Meet Joy Odunsi

February 17, 2011 in Fashion

Director & Senior Stylist
Potential U

Potential U is a London based style and image consultancy. Founded by Joy Odunsi in 2008, the company helps women from all walks of life achieve style and confidence with their wardrobe.

Potential U recently launched Your Virtual Stylist, a unique online style consultation service. The company’s client base includes Champneys, HSBC, Virgin, investment banks and city law firms.

Why did you decide to start Potential U?
I started Potential U because I have a detailed eye for fashion. I found styling easy and very enjoyable. Family, friends and colleagues would always ask me to style them, which I did. I was always complemented on my style so decided to turn my gift into a business.

What’s the story behind your company name?
Our name Potential U was given by God. It’s about helping women project a positive self image, and that starts with confidence and self-belief. We believe that all women are beautiful however some simply need help to bring out the best in themselves.

What was your career path prior to starting your first business?
I started my career in the city where I worked as an accountant. I was unsatisfied and unfulfilled with my high powered job as a financial controller. So, I quit my 13 year city career and sold my house to follow my dreams and bring Potential U to life.

I decided to retrain as a personal stylist at London College of Fashion which has enabled me to style women with confidence.

Did you always know that you would start your own business?
I started my first business as a hairdresser at the age of 13. I did really well; I worked in established hairdressers with top hairstylists. My work was published in household magazines. I had a strong client base, who still desires my expertise. I’ve always been very business minded.

Which services are proving most popular with your clientele?
Potential U offers an array of bespoke personal styling services. Our most popular services are the Colour Analysis, Wardrobe Detox, Personal Shopping, Ladies Style and Colour Parties and our Style and Colour Presentations.

Our Colour Analysis service makes your skin glow by learning what colours to wear and what colours not to wear. Wardrobe Detox effectively declutters your bulging wardrobe of clothes that don’t complement you and helps you learn what styles are flattering on your body shape.

Our Personal shopping service encompasses a fun day in the shops with our qualified Personal Stylist who selects fabulous new clothes for you. The Ladies Style and Colour Parties provide an evening of style, colour and fun with your girlfriends in the comfort of your home.

Finally, our Style and Colour presentations help our clients learn how to make the best of their personal image and style via interactive workshops and Q&A sessions. From busy mothers to working professionals, brides-to-be to corporate clients, if you are looking for a new wardrobe or styling advice Potential U is the one stop shop that meets all your styling needs.

What are you working on at the moment?
We recently launched Your Virtual Stylist which is Potential U’s online style consultation. It’s very easy to use. Simply log onto Skype, connect with your Virtual Stylist and let us create a fabulous new style for you!

As a first step our customers email us at style@potential-u.co.uk to tell us what date and time they’d like to meet your Virtual Stylist on Skype. Our customers then wear the outfit in question and meet their Virtual Stylist on Skype for their consultation.

Can you describe your typical working day?
I don’t have a typical working day. Potential U is 24/7. My day is varied and generally includes client consultations, meetings, enquiries, corporate image presentations, events, speaking engagements, networking etc. No two days are the same. The only consistent thing it is that it’s go, go, go!

We’re in the midst of award season and all the major fashion weeks, if you could pick one famous person to style who would it be and why?
Oprah and Michelle Obama. They are doing well and have a huge following!

What have been the highlights of running your own business?
Working with established clients such as Champneys, HSBC, Virgin, investment banks and city law firms has been a highlight.

What is the hardest part of running your own business?
Managing people can be hard.

What has been your biggest triumph at Potential U to date?
Potential U was birthed in the recession yet our business is going from strength to strength. Our client base is growing rapidly and we are winning new contracts and clients. I’m very grateful!

What, or who, inspires and motivates you?
God motivates, encourages and inspires me with divine ideas.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
People buy people not your service or product. So be the best you can be!

Fast forward five years, where do you think your business will be in 2016?
Potential U will be household name synonymous with Personal styling like Gok Wan and Trinny & Susannah. We’ll have our own TV show styling women fabulously! We’ll have major contracts with the likes of X-Factor, a host of TV shows and well known celebrities.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting a styling business?
Master your art, develop your skill. Know your client base and network with them. Be ready to work!

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For more information on Potential U visit www.potential-u.co.uk. You can also find Potential U on Facebook and Twitter.

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Joy Odunsi was interviewed by Octavia Goredema, founder of the Twenty Ten Club.

The Twenty Ten Club is an award-winning networking organisation for Black female entrepreneurs. You can also find Twenty Ten Club on Twitter and Facebook.