central zone. The skyscrapers would increase in height as they spiralled around the central section, with shorter structures built on the waterfront to give the taller buildings behind a view of the river. 

Architect Gennady Sirota, who contributed to iconic projects such as the Olympic Sports Complex on Prospekt Mira, was selected as the chief architect, and many other world-famous architects were attracted to Moscow to realise their visions in Moscow City.

What can you see and do at Moscow City?

Where Moscow’s cityscape was once dominated by Stalin’s Seven Sisters skyscrapers , this is no more. Moscow City is home to eight of Russia’s ten tallest buildings, six of which exceed 300 metres in height. More buildings are still under construction there today, including the One Tower (which will be Europe’s second-tallest building). Once completed, Moscow City will comprise more than 20 innovative structures.

Each of Moscow City’s skyscrapers was designed by its own architect, lending the cluster of skyscrapers a unique appearance. Aside from being a site of architectural wonder, Moscow City is a place for leisure and entertainment with over 100 cafes and restaurants, exhibition spaces, cinemas, viewing platforms, and more.

Photo by Nikita Karimov on Unsplash

Federation Tower

• East Tower: 374m, 97 floors; West Tower: 243m, 63 floors
• Completed in 2017
• Architects: Sergey Tchoban and Peter Schweger

The East Federation Tower is the tallest building in Moscow, and the second-tallest building in Europe after the Lakhta Centre in St Petersburg. Visitors can enjoy a luxurious meal of seafood, truffles or steak at restaurant ‘Sixty’ on the 62nd floor of the West Tower, or visit Europe’s highest observation deck, ‘Panorama 360’, on the 89th floor of the East Tower.

Did you know? The ice cream and chocolate shop on the 360 observation deck are the highest in the world!

• South Tower: 354m, 85 floors; North Tower: 254m, 49 floors
• Completed in 2015
• Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

The South OKO Tower is the third-tallest building in Russia and Europe. Here, you can visit ‘Ruski’ to dine on hearty Russian cuisine cooked on a real Russian stove, and have a drink in the ice bar. Alternatively, visit restaurant, nightclub and performance space ‘Birds’; the restaurant is the highest in Europe, situated on the 86th floor roof terrace alongside an observation deck. The OKO Towers are also home to karaoke club ‘City Voice’.

Did you know? Underneath OKO Towers is the largest underground parking in Europe, with 16 levels and 3,400 parking spaces.

Mercury Tower

• 339m tall, 75 floors
• Architects : Mikhail Posokhin, Frank Williams, Gennady Sirota

Another multifunctional skyscraper, which was designed as the first truly ‘green’ building in Moscow. The Mercury Tower has a distinct geometric shape and copper-coloured glazing, and was the tallest building in Europe upon completion. Visit ‘More i myaso’ (Sea and meat) on the first floor of the tower to enjoy European and Mediterranean cuisine whilst surrounded by greenery. On the 2nd and 40th floors a modern art gallery, the ‘ILONA-K artspace’, has just opened.

City of Capitals

• Moscow Tower: 302m, 76 floors; St Petersburg Tower: 257m, 65 floors
• Completed in 2009
• Architect: Bureau NBBJ

The unique geometric design of the City of Capitals towers resembles stacks of rotating blocks, and is rooted in Constructivism of the early Soviet period (many Soviet Constructivist buildings can be found in Moscow). Visitors to the Moscow Tower can enjoy a range of cuisines – traditional Italian dishes on the summer terrace of ‘Tutto Bene’, Panasian cuisine in the tropical luxury of the ‘Bamboo Bar’ on the 1st floor’, and poke or smoothie bowls at ‘Soul in the Bowl’ cafe on the 80th floor.

Tower on the Embankment

• Tower A: 84m; Tower B:127m; Tower C: 268m, 61 floors
• Completed in 2007
• Architects: Vehbi Inan and Olcay Erturk

After completion, the Tower on the Embankment was the tallest building in Europe, and is now the 13th tallest. It houses the headquarters of several large Russian and international  companies, including IBM and KPMG. There are two cafes located on the 1st floor of Tower C – self-service café ‘Obed Bufet’ (Lunch Buffet) and Bakery Chain ‘Khleb Nasushchny’ (Daily Bread).

Evolution Tower

• 255m tall, 54 floors
• Architects: Philip Nikandrov and RMJM Scotland Ltd

Evolution is Moscow City’s most recognisable tower, and the 11th tallest building in Russia. Its façade is a true architectural marvel, comprising continuous strips of curved glazing spiralling high into  the sky. According to the architect, Philip Nikandrov, the spiral shape of the tower honours centuries of architectural design in Russia, from the onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral to Vladimir Shukhov’s Tatlin Tower, a masterpiece of Constructivist design. Outside the Evolution tower is a landscaped terrace and pedestrian zone descending to the Presnenskaya Embankment, which was also designed by Nikandrov.

Did you know? Moscow’s largest wedding palace was supposed to be built on the site of the Evolution tower, though the project was abandoned.

• 239m tall, 60 floors
• Completed in 2011

Imperia’s interesting design has a curved roof and an arched glass façade. Inside the tower are various cafes including ‘City Friends’ for all-day breakfasts and light lunches, ‘Mama in the City’ for simple meals of Russian cuisine, and ‘abc kitchen’ for European and Indian-inspired dishes. Alternatively, visit ‘High Bar’ on the 56th floor for cocktails with a view. In Imperia you’ll also find the Museum of High-Rise Construction in Moscow (suitably located on the 56th floor), and the Camera Immersive Theatre.

Did you know? Inside Vystavochnaya metro station is the Metro Museum , dedicated to the history of the beautiful Moscow Metro!

• 130m tall, 26 floors
• Completed in 2001
• Architect: Boris Tkhor

Tower 2000 was Moscow City’s first tower. It stands on the opposite bank of the Moskva River, and houses a viewing platform from which visitors can admire an unparalleled panorama of Moscow City. The Bagration Bridge reaches across the river from the tower to Moscow City, and underneath are piers from where you can take boat trips.

Photo by Alexander Popov on Unsplash

Afimall is Moscow’s largest entertainment and shopping complex, home to 450 shops, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, and a virtual-reality game park. The shopping centre is located in the central section of Moscow City, and a cinema and concert hall are currently under construction there.

What’s nearby?

Sechenov Botanical Gardens: The botanical gardens of the First Moscow State Medical University was created for students’ training and research in 1946. Today it is open for free visits, and is home to a large arboretum.

Park Krasnaya Presnya: This park belonged to the Studenets estate of the Gagarin princes. It is a monument of 18th and 19th century landscaping, with Dutch ponds, ornate bridges, and tree-lined alleys. There are also sports facilities, sports equipment rental, and cafes.

Photo by Akkit  on Wikipedia

Essential information for visitors

Website: https://www.citymoscow.ru/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +7 (495) 730-23-33

Nearest metro: Mezhdunarodnaya (closest to the skyscrapers), Delovoy Tsentr (underneath Afimall), Vystavochnaya (closest to Expocentre)

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• Moscow, the city for life – Russia

Moscow Urban Forum in Moscow © C.Horn 2013

Recently the Moscow Government published under the headline “Moscow, the city for life” its seven development priorities. A document distributed at the Moscow Urban Forum in December 2013.

Moscow is with a population of over 12 million people one of the biggest metropolis in the world. The real number of citizens is difficult to establish as Moscow is the destination of many migrants, legal and otherwise, drawn by higher salaries and better services and living conditions. In 2010 alone, 126,000 newcomers were officially registered in the city, but the actual number is certainly much higher. The Moscow International Internet Portal indicates that “By some estimates together with commuters working and studying in Moscow, migrants, transit visitors and tourists the daily actual population of Moscow amounts in general to 15 – 20 million people”. It is forecast that by 2035 the population of the Moscow region will increase by 4,000,000 people and amount to 22,800,000 people.  It is expected that by 2020 passenger traffic generated by the ‘New Moscow’ will double whereas the capacity of the existing infrastructure is already exhausted.

Inner city road in Moscow © C.Horn 2012

After adopting in 2011 different government programs for the key directions of the capital’s development, the Moscow Government worked out in 2013 its main objectives for the creation of comfortable living conditions with the definition of seven development priorities: 1) Mobile City; 2) Comfortable urban environment; 3) Healthy city; 4) Well-educated city; 5) Socially protected city; 6) New economics of Moscow; 7) Open Moscow.

It is a large and ambitious programme highlighting the goals reached and progress made in the last years, and illustrating the objectives for the next years in numbers and graphics.

Moscow development priorities, Mobile City © Moscow

An important part takes the improvement and development of the transport infrastructure. Moscow is literally suffocated by the significant growth of the personal car fleet, doubling from 2.6 millions cars in 2000 to 4.5 million in 2012 and the increase of commuting du amongst others to the ongoing separation of business centres and residential areas. Over two-thirds of the municipal investments have been assigned in future for the improvement and modernisation of the transport infrastructure, roads and public transport, an estimated 329 billion roubles for 2013.

Moscow Subway Plan 2013-2020 © Moscow Subway

Today over 60% of the total volume of Moscow passenger transportation is carried by the subway and this traffic capacity should increase by 1.2 billions persons annually. Just to illustrate the ambitions, the program foresees to rise the average annual construction of subway stations from 2.75 stations, from 2009 – 2012, up to 9.1 stations per year for the period 2013-2020, with the final objective to construct 73 new stations by 2020. They say themselves, that it is the most rapid construction program in the entire history of the Moscow subway. In comparison the metro line of the Paris metropolis, Le Grand Paris Express, foresees to build 205 km of metro lines and 72 new stations between 2013 and 2030. It seems that Moscow want to do in less than half the time.

The development priorities draw the picture of a metropolis with a population using in the last years more intensely the public spaces, the cultural institutions, the shopping area and demanding for a higher urban living standard. A population that has better access to medical facilities and a growing life expectancy, 75.8 years in 2012, and a growing natality rate. A population with opportunities for a better education starting from more kindergartens over preschools to high schools. Interesting is the development of the average salary of a school teacher in Moscow, from 39200 roubles in 2010 up to 64100 roubles in 2013: an average annual growth of 12% in a context of an inflation of approximately 6 %, leaving a real salary growth of 6 % per year. Not bad, seen from a Western European perspective.

Pedestrian Street in Moscow © C.Horn 2013

But Moscow also wants to be a city that cares about its less fortunate citizens. The program is about social protection of older generations, assistance to needy families and persons with limited capabilities. It is about free access to public services, like transport, medical treatment, recreation, financial support and accessibility of public buildings. It also concerns providing housing for certain categories of citizens, probably one of the most difficult task, as Moscow has been ranked regularly among the five most expensive cities in the world in terms of the cost of housing.

To finance this new and improved public facilities and services, the Moscow Government counts on the dynamic of investments, supposed to grow from 732 billion roubles in 2010 up to 1719 in 2016. A mixture of better services for the investors, improved infrastructures and tax incentives should keep the dynamic going.

Gorky Park in Moscow in summer © www.2away.de

The Open Moscow development priority aims to create and strengthen the links between to residents and the public services. Improvements in the information and communication with the citizens, in the collecting and carrying out of suggestions of the citizens, and monitoring the activities of the public officers of municipal services, probably to fight corruption and try to establish a kind of confidence. Different internet sites like the Our City Website , regrouped in one Open Data Portal , should play in mayor part in this new Open Moscow development.

This program looks like a step in the right direction. It is developing Moscow towards a multi-layer, multi-functional city, trying to diversify the transport system, the municipal offer in public spaces, recreation and medial facilities, and supporting the poorer populations. The success of the renewal and transformation of the Gorky Park is a sign of these multi-functional and high-quality public spaces and the demand of the citizens for such spaces.

What is still missing for me is a clearer image of what Moscow wants to be in its whole, and in its parts. For the moment the document is set up as a catalogue of good intended programs, but not yet as an integral city development program. An example is the important investments in the public transport and in the road system, with the hope to encourage the citizens to abandon their excessive use of personal transport. But as long as the Moscow develops its road and parking system, citizens might prefer their car to public transport. Further detailed choices have to be taken on the different aspects of these programs and their feasibility in the near future.

Annotation: For this article I analysed the English version of the publication “Moscow, the city for life – Moscow development priorities” from the Moscow Government. During the lecture I got the impression that some mistakes had been made in the English translation. Download for the Russian version of the document (pdf) : Moscow City for life ru

Author: Christian Horn is the head of the architecture and urban planning office rethink

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Hi, I have not been able to obtain this document in english. Do you by any chance have it and can share it with me? Please contact me at [email protected]

Nice. Can I have the English documents?

Hello, thank you for your interest. I have the Russian version in PDF and I can send it to you, if you like. But the English documents only on paper. Best regards, Christian

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Drone attacks in Moscow’s glittering business district leave residents on edge

People stroll at embankment of the Moscow River in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, with the “Moscow City” business district in the background. The glittering towers of the Moscow City business district were once symbols of the Russian capital’s economic boom in the early 2000s. Now they are a sign of its vulnerability, following a series of drone attacks that rattled some Muscovites shaken and brought the war in Ukraine home to the seat of Russian power. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

A couple sit in a park in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, with the “Moscow City” business district in the background. The glittering towers of the Moscow City business district were once symbols of the Russian capital’s economic boom in the early 2000s. Now they are a sign of its vulnerability, following a series of drone attacks that rattled some Muscovites shaken and brought the war in Ukraine home to the seat of Russian power. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

Police officers stand near the Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. The glittering towers of the Moscow City business district were once symbols of the Russian capital’s economic boom in the early 2000s. Now they are a sign of its vulnerability, following a series of drone attacks that rattled some Muscovites shaken and brought the war in Ukraine home to the seat of Russian power. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

People stroll at the Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. The glittering towers of the Moscow City business district were once symbols of the Russian capital’s economic boom in the early 2000s. Now they are a sign of its vulnerability, following a series of drone attacks that rattled some Muscovites shaken and brought the war in Ukraine home to the seat of Russian power. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

People sit in a cafe in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Aug. 1, The glittering towers of the Moscow City business district were once symbols of the Russian capital’s economic boom in the early 2000s. Now they are a sign of its vulnerability, following a series of drone attacks that rattled some Muscovites shaken and brought the war in Ukraine home to the seat of Russian power. 2023. (AP Photo/Dmitry Serebryakov)

A view of the damaged building is seen in the “Moscow City” business district after a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia, early Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. Ukrainian drones again targeted Moscow and its surroundings early Tuesday morning, the Russian military reported. Two of three launched were shot down outside Moscow, while one crashed into a skyscraper in the Moscow City business district, damaging the building’s facade. (AP Photo)

Investigators examine an area next to damaged building in the “Moscow City” business district after a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia, early Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. Ukrainian drones again targeted Moscow and its surroundings early Tuesday morning, the Russian military reported. Two of three launched were shot down outside Moscow, while one crashed into a skyscraper in the Moscow City business district, damaging the building’s facade. (AP Photo)

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The glittering towers of the Moscow City business district dominate the skyline of the Russian capital. The sleek glass-and-steel buildings -- designed to attract investment amid an economic boom in the early 2000s – are a dramatic, modern contrast to the rest of the more than 800-year-old city.

Now they are a sign of its vulnerability, following a series of drone attacks that rattled some Muscovites and brought the war in Ukraine home to the seat of Russian power.

The attacks on Sunday and Tuesday aren’t the first to hit Moscow — a drone even struck the Kremlin harmlessly in May. But these latest blasts, which caused no casualties but blew out part of a section of windows on a high-rise building and sent glass cascading to the streets, seemed particularly unsettling.

“It’s very frightening because you wake up at night hearing explosions,” said a woman who identified herself only as Ulfiya as she walked her dog, adding that she lived in a nearby building. Like other Muscovites interviewed by The Associated Press, she did not identify herself further out of fear of retribution or for her personal safety.

Another resident, who gave her name as Ekaterina, said Tuesday’s blast “sounded like thunder.”

“I think for the first time, I got really scared,” she said. “I don’t understand how people in a war zone can live like this every day and not go mad.”

The Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down two Ukrainian drones outside Moscow and had electronically jammed another, sending it crashing into the IQ-Quarter skyscraper that houses government offices like the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade — the same building that was hit Sunday.

A cordon went up around the building and personnel from the fire department and the Russian Investigative Committee were at the scene. Hours later, residents strolled through the district along the Moscow River or sat on benches in the sunshine. By about 1 p.m. Tuesday, workers were already starting to replace damaged windows.

The business district, a 10-minute subway ride west of the Kremlin, is home to some of Moscow’s flashiest restaurants, offering far-reaching views of the capital and a menu of upscale fare like three types of caviar, shellfish from Russia’s Far East and French cuisine.

But there was no escaping the grim news.

While Russian state television has largely played down the strikes, one channel sandwiched a segment on how Moscow’s air defenses successfully intercepted the drones in between reports highlighting Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said in Ukraine that Moscow “is rapidly getting used to a full-fledged war,” without confirming or denying Kyiv’s involvement in the drone attacks that in recent days have struck from the capital to the Crimean Peninsula .

After Sunday’s strike, the Kremlin said security would be ramped up.

Still, the size of the drone that hit the Moscow City district led analysts to question the effectiveness of the capital’s air defenses, suggesting it could have been launched from Ukraine.

“If this is the case, this would be rather embarrassing for Russia’s air defenses. If a drone has been in Russian airspace for hours, air defenses should have picked it up earlier and shot it down earlier,” said Ulrike Franke, an expert in drones and military technology at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

While they haven’t caused much physical damage, bringing the drone campaign to Moscow “blows holes in Russia’s narrative that the war on Ukraine is successful and that it is being prosecuted far away from any consequences for the Russian people themselves,” said Keir Giles, a Russia expert at the Chatham House think tank in London.

“That is something which is going to be harder and harder for Russia’s propaganda machine to explain away,” he said.

A Muscovite who identified himself to the AP only as Eldar summed up the strikes this way: “We attack them, they attack us. And it’s obvious that they will succeed somewhere, and we will succeed somewhere. We should try to strengthen the defense.”

In Odintsovo, where some of the drones were downed about 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of the capital, some residents discussed the events on their local Telegram channel.

One woman talked about hearing noises that turned out to be a car or improperly closed trash containers, and seeing what she thought were drones but actually were a flock of birds, a plane and a wind-blown plastic bag.

“How is it possible to live like this?” she asked the group.

“Stop creating panic,” one member admonished her.

“If you hear a noise, be happy because it hasn’t hit you,” added another.

Burrows reported from Tallinn, Estonia.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine