Find out how Kara's image transformation changed her life.

Q: What inspired you to become a Professional Image Consultant?
I have always loved clothes and makeup since I was about 12. In fact, that was the last time my mother dressed me! After my first divorce, and close to the second one, I realized that being able to look and feel your best at all times, but especially when going through something so hard, is so important to your emotional health. I love that I am able to help women and men look and feel fabulous! Everyone deserves to feel great.

Q: You were married twice, the first time at a very early age. What advice would you give to single people when they start feeling pressure to get married?
I tell my single never-married friends all the time, don't rush it! There's nothing worse than getting married just to be married and then having children with someone you will have to deal with for 20+ years when it doesn't work out. Enjoy your life and spend it finding out all about you. Discover what you love to do and travel as much as you can. Marriage and children change everything!

Q: You seem to be doing it all and loving it. How does a single mom with three kids launch and build a business on her own?
I actually started the business with my mother-in-law when I was married to my second husband. We are still business partners today. I was doing the business part-time while I worked full-time. Then after two layoffs and the second divorce, I decided to put the time into building the business. I'm a great multi-tasker; I thrive on being productive. As the kids have grown older (15, 12, 8) I am able to do more. I was never a 9-5 person so the layoffs were a blessing, even though I was scared out of my mind when it was happening! I prayed a lot!

Q: You confess to having "let yourself go" at a certain point in life. Can you tell us how you managed to transform yourself into the stylish woman you are today?
I kept trying new things. I didn't always make the right choices, but I kept trying. I have changed so much in the last ten years and my style updates with me. I had to learn to be a little selfish. I take long bubble baths, light candles and listen to music. As women, we go through so many life changes: marriage, children; divorce, and we tend to focus and put everyone else first so we don't notice when we have let our appearance go downhill. You have to make the time for yourself; have a manicure, get a massage, and you will feel motivated to do more. The saying "If Momma isn't happy, no one is" is very true. In order to raise happy, fulfilled and balanced people, you need to be one yourself.

Q: How can an image consultant improve someone's success when it comes to dating?
Most people are the reason they aren't successful in their relationships or their pursuit, I should say. A lot of times clients are doing things that are totally turning potential partners off and they have no idea. I tell clients that I am going to be tactfully honest with them about how they look and what I think they need to change. There is a little psychology involved because they need to be open and receptive to the issues they have that may keeping them from being the best they can be. I have a "Sex and the City" workshop where I take clients out in the field, i.e. happy hours, networking groups or meetups and observe how they interact with other people and then make suggestions about how to improve. It's a lot of fun and they learn a lot about themselves.

Q: What are some of the biggest mistakes single women make when it comes to their image?

1 - Too much makeup, not enough or none at all
2 - Too much cleavage - Don't put everything you have on display!
3 - Not be willing to try new things - Step out of your comfort zone
4 - Buying too many fashion or fad items - We are not celebrities here, build a solid wardrobe of basics and then add in a few fun pieces that aren't that expensive
5- Not representing who they really are. You are not your sister, or your best friend or Heidi Klum

Q: Can you name 5 items every single man should have in his closet?
There is nothing better than a sharp dressed man. Men have it so much easier than women do. A great haircut, good grooming and a confident (not cocky) demeanor are what make a man stand out.

1 - A pair of dark wash jeans - can be worn to the office with a jacket or to dinner
2 - A custom made white shirt - it's sooo worth the money
3 - A tuxedo
4 - A classic overcoat that looks great with jeans or your suit
5 - A navy or charcoal grey suit or medium weight wool so it can be worn year round

Q: What are some of the most popular services you offer to your clients?
Personal shopping is the most requested, followed by makeup and the Sex and the City workshop

Q: What do you love about being single?
I'm a free and independent spirit at heart. I like not having to check in with someone or be asked a million questions about what I am doing. Most of all I love having the freedom to be me and not care what anyone else thinks. I'm not opposed to ever getting married again, but I'm not looking.

Q: Any other words of wisdom?
Every person needs to invest in themselves and start building a wardrobe that reflects who you are and where are going in life. People waste so much money on clothes they never wear. You actually only wear 20% of your clothing 80% of the time. It's better to have 10 outfits that you know are going to make you look and feel great than to have a closet jammed full of clothes that still have tags on them.

To find out more about Kara and her image consulting services, click here to visit her website.