I’m excited to have Pat Durham join me for an online chat. Pat is an image coach and one of the most inspiring and gracious women I know. And I’m more than a little fascinated with her career choice since it was Pat and her profession that motivated me to write my latest novel entitled, The Love Song. Welcome Pat!
Q. I’m curious about what led you into such a unique and wonderful vocation? And how did you get started?
A. I was involved with several networking groups in my area trying to promote a wonderful research and manufacturing company of inner care and skin care products when I discovered I was spending most of my networking time helping others with their appearance, communication skills and business etiquette. As the demand on my time and expertise increased, I had to come to the realization that the most important item I had to offer was my expertise. After a great deal of prayer and seeking trusted counsel, I decided to offer my services as an Image Coach. Thus, Diversity-Unlimited was born!
Q. Were there any hints in your youth that you would follow this path?
A. The answer to that question is a resounding No! My background is so unlikely. I was born and reared on a farm not too far from Houston. My parents were sharecroppers. I did inherit my Father’s musical abilities. I have sung since I was four years old. All through my elementary and secondary education, I was involved with drama. I so enjoyed being on the stage! By the time I was twelve years old I had taught myself to play the organ. My Mother told me that by the time I was three years old I was giving political speeches to my doll and teddy bear. Apparently I had heard some speeches on the radio. When I was eighteen I came to Houston to go to college. Fortunately, I attended Patricia Stevens Career College and was employed through the college to model for local department stores in the Houston area. Patricia Stevens trained their models in the social graces, and how to speak as well as how to move on the runway. This training serves me well even today.
Q. How long have you been an image consultant? And do you still love it?
A. I am in my fourteenth year as an Image Coach. I love what I do! Every day is different. I like to say I help my clients discover the essence of who they are and I help them to develop that essence to it’s fullest potential.
Q. What are some of the services you provide?
A. Business and social etiquette, public speaking, stage presence, communication skills, makeup artistry, color figure and fashion analysis and well as interviewing skills. Just to name a few.
Q. The answer to this question may seem obvious, but I was very interested in your response. Why do you think it’s important to improve one’s image on the job?
A. Yes, it is obvious that the better the image the better position and wage seem to follow. But, I would like to think that no matter the position or wage, if we feel we are the best we can be we are just happier and more fulfilled.
Q. What is your favorite client success story?
A. I would like to answer that question this way lest I describe someone that may be familiar to you or your readers: I have seen client after client improve in the areas that they felt a need to improve and in so doing have gone on to achieve success and advancement in their chosen careers. My cliental include authors, bankers, private investigators, an exterminator, college students, engineers, ministers, financial analysts, and the list goes on and on.
Q. As an image coach, what makes a perfect day for you?
A. Seeing someone implement a suggestion I have made to them and see them just bursting with a sense of pride in taking their image to the next level. Honestly, sometimes they just explode when they come through the door! They can hardly wait to tell me what has happened! That is my idea of success.
Q. What are a few of your best tips to improve one’s image?
A. Be true to yourself. Don’t let fashion or the pop culture dictate your image. Love yourself just where you are. If you don’t like something about yourself, decide to change it and just do it! Remember, there is no such thing as perfection!
Q. Is there anything I’ve left out that you’d like to share with my guests?
A. Be kind to yourself. Don’t "shouldn’t" all over yourself! We are all in a state of becoming.
Thanks for your time, Pat. I've enjoyed reading your reponses, and I can tell you have a gift for encouraging people in their careers. Best wishes to you in the future!
For more information on Pat Durham and her services as an image coach, please visit her website at