Home and family 
Norfolk; husband Stefaan Braem and  sisters Sylvia and Sherrie.
What you do in your job 
I travel across the country and to Europe presenting corporate workshops and offer image coaching.
Education 
John Robert Powers Fashion & Finishing School, Washington, D.C.; counseling and crisis management at the Institute for Deep Therapy, Brussels, Belgium; Cordon Bleu School, London; and the Joseph Albers Color Course,  Belgium.
Career progression 
Began as a high-fashion model in Washington, D.C., in the late 1960s. I taught at the Barbizon School of Modeling, then began image consulting. I lived in London and gained knowledge of menswear and European markets. I worked as a fashion model in San Francisco and returned to Washington, D.C., as a model and image consultant. In 1979, I moved to Belgium and researched color and color psychology. I presented corporate workshops for companies such as Rolex, 3M, TWA and Sheraton Hotels, also launched my school for image consultants.  In 2000, I returned to the States and began my image consulting and training business all over again.
Proudest achievement 
Being chosen by Belgium State National Television, Belgium’s equivalent of the BBC, as its image consultant.
Biggest sucess factor 
I’ve never stopped learning and improving my skills.
Professional activities 
Served on the board of the National Speakers Association for eight years and the National Association of Women Business Owners board for seven years.
Volunteer activities 
Served as dean of the NSA Protrack University Program for emerging speakers last year. I have given “Dress for Success” workshops for the Transition Assistance Program at the Norfolk Naval Base for the past eight years.
How do you balance your time?
My work is my passion, bringing me such joy that it’s not really working.
Biggest obstacles you faced
Having to learn two new languages, and being able to adapt to different customs and mentalities definitely challenged my business.
How have you overcome your challenges?
I took total immersion classes and was able to speak French and Dutch within a month. I won over reluctant Belgian clients by developing a system so they could see how drab colors hurt their image.
Professional goal in five years
1. Get my book on the subject of color published. 2. I would like to pursue my own line of makeup.
Advice for women 
The way you look and dress announces the outcome others can expect from you.
Downtime 
I enjoy going to the movies, walking and taking side trips when I travel.
What gets under your skin?
Being let down when someone says they will do something and they don’t do it.