“We all have a personal and/or professional brand – your image (fashion and presence) define what that is to the world before you’ve ever said a word,” says Mila Grigg, Pink Ladders Woman of Focus for June.

Fashion is not simply about clothing. Appearance affects one’s life on a daily basis. Fashion is part of the image presented to the world. Mila has applied her education in marketing, along with her own personal fashion and business knowledge, to assist in creating the image and personal brand sought by her clients in all aspects of their lives.

Mila is the owner of Moda Image Consulting LLC, a company dedicated to finding a personal brand. “All great fashion truly begins on the inside and it is that inner strength and magnificence that is reflected in the unique fashions we choose, and the image we construct. MODA cares more about you than how you dress or act,” says Mila.

“I started MODA in order to empower women (and men) to be the best they can be. I am passionate about helping women. This organization (YWCA) does just that and so much more and I am honored to be a small part of it.”

Mila is a guest contributor to numerous magazines and she is appears on television networks as the image and fashion expert. While working with major fashion entities, consulting firms, PR companies and Fortune 100 and 500 companies, Mila developed a sense for fashion.

When you are prepared, your appearance is a powerful tool. However, it can just as easily be a detriment to your success and happiness in business and social relationships, says Mila.

Mila has worked in marketing and promotion after majoring in marketing in college. She advises executives, entertainers, professional athletes, professional speakers, television personalities and commentators on image and the value of a personal brand.

She recognized developing a personal brand has value for everyone in all aspects of their lives. A study by Harvard University determined a long-lasting and comprehensive first impression is made within the first two seconds of meeting someone.

“Without even realizing it, you may be sabotaging your future. If you are like most people today, you just do not have the time to work on the most important part of your outer self,” says Mila.

Mila is proud of her decision to step out on her own and develop MODA with her acquired expertise. “Not having someone give you a paycheck every two weeks is definitely taking a leap of faith and I am so happy that I have – it has paid off in more ways than I could have ever known,” says Mila.

She attributes her success to dedication and belief in one’s self, a strong support group, an acceptance of criticism, the ability to be flexible, and a strong work ethic. And, praying daily.

“Don’t let anyone else determine who you are, have a strong sense of where you want to go and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t,” says Mila. “…staying true to who I am and not doing things based upon what the world sees as truth, is essential to success.”

Goal setting is also a major component to success. “Setting goals provides focus and a means to grade your success. The key is having the right goals for the right reasons.”

Networking is also necessary to success. Mila attends networking events to make friends. “… I believe in being a king maker – helping those around me to grow and succeed – inevitably, that will help me to grow, establish real relationships and succeed as well. I never really look at a room full of people and think – who can I get to hire me or to help me. I always hope I can help someone else or make a new friend.”

Mila follows the lead of women she’s never met for inspiration. “I don’t try to recreate the wheel of success, just copy it and make it my own.” For example, “Angela Ahrendts, the CEO of Burberry is doing it right. She understands business, fashion and leadership, but she balances her faith in God, her family and work life beautifully.”

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, is also an inspiration because she is confident in whom she is and what she knows, says Mila. Anna thinks out of the box, takes chances nobody else has the confidence to take, and when she falls, she doesn’t look back and dwell in those mistakes. She quickly learns and moves forward, doesn’t apologize for it, and jumps into a new endeavor. Love it.”

Two women known to Mila who have impacted her career choice and her success are her mother and grandmother.

“My mother is the hardest working woman I have ever met. She has never met a challenge she hasn’t overcome and her faith inspires me daily. She loves unconditionally, she fights for what she knows is right, she forgives without hesitation and has a heart like I’ve never seen.”

“My grandmother – I didn’t have the chance to get to know her as she died when I was really little, but her life and strength inspire me every day. She fought like a real soldier in WWII for the Serbian army – this woman defended her family, her people and her faith. She was soft yet made of unbreakable steel. She was a real woman. I have a framed picture of her with two separate pictures side by side – one is of her holding a rifle in the war, the other is of her walking down a street in Italy right after the war wearing heels and a beautiful dress – she looks like a movie star and a hero all wrapped up into one incredible package. And rightly so, – she is definitely one of my heroes.”

In climbing the Pink Ladder, it is important to keep in mind that the temporary challenges in this life are just that – temporary. I am passionate about what I do and I love helping people. I know what I am meant to be doing what I am, and that gives me strength even on days when I briefly waiver, says Mila.

“Truly, the most essential ingredient to career climbing is the knowledge that I am working in the will of God with my career.”

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Mila Grigg can be reached by visiting her website at:http://www.modaimageconsulting.com