10 Questions For The StyleForce Owner Esmée St James

Meet the Owner is an occasional column that features business owners in Los Gatos. Los Gatos Patch asks each owner the same 10 questions so the community can get to know the people behind our local businesses.

Los Gatos-based The StyleForce Image Consulting for Men is owned and created by former professional model, make-up artist and photographer, Esmée St James. Her goal is to help male professionals make a winning first impression by looking and feeling their best. By helping create a subtle yet impactful shift in a client’s appearance, the potential for success he desires the job
and off is unleashed. Services include wardrobe edits, personal shopping trips, initial consultations and more. Business hours are flexible to meet clients’ needs. Services can be viewed and booked online at TheStyleForce.com or by
telephone at 866-546-9955.

Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Esmée St James: A cowboy. I was a tomboy in Europe who grew up on Rawhide reruns and Lucky Luke comics. I still have a crush on Clint Eastwood, don’t tell him I said that!

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

St James: My knack for lighting a spark within people helps clients feel at ease during the image make-over process. We invariably end up having a good laugh. My clients feel excited about achieving the results they want because I make it a fun experience.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

St James: When I moved to Silicon Valley from the Northeast I was impressed by two things: the brainpower and the rather unique Silicon Valley man’s dress code. All at once I wanted to make over the entire male population here. I’ve since realized it is much wiser to do this one willing client at a time.

Patch: What inspired you?

St James: The exciting possibility of combining my experience as a professional model, make-up artist and photographer was shouting at me from every corner. My new mission quickly became clear to me: To help men make a winning first impression by looking and feeling their absolute best. The outside affirmation is present on a daily basis. Every time I’m asked “what do you do?” the response is consistently “we can sure use you around here!”

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in Los Gatos?

St James: Upon moving here three years ago I knew only one person and had no network which is a challenge in itself. The only solution I saw was to dive in deep ... I took this opportunity to reinvent myself and start a completely new business. Getting involved with many wonderful Los Gatos community activities like the volunteering at the Discovery Shop, supporting Jazz On The Plazz and joining social and business networking clubs is still invaluable to me.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in Los Gatos?

St James: The kindness, encouragement and support I receive from all my new friends and clients in Los Gatos and the surrounding area makes my heart smile every day.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

St James: The passion I have for what I do is key. Knowing the difference I make in people’s lives feeds the passion and visa-versa.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

St James: Helping build a man’s confidence and increase his success rate both on the job and off by offering a very personalized service makes my business stand out. It’s not just about the wardrobe, my standards are high and I network with top notch professionals for a wide range of services.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

St James: Priest Rock Trail. Love the steep hike and breathtaking views. No,
wait ... the bar at Dio Deka and its fabulous bartenders ... Oh, that’s not a fair question!

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

St James: I love what I do and I do it from the heart. The best part about my job is when a client tells me, “you won’t believe all the compliments I’m getting!” Um ... try me.

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