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"I practically bounced all the way to work today after receiving your email! I'm amazed at being so excited because in the 11 years since I did any colour analysis I really haven't given it any thought and now that I do it's like I can't imagine why I ever stopped!

Anyhow, in the last 11 years life has given me other fantastic opportunities and I've learnt loads so I guess I approach this work now completely differently.

After reading your email and looking at your entire website, what stands out to me is that the one thing a need most of all from you is help structuring all the bits of my existing knowledge. Some gap filling and updating would also be useful.

I'm confident with basic make-up application and I can apply the seasonal system although I've only ever done it by eye, I've never used drapes. I'd definitely like to know how to use and incorporate the tonal system.

I don't think style, trends or fashion (at the moment) is for me. Men interest me !!! Although, I'm not desperate to do men right way!

I've run workshops with small groups as well as worked individually, done weddings, etc., so just a bit of a brush up and a fresh perspective needed there.

What would be good is if I could intergrate some of my associated knowledge, similarly to you, except that instead of starting with one thing and building on it I've hopped about with various thngs and they are now a bit muddled." Michelle, London (Jul 05)

Michelle went on to take a one-day Colour Refresher course in Aug 05.

"Just wanted to thank you for Friday – I was so tired by the time I got to Derby (early mornings just aren’t my colour) but SO excited that when I finally got to bed I just couldn’t sleep. I got up and read my manual twice through the night and analysed just about everyone I could think of instead of counting sheep!!! Must be mad!

Anyway, can’t wait to get started. I can’t believe I have so much to do at work this week when what I really want to do is get on with my publicity material and start promoting my colour work. Esta la vida loca! (or something like that!)

Thanks again Kim. I’m sure I’ll be in touch soon and hopefully see you again for more training in the near future." Michelle, London, UK (Aug 05)

"I still refer back to the session I had with you as the tonal colour explanation was particularly clear." Shahida, Birmingham, UK (Jul 05)

"I'm finding that I'm getting pretty good at styling people and I think that's something that is coming more naturally to me than the colour. To be honest Kim, I really struggled with her colour today. And I think this comes down to how I was shown the system. I was kicking myself thinking, "For God's sake, I should see this." I did the tonal system and it was just not as clear cut as many in terms of cool and warm.

I saw that she was light but really came stuck with the cool or warm. It was awful not being able to feel 100% confident about it and I wondered whether she sensed it. Once again, I used your notes and the colour quiz and she came out a Spring!!

I guess what I'm getting to is that I really don't think I've grasped the whole colour analysis as well as I need to and should do…and all after £3,500 !!!! And I really need to and want to get this 100% right. So, I'm wondering whether I could do another session with you. Would that be ok? Are you running anymore workshops? Or could I possibly do one with you on my own? I wished so much that I had had my training with you in the first place. But then hindsight is always 20/20 eh?" Susanna, Manchester (Feb 05)

"I was one of your early internet clients. I was so impressed that I decided to train myself. I picked another company because I liked the whole format. Also, after initial training I could carry on at home.

The thing I feel is that I would like to move in to tonal analysis or, at least, be able to offer it as an alternative. Some of my ladies don't fit into the seasonal types very easily.

I know that you are very busy but I would be interested in the cost and approximate time (2005, 2006, 2007, never) when I could come over. I would also be interested in a day about how to promote my business." Sue, Uttoxeter, UK (Jun 05)

"I have been thinking about our training day together and this is what I feel are the most URGENT:

- tonal analysis

- make-up supplier (I am not over keen on the range that I currently use)

- marketing my business (some ideas, no lots of ideas)

- plus and this is the most important I think - how to market me. I know what colours look OK, I know what styles, etc. but what I don't have is a look. This is the only way I can think to describe it. I want people to look at me and say 'Wow, how does she do that?' Does that make sense to you? I want to be wow not just OK

This may be too much for one day so I will leave it up to you.

I think I would like to come back later in the year to cover other things." Sue, Uttoxeter, UK (Jun 05)

A lady rang wanting a personal consultation for her Mum's 70th birthday, who'd had her colours done several years previously but had since gone grey and wanted a refresher. "I'd be delighted. Many thanks for thinking of me with this enquiry Kim, I hope I can be of help to the lady." CE, UK (Apr 07)

I received this email: "I was looking for a possible speaker for an event that our London Society is running in October this year. I understand that Kim Bolsover spoke at a similar event held last year on personal development by the North West Region." So I contacted two London-based consultants who had trained with us ...

1. "Thanks so much for passing on this opportunity. I do feel, however, that I'm not quite ready for it at this stage, but it's the kind of thing that I should like to go for in the future." RG, London, UK (Apr 07)

2. "Thanks very much. Would be very interested." CD, London, UK (Apr 07)

An enquiry from a school looking for an image consultant to give their staff a fun introductory talk on looking good. "Thank you for your email. I am definitely interested in talking to this lady - as you say, it is right up my street and I feel reasonably confident with the tonal taster format." Sarah, Derbyshire, UK (Feb 07)

"Thanks also for your guidance last week about charging. I have spoken with the organiser a couple of times and have a date booked." Sarah (Mar 07)

"Just to let you know how well my talk went yesterday with the ladies from SSU. It was such good fun and they loved it. It was a real opportunity for several of them to really speak about how they feel and view their uniform and to begin to look at it with fresh eyes. I have asked Lindy to let me have some feedback and have left everyone with my business card.

For my part it all went so smoothly and effortlessly, I simply loved every moment of it. What a fantastic way to earn a living. Thank you very much for recommending me and the inspiring support that you have been. Our chat last week really did make the difference and set me up feeling fully prepared to launch into the unknown." Stephanie, UK (Feb 07)

An enquiry from a lady currently living in London, visiting from the USA, needing fashion and style advice for a wedding. "Yes, thank you very much, I would be really interested in helping this lady: perhaps you could pass on her details to me if appropriate, or she could e-mail me. I would be delighted to offer colour and style advice and take this lady shopping, if she would like." Rhona, London, UK (Feb 07)

An enquiry from a lady in Leicester who would like an afternoon workshop in colour or make-up for 10 friends for her hen party. "Just got your email, thank you for forwarding this on to me. I would be available to do this date and south Leicester is fine, I know Leicester very well. I have done a couple of events like this now so would be happy to quote on it." Elaine, Kettering, UK (Feb 07)

"Just to let you know I spoke to C (very nice person) and have discussed what we could do. She sounds keen and I'll let you know what comes of it. Thanks again for the intro." Elaine (Feb 07)

Two personal consultation enquiries received while I was running a training course. "Thank you so much for the leads you passed on. It was very generous of you - we have followed them both up and the ladies are both booked in so that's great!!  We'll let you know how we get on." Louise, Belper, UK (Jan 07)

"Thanks Kim - you are a brilliant Mentor! Will of course let you know how your referrals go since no doubt we will need your input." Jay, Belper, UK (Jan 07)

Telephone enquiry from a designer looking for a colour and style presentation to a group of senior managers. "Just to let you know, I had a good chat with Kay yesterday evening and have sent her over a proposal today for the 23rd. I am just waiting to hear back from her. Thank you for the opportunity." Elaine, Milton Keynes, UK (Jan 07)

"Thanks for this referral - and yes you are definitely right about the accent! I've spoken to this lady and I'm following up with a brochure. I'm now finally at the point of being able to devote more time to my colour work and things are starting to take off. Thanks again for all your support and referrals - your efficiency is an inspiration and much appreciated!!" Alison, Buxton, UK (Nov 06)

Email and telephone enquiry from a marketing company in London (Sep 06) "We are looking to recruit someone in the capacity of a colour/image stylist, in collaboration with a promotion we will be running in the New Year. You will be part of a core team offering an indulgent pampering experience to women in shopping centres around major cities within the UK. You should have the skill set to make women feel instantly at ease, whilst also feeling pampered and interested for 5 - 10 minutes whilst you give them a summary of seasonal colours and clever ways to wear them."

I emailed all those lovely consultants who had trained with us straight away and here are some of their replies:

"How intriguing!!! This appeals to me. However at the moment they are not targeting the area I live in. Perhaps you could forward my details in case they want to do the South/London in the future." Wendy, Bucks, UK (Sep 06)

"I am definitely interested in this. I would like to learn more as soon as you do.. Many thanks." Hazel, Chesterfield, UK (Sep 06)

"I’m going to say No to this, it sounds really interesting but I already have commitments for Jan & Feb so feel it wouldn’t fit in with me. It is always great to receive your emails to find out what is going on elsewhere and how ‘colour’ is becoming more and more requested!" Marie-Claire, Oldham, UK (Sep 06)

"With regards to your email below, I would be interested in being put forward and finding out more about what this promotion involves. I am looking at all sorts of business ideas. Anyway this appeals as it would be good for the ‘CV’ and perhaps generate some ideas for me. As I am not as experienced as others I would have to prepare well for it but would rise to that challenge and I think I could present myself well in the situation." Carol, London, UK (Sep 06)

"Thank you for sending this through. I am going to resist the temptation to jump on an opportunity for the sake of it and heed your advice to say no. I do have so many of my own plans that I am going to stick to them. Thank you anyway." Elaine, Milton Keynes, UK (Sep 06)

"Many thanks Kim for this. I would be interested to find out more and attend the taster day. I think I have the skills needed and want to get more into demonstration work. Let me know if there's any more info." Elaine, Kettering, UK (Sep 06)

"I have considered the information about the opportunity for some work in promotions. I don't feel this is for me as I'm not looking to diversify into the marketing sector, also I don't think it would lead to follow up work for my business. Thanks for sending me details of this opportunity." Jan, Lichfield, UK (Sep 06)

"Just to say thanks for the referral. L and her Mum are coming next week." Sue, Uttoxeter, UK (Sep 06)

LM emailed: "We are holding our staff conference in January 2007 in Leeds. We would like to include a fun workshop (75 mins long) on colour analysis. Would you be able to give me a quote for this please? Also, is there a maximum number of people that this would be suitable for?" (Sep 06)

I emailed three of our wonderful consultants who I knew would be able to provide an excellent workshop for this company.

"I have been in contact with JV, but have not arranged anything yet. Thanks for asking around for me and please do let me know what the third consultant says." LM, (Sep 06)

"Got the corporate work in January. Thanks for the opportunity! Feeling a mixture of dead chuffed and pretty scared." JV, UK (Oct 06)

Here's an example of one of our trainees wanting to refer work to another consultant: "Do you have any consultants that you could recommend from London please. Client is getting married and would like info on colours and perhaps more." Shahida, Birmingham, UK (Aug 06)

"Yes, that's fine. I'd be delighted to talk either Shahida or her client. Thank you for putting my details forward." Michelle, London, UK (Aug 06)

Email enquiry from a clothes company LB in London (Aug 06) "I have just come across your website as I searched for a colour consultant in the London area. We are running two promotional events to launch our Autumn/Winter collection at our maternity boutiques in Battersea (London) and Cheadle (Cheshire). We are looking for a colour analyst to join in as a 3rd promotional partner and, on a selected day, come to the boutique for a 30 minute session with the winner."

And three days later, LB wrote: "Thank you so much for such a speedy answer to my email. I have indeed been contacted by several of your consultants and I am working with them on the exact plans for the promotional days."

And here are some emails from the consultants involved:

"Hi there, it sounds great. I've just rang LB and left my details, so hopefully she'll get back to me." Patricia, London (Aug 06)

"I called LB this morning....she said that she had an email from another lady (assuming up north) regarding covering the same event. I've emailed her the info required." Andrea, Manchester (Aug 06)

"Thanks for the lead. It does look interesting. Your geography was spot on!" Caroline, Manchester (Aug 06)

"Many thanks for your lead on this event, it really is appreciated. I totally agree with you re contacting Andrea and supporting each other. I will e-mail her very shortly. I would love the notes that you sent to Andrea. I always need your help Kim. You are truly my mentor!!! In all honesty I am really looking forward to this. It could be a fantastic opportunity for all of us, but I must admit I am somewhat nervous also!!

I will be in touch fairly soon Kim if that's ok to go over some things with you." Bev, Manchester (Sep 06)

"Thank you kindly for these valuable tips and hints. I have e-mailed Andrea and will call her later to arrange meeting for a coffee and brain-storming!!! I will of course keep you updated with possible ideas and questions!!!!!!!!!

You know, I have really good gut feelings about this and you are absolutely right Kim, let's have FUN." Bev, Manchester (Sep 06)

"Wow, thank you so much Kim for all this detail. As you know with my personality - I love it! And many many thanks for your support. Makes a massive difference to me. Bev and I are meeting up this Thurs for a coffee and to do some brainstorming. She sounds great and am very much looking forward to meeting her. And am very happy that I'm working with someone rather than alone. A new one for me and very much excited about it. I will keep you posted on all the developments." Andrea, Manchester (Sep 06)

"Met up with Bev. She's great! Even more excited about the event now." Andrea, Manchester (Sep 06)

"Just a quick update re the maternity promotional day in Oct. Andrea and I have met and are in the process of putting our day plan together. We are really excited and nervous at the same time but feel good that we are in this together and can support one another. We also know that we can contact you for advice and tips and will do so, believe me." Bev, Manchester (Sep 06)

"The client now would like us to run 20 min consultations. She says it's up to us to decide what we do in those minutes but the aim is to sell their clothes whilst also giving valuable advice. What I'm not sure about is giving advice in 20 mins - what that would entail cos I've gotten into my head how to run a 2-hour consultation.

Do you have any suggestions on how you would run a 20 min consultation? I don't want it to detract away from the main prize but we've also got to give something of value - and we've got to market its worth too - as written in an ad. I've spoken to Bev and we're meeting up next Sat to brainstorm and check out the venue.. Do you have any suggestions?" Andrea, Manchester (Sep 06)

I replied with a rather long email outlining how I would run this for the client.

"This is fantastic stuff so informative and useful many thanks. I have been on the client's website to get some idea of the fashions, etc. Andrea and I will be visiting the store this Saturday in order to put together our plan for the day. I will of course keep you posted. Thanks again Kim for all your help, you are a treasure ( I knew this of course the moment we met!!)." Bev, Manchester (Oct 06)

"Many mucho mucho thanks for this wonderful detailed info! Bev & I met today at the venue, both wearing our 'right' colours. met all the staff and saw the clothes that we're helping to sell. Everything seems fine. will let you know how it all goes after the day!" Andrea, Manchester (Oct 06)

"I had a great afternoon last week with the environmental services seminar al fresco at the hotel! It was a beautiful warm day and what better than full sunlight to work in and dappled light from the trees!

They seemed to enjoy it too and the one gentleman was a great sport and very keen to hear how right he was already getting it. I have a feeling it might lead to some other facilitation work with the department - Rachel was great and my style fitted them very well.

Thanks once again for the recommendation - I am really starting to use the colour and image knowledge now with my clients and thoroughly enjoying it. This one gave me real confidence.

Please keep my posted about a gentleman's workshop - I am going to need it, I think." Caroline, Manchester, UK (Jul 06)

"I would welcome this piece of work - something to get my teeth into and a change of scene for me as I would normally be doing the first part of the day for them!! Thank you very much for thinking about me. Rachel has made contact and we are trying to speak this week!" Caroline, Cheshire, UK (Jun 06)

"This opportunity sounds really interesting - I would like to speak to the guy please, if you could give me his number. Could I please pick your brain regards fees?" Elaine, Milton Keynes, UK (Jun 06)

"Thanks for your email and for giving me this opportunity. I have spoken to Deborah and confirmed that I can attend the 27 June 10.30 - 12.30 and will email her with the contents of the workshop.

I am looking forward to this opportunity - so thanks once again for forwarding Deborah's contact details." Julie, Cheshire, UK (Jun 06)

"Hi Sharon, You contacted a colleague, Kim Bolsover at Improvability yesterday and she's referred you to me wondering if I can help you with your wedding dress colour. I understand you would like advice asap and I'd be delighted to help you." Janine, Sheffield (Feb 06)

"I've been in touch with D re the London opportunity and will know more in a week or two. Thanks for the lead." Michelle, London, UK (Sep 05)

"Thanks so much for this latest opportunity. The chap you referred last week never replied. I even offered to travel to his friend's home in Chester for the consultation. Hopefully this next enquiry might be friutful. I have lots to tell you." Bev, Manchester (Aug 05)