The Art of Personal Branding

How Wendy Hunt Transformed My Look and Elevated My Brand

A couple of months ago, Wendy Hunt from Nectar El Dorado Hills reached out to me, wanting to collaborate her services with Impact & Influence Magazine. My first thought? Here we go again—someone looking for something for nothing. I’ve been in business long enough to know that when people reach out with a collaboration idea, it often means they want free advertising or exposure without offering anything in return.

Still, I agreed to a meeting, keeping an open mind. To my surprise, Wendy wasn’t pitching a free ad or a feature. She had something entirely different in mind—something that, frankly, I hadn’t considered before. She wanted to elevate me. Not just my look, but my entire image. She understood that I wasn’t just the publisher of Impact & Influence Magazine; I was the face of it. And if I was going to be at the forefront of a brand that represents success, influence, and leadership, my personal style had to reflect that at all times.

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

When I walked into Nectar El Dorado Hills for our first sit-down, I was prepared to show Wendy photos of the styles I liked. I had taken screenshots from my social media, a collection of haircuts I thought suited me best. But as soon as I started explaining what I wanted, Wendy shook her head. She had other ideas for me.

That’s when I felt the tension build inside me. I’m not used to people telling me no—especially when it comes to something as personal as my own appearance. I know what I like, I know what works for me, and I wasn’t exactly looking for someone to tell me otherwise.

But a colleague had recently given me some solid  advice: Let the experts do what they do best. So, despite my initial resistance, I kept my thoughts to myself and let Wendy take full creative control.

That’s when the magic happened.

A Cut Like No Other

No clippers. No rush job. Just a master at work with a straight razor and scissors, sculpting my hair like an artist working on a masterpiece. I’ve had plenty of haircuts from stylists before, but this experience was different. Wendy wasn’t just giving me a trim—she was crafting a look.

As I sat in the chair watching the transformation unfold, I found myself surprised. I actually liked it. This wasn’t what I had envisioned, but somehow, it was better. It was precise, sharp, and refined—exactly what I needed to elevate my presence.

After she finished the cut, her assistant took me to the back to wash my hair and start styling it. This was another level of service—an experience, not just a routine appointment. The attention to detail, the thoughtfulness behind every move, was unlike anything I had encountered before.

More Than a Haircut—A Branding Strategy

But what really impressed me was the conversation that followed. Wendy wasn’t just interested in making sure my hair looked good today—she wanted to ensure that my brand always looked polished and professional. She had a strategy, a long-term vision for how I should present myself as the face of Impact & Influence Magazine.

We talked about how public figures—especially those running influential businesses—should never have to worry about last-minute styling before an event, photoshoot, or speaking engagement. A well-maintained, consistent look should always be in place. That’s where Wendy’s approach was different. She wasn’t just offering haircuts; she was offering an ongoing image management solution.

Two weeks later, I returned for a follow-up session. She wanted to see how the cut had grown in, how my hair had responded, and whether any adjustments needed to be made. She carefully examined the shape, made slight refinements, and ensured everything remained sharp and professional.

The Value of a Personal Stylist

For the first time in my career, I had someone looking out for me in a way I hadn’t prioritized before. Having a personal stylist means I no longer have to scramble before an important event or photoshoot. Wendy already has it planned. She ensures I always look my best, without me having to think about it.

This is a game-changer. It allows me to focus on what I do best—running my businesses, publishing my magazine, and producing my shows—while knowing that my image is always taken care of.

And that’s something I didn’t know I needed.

The Ultimate Professional

If you’re looking for more than just a haircut—if you want someone who understands personal branding, image management, and professionalism—Wendy Hunt is the one to see. She doesn’t just cut hair; she sculpts it. She doesn’t just style; she strategizes.

Whether you’re a business owner, public speaker, or someone who simply wants to look their best at all times, Wendy is a pro. And if my experience is any indication, once you let her work her magic, you’ll never go back to the way things were before.