Pushkaraj Gokhale
My association with Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI) actually started in the year 2012 but final took off only in 2017. From an initial career as a Flight Attendant, I moved into the Human Resources domain. I always had a flair and passion for knowing more about Image enhancement and was looking to upgrade my skills. I was passionate about clothes and accessories and always felt that I have the relevant aesthetics about dressing – be it for myself or even my friends, relatives and colleagues.
Being from the aviation industry, I was well acquainted about the importance of grooming & etiquette. I used this knowledge, coupled with my passion for clothing to assist my friends and those in my social circle to look more presentable.
At that instance, I came across ICBI’s Image Consulting Training course and soon enough, I took the opportunity to meet Ms. Suman Agarwal (Director, ICBI) at their Corporate Office in Andheri, Mumbai. She gave me excellent insights into the curriculum and also made me aware about the misconceptions and ignorance many individuals carry about this profession.
ICBI, back in the Year 2012 itself, not only had a strong curriculum but had a distinct vision to sensitize people from various fields about this profession.
However, due to personal reasons, I was unable to commence the Image Consulting Course at that point in time. There was also a major apprehension in my mind viz. “I won’t get a perpetual income if I start something like this on my own”. I was a salaried individual with a stable monthly income and with no entrepreneurial background. Hence I was a bit skeptical to take up Image Consulting as a career option at that point in time.
For the next 5 years I continued as an HR professional. However, the thought of being an Image Consultant always lingered in me. Finally, in end-2016, I took a decision to pursue my passion.
I started my Image Consulting Course in Jan-2017. In the beginning, I believed it would be like any other ‘fashion’ course. However, while undergoing the Course at ICBI, I recalled Ms. Agarwal’s conversation about the curriculum. The way she had described it 5 years ago, the implementation was precisely the same – Strong and Concrete.
There were various aspects which I got to learn and unlearn (which is apparently quite difficult). As mentioned earlier, the curriculum and implementation was extremely strong.
Once you have a strong base, you can use the knowledge in various paths of life. It was not just the concepts, we were taught about their practical usage via adequate case studies, relevant group activities, and assignments. I was in the student zone like my other batch mates and at times, used to crib about the assignment submissions. However, now when I’ve started working, I have realized the seriousness and importance of the same.
Once I completed the course, ICBI continued to hand-hold us to make us thorough entrepreneurs through their BET (Business Enablement Training) sessions. We had various interactive sessions on how to be successful professionals and start, market and grow a successful Image Consulting business.
I truly believe in being “Better late than never”. This indeed is an example of the journey I began in 2012.
Today, I wear multiple hats as a Certified Image Consultant, Corporate Trainer and a Celebrity Stylist. In the recent time, I have styled Akshay Oberoi, Sonal Chauhan, Richa Chaddha, Sarah Jane Dias, among other celebrities.
I am now all set to style for an iconic web series and looking forward to this challenging assignment.
My other recent assignments included styling IPL Cricketers viz. AB de Villiers, Dinesh Karthik, Ajinkya Rahane, R. Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rashid Khan.
