“It’s almost as if they put themselves on a platter
for me”

For stylist Marisa, a member of the Svengali creative team for nine years, gaining the trust of a client is the first – and most – important step. She earns trust by taking the time to learn about the client and what is happening in his or her life.

“Once you understand the client’s lifestyle and personality, it’s easy to find the style that suits them,” notes Marisa, selected the 2006 Stylist of the Year by the Economist & Sun. She is quick to add, however, that every style will not suit every person. “You have to keep it real,” she observes. “There is no point in fighting with a person’s hair.”

And how does Marisa know when she has earned a client’s trust? “It’s when they are open to doing something new that we have discussed. It’s almost as if they put themselves on a platter for me. I love that!”