Discover how The Style Academy International® is reshaping the future of personal styling, empowering students to thrive.
From Passion to Purpose: How One Stylist Built an Academy That’s Changing Lives
Louisa Gabriel never set out to build an online empire. But after years of working as a personal stylist and image strategist®, she realized that the fashion industry was missing something crucial: affordable, accessible education for aspiring stylists.
For many, becoming a stylist was a dream that seemed out of reach. Louisa had already made a name for herself as a successful stylist with a six-figure business, but she knew the key to creating lasting change wasn’t just in personal success; it was in giving others the opportunity to realize their own potential.
In 2017, Louisa took a bold step and launched The Style Academy International®, an online training platform that would offer aspiring personal stylists, image consultants, and color analysts the skills, tools, and confidence they needed to start and grow their businesses, whether they lived in a major city or a small town.
What began as an idea to democratize personal styling education soon turned into a global movement, with students from over 30 countries gaining certification and building careers. This is the story of how The Style Academy International® is changing the lives of students and empowering a new generation of stylists.
Empowering Aspiring Stylists Around the World
The road to success wasn’t always clear for Louisa Gabriel. She began her career in personal styling in the early 2000s, working with clients who needed help refining their personal image and brand. But over time, Louisa realized there was more to styling than just knowing what looks good. To truly succeed, stylists needed business skills, things like client relationship management, setting prices, building a brand, and navigating the competitive landscape of the styling world.
The idea of teaching these essential skills began to take shape as Louisa recognized a gap in the market. Traditional styling schools were often expensive and didn’t provide the practical business advice needed to succeed in the industry. As a result, many aspiring stylists struggled to launch their careers, despite their passion and talent.
Louisa’s solution was to create a training program that would provide comprehensive, practical education for personal stylists. The Style Academy International® would be fully online, allowing students from anywhere in the world to access courses at their own pace. It was a flexible, accessible model that took into account the different needs and lifestyles of students.
The first hurdle Louisa faced was translating her personal success into a structured, educational format. She knew what worked for her, but would it work for others? Her years of experience as a personal stylist and image strategist gave her the foundation, but she needed to make it relatable and actionable for people from all backgrounds and locations.
The answer was simple: create real-world courses that offered both styling techniques and business strategies. Louisa poured everything she had learned about managing a styling business, working with clients, and building a brand into the Academy’s curriculum. The result was a comprehensive program designed not just for fashion enthusiasts but for individuals who wanted to turn their passion for style into a thriving business.
After the launch of The Style Academy International® in 2017, the response was overwhelming. Students from across the globe enrolled, eager to learn the skills that Louisa had developed over years of trial and error. But what made the Academy even more unique was its commitment to real-time support. Louisa personally mentored students, answering questions and offering advice. This was not just a course; it was a community of stylists committed to succeeding together.
Louisa’s innovative approach to education was also reflected in the Academy’s inclusion of virtual styling techniques. Recognizing that more and more people were turning to digital platforms for fashion advice, she built the curriculum to include training on virtual styling and color consultations. The Style Academy International® was now ahead of the curve, preparing students for a rapidly changing landscape in the fashion world.
“ The world of fashion and style is constantly changing, and so too are the strategies that personal stylists need to use not only to make their clients look and feel amazing, but also to grow their business.” Louisa continues, “ My goal is to ensure that the training and tools that I provide my students reflect the styling and business approaches of the present, not the past.”
The Academy’s influence grew as students found success in starting their businesses. Whether in-person or virtual, many were able to build thriving careers, thanks to the foundation laid by Louisa and her comprehensive training. This success story was not unique; 98% of graduates have gone on to launch their own styling businesses, offering everything from personal styling to color consultations and image coaching.
What Makes The Style Academy International® Stand Out
- A Global Community
One of the most exciting aspects of The Style Academy International® is its ability to bring together students from around the world. With students from over 30 countries, the Academy is creating a global community of stylists who share the same passion for fashion and personal branding. This diversity brings unique perspectives and ideas into the Academy, fostering a vibrant learning environment. - Real-World Skills for Real Careers
The Style Academy International® doesn’t just teach the basics of styling; it teaches how to build a career. Louisa’s focus on practical, business-oriented education ensures that graduates don’t just leave with styling skills, but also the tools they need to manage a successful business. Students learn to market themselves, set prices, build an online presence, and establish a brand. - Flexibility and Accessibility
With online courses, students have the freedom to learn on their own terms. This flexibility is ideal for busy professionals, parents, and anyone with a packed schedule. Whether a student wants to study in the morning, late at night, or over the weekend, The Style Academy International® makes it easy to fit learning into their lifestyle. - Comprehensive, Ongoing Support
From the moment students enroll, they have access to the full support of the Academy’s community. Louisa’s personal mentorship, along with resources like the Business of Style Podcast, ensures that students continue to receive valuable insights even after completing their courses. The Academy is not just a one-time educational experience; it’s a long-term partnership in building a successful career.
Start Your Journey as a Stylist Today
The fashion industry is waiting for passionate individuals who are ready to take their careers to the next level. If you’ve always dreamed of becoming a personal stylist, color consultant, or image strategist, The Style Academy International® offers the tools, resources, and support you need to make that dream a reality.
Join a global community of aspiring stylists and learn from Louisa Gabriel, a seasoned expert who has built a successful career and is now empowering others to do the same. With practical training, mentorship, and a supportive network, The Style Academy International® is your partner in creating a fulfilling, profitable career in styling.
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