About us

Nicola Barnard brings a unique blend of knowledge and experience to her work as Phoenix’s principal advisor. Her early training as a medical scientist enables her to apply an analytic approach to transforming individual and business images.

This, combined with her experience in the wine industry, retail fashion, and as a performer in musical theatre, gives Nicola a pronounced edge in assisting her clients to develop a compelling first impression and personal brand.

After training with one of the world’s top image consultants, Nicola established Phoenix Professional Image-Management in 2001. She has since worked with individuals, small and medium business owners, managers and corporate executives, corporate teams, and as a speaker in professional development programs.

Nicola’s passion is the positive change she is able to bring to people’s lives. “I feel great joy when people say ‘this is the best thing I have ever done’, that I have actually assisted them in making some really positive changes in their life, both professional and personal,” she says.

“My job, done well, makes life happier and easier, and people more connected. That’s very satisfying professionally and personally for me.”

Nicola was the founding President of the Australian Chapter of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), the professional body for image consultants worldwide. She is an Associate Member, First Level Certified and an active member for the Australian Chapter of AICI.

In addition to her AICI accreditation she has a Diploma in Image Management, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Certificate in Neuro-linguistic Programming and Clinical Hypnotherapy, and accreditation in the Extended DISC psychometric profiling and communication skills training tool.

What is an Image Consultant?

An image consultant is your partner in success — guiding you to present a uniquely personal and completely professional appearance, improve your business communications, and act appropriately with confidence in any situation.

Image Consultants are specialists in visual appearance, verbal and nonverbal communications.  Working with individual clients, image professionals assist in attaining authenticity, self-confidence and credibility.  Business clients are taught to express their company’s goals by aligning appearance, behavior and communications, which includes etiquette and international protocol. 

You can trust in Phoenix's professionalism, expertise and commitment to making a positive contribution to each client. Phoenix is the catalyst for personal and professional transformation.