Paula worked in store management and as a learning and development specialist for retail magnates Marks & Spencer and Harrods before launching her company B:Exceptional Ltd. On a mission to make people the best they can be, she’s been working with diverse high street and luxury brands, including Fortnum and Mason, Vodafone and Calzedonia Group.
Be fab at 50
She turns 50 in October: “I forgot I was turning 50! Age doesn’t matter. It’s about how you think and behave. My husband and daughter keep me young.” Her styling tips? “For any age, dress to suit your shape, budget and colour tone. Wear flattering styles, a good fit, drapes… Always wear sophisticated, elegant, timeless chic, whether smart or casual, teamed with a good handbag and shoes. Invest in good-quality nail polish, mascara, liner and lipstick.”
She eats sensibly and drinks lots of water: “I used to drink a lot of Diet Coke but not anymore. I walk and moisturise daily, use good creams, exfoliate… There’s nothing better than a tasty salad… Okay, there’s a slice of pavlova with lots of strawberries…!”
She owns up to one guilty pleasure, though: “Shopping, of course!” Fashion-conscious Paula’s style icons include Audrey Hepburn and Helen Mirren. “OMG… I hope I look like her when I’m older!” while Karen Millen, Whistles, Ted Baker, Phase Eight, House of Fraser, M&S Essentials, Tiffany & Co, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors are her go-to retailers.
Paula’s tips for 50+ entrepreneurs? [quote]
Use and develop your network, knowledge and skills, keep improving and learning to build on your own capability and credibility, test out your ideas and ALWAYS listen to your customers. Be resilient, composed, proactive, plan, be happy…smile, a lot!”
With the e-commerce boom, what does the future hold for retail? “It’s about remarkable interactions. Customers may start their journey online, but still seek physical, face-to-face experiences in brick-and-mortar stores… experiences that satisfy the need for leisure and entertainment, as well as the purchase of products. Sales assistants will become stylists.”
With Paula on board, Style My’s set to revolutionise the way shoppers and retailers connect, creating improved consumer confidence. “There will always be a need for customer experience training… I hope to be just as busy, successful and happy five years from now!”
Thinking about a change of career?
Or maybe you’re a business looking for a boost… Paula shares her secrets on how you and your company can be the best you can be.
For further information, visit Paula’s page on Style My’s website: https://stylemy.co.uk/retail-training-expert/