b'PROFESSIONAL PROFILEPatricia Trpanier has built a steady clientele over the years, making a name for herself as a forward-thinking stylist in Montreals fashion sceneIn 2008, she launched Trpanier Image & Style, nestled in theand shopping patterns. Pre-pandemic, her most popular service heart of Old Montreal. With no start-up investments or governmentwas the premium VIP Fitting Session, where she would shop solo for funds to tap into, Trpanier at one point had to hold down three jobsclients followed by onsite fittings. That service has moved to a video to make ends meet: bartending, working for her father, and buildingconsult model, which has proved a boon. Clients no longer have to go her styling business.to her Montreal studio in person and Trpanier saves on travelReferrals were key to her early success, as were loyal clients whotime too.had been with her for years, she says. She also leveraged the digitalTrpanier has also seen a big jump in her Wardrobe Review and marketing space by writing blog articles, which in turn improved herMakeover Combo service, which helps men make the most of their Google ranking. Most importantly, she stresses, she cooperated withexisting clothing. She takes a deep dive into their wardrobe to help a couple of other former agency stylists who agreed to help each otherclients assess whats working, what can be touched up, and what out. The three of us decided to refer clients to each other, she says.needs to go. [Some] people havent shopped since 2019, so a lot of This was a great way to build my client base. them want to go over their whole wardrobe, she explains. The hard work and perseverance paid off. They say it takes fiveUnlike some queer business owners who may face discrimination years to build a business, and I couldnt agree moreafter five years Ibecause of their sexual orientation, Trpanier says her lesbian identity was able to make a profit, have a decent salary and even buy a condo athasnt impacted her business in the least. It rarely comes up in the age of 25, says Trpanier. conversation, and when it does, her clientelemainly straight menFast forward to 2021, and Trpanier is now in her 13th year ofremain unfazed. running her own business. Loyal clients pay hundreds of dollars forI rarely discuss my personal life with clients, but when I do her styling services, and she sees about 150 clients a year. This adds uptell them Im gay, it doesnt bother them, she says. If you see a to vibrant business that allows Trpanier to do something she loveshairdresser or psychologist, would they talk about themselves the every working day.entire time? I spend about two hours a year with an average client, She takes a supportive, down-to-earth approach with her clients, aiming to show that personal styling is an option available to all andmostly trying on clothes and discussing what best suits them. I dont not just a select few. Most people dont know there is such a thing as asee why I would talk about my sexual orientation. personal stylist for real people. They think its a service that is exclusiveSimilarly, Trpanier doesnt feel that being gay has given her any to celebrities, she says, dispelling a common myth. Im really notadvantages in her business. Although she likes to joke, tongue in about a bitchy, what not to wear attitude. I have an open heart, andcheek, that her clients partners never have to worry about her stealing there is never any judgment. Its about what you do well, as opposed totheir man! what you do wrong.On the contrary, with her gifted eye for style, Trpanier is ensuring that her clients walk out of her atelier with a great look that pleases THE PIVOT everyone all-round, partners included. For her, fashion styling is aLike many businesses, Trpanier has had to pivot as a result of thelabour of love. Its all about making people look good and feel good. pandemic, which has significantly changed peoples fashion prioritiesAnd she does it well. 22| QBiz CANADA | Issue 2 2021'