Meet Anne Wilke | Personal Color and Style Consultant – Celebrator of Individuality and Curator of Confidence

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne Wilke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

To be honest I decided to open House of Colour – South Orange County on a whim. After 25 years as an executive in tech, I had an empty nest at home and was taking care of two aging parents who lived nearby.

My daughter graduated from college and needed professional clothes at about the same time my friend Karen in Nebraska purchased a franchise from a UK Company, House of Colour. So, my daughter and I went to Nebraska to get a Color and Style Analysis from Karen. What a difference it made in my everyday life! I was so surprised to learn that wearing the correct colors for my complexion made me feel better. Learning how to dress my body gave me a freedom I never had before. I was able to cultivate a closet of clothes that mix and match and now I wear everything in my closet.

Karen approached me afterwards suggesting that I purchase a House of Colour franchise. I was immediately excited and pretty much signed up on the spot. This is a job I can work around my schedule/life demands. The Color Analysis process is based on the science of color which appealed to my tech background. I was the first House of Colour franchise in California. I have now been open for 4 1/2 years. I love what I do! I get to work with women and men of all ages. It is so nice to see my clients feel good about themselves and to help them find their authentic selves.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I love what I do. It is wonderful to see clients get the same aha moment I had with my analysis. Style can be intimidating but it does not have to be if you understand some basics about yourself. My clients leave with the tools needed to look their best authentic self. I offer private and group classes.

There are 3 components to find your individual style:

1. Color Analysis: The House of Colour color analysis is based on the science of color, and by using precision dyed drapes to see how the light reflects with your complexion I can determine the best colors for you. I am not looking at your eye color, hair color or vein color. An accurate Color Analysis must be done in person in natural light. A fan with 36 color swatches is included with the Color Analysis. We will find your WOW/power colors.
2. Makeup: An application of our “90-second” makeup is a natural makeup application and is included with the Color Analysis. This includes a Dual Mineral Foundation, Blush, Mascara, and Lipsticks in the correct colors. Clients are amazed to see how the correct color makeup can enhance their natural beauty.
3. Style Analysis: I look at your body geometrics, body proportions and personality to determine a Clothing Personality that works for you. The knowledge of how to create interest with accessories and which styles of clothing works for your unique self is a confidence builder. Clients leave with guidelines on how to best dress themselves: which necklines are best, which patterns are best, tuck or untuck, where to accessorize, and many more. Wardrobe management is also discussed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

So many things to do in this area. I really enjoy having guests because I get to play tourist in one of the most beautiful areas. In no particular order:

1. Dana Strands Beach is a wonderful beach to go to for a day of sun, sand, and waves. Take a chair, umbrella, and a picnic.
2. Walk the streets of Laguna Beach. Park at the hospital and ride the free trolley into town. If it is summer, go to the Sawdust Festival and Pageant of the Masters. Drinks at the Skyloft. Dinner at Brussels Bistro.
3. See dolphins and whales on a trip with Captain Dave’s Safari. Then hang out at the Dana Point Harbor. Sunsets in the winter are amazing.
4. Take a day to go to the San Diego Zoo. Amazing animal exhibits and botanical gardens. Walk thru the artists village in Balboa Park.
5. Historic San Juan Capistrano. Tour the Mission. Drinks and bites at 5 Vines Wine Bar. Dinner at Trevor’s on The Tracks.
6. Walk down Del Mar Street in San Clemente out onto the pier and look back at the coastline.
7. Hang out at Project Social in Laguna Niguel and catch up.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have helped me the past few years to be successful. From a business perspective I would not have opened without the support of Karen Blanc at House of Colour – Karen Blanc or Linda Davis at House of Colour – Kansis City. Danyelle Perricone has provided Social Media expertise. The past few years have been especially tough on me personally and I would not have made it without my close friends: Katie, Sandy, Vicky, Rev. Dawn Vukich, Valerie, Nancy, and Renee Peyton (a wonderful therapist). Most especially my wonderful kids Laura and Peter whose love I cherish.

Website: https://www.houseofcolour.com/annewilke

Instagram: @hoc_southoc_annewilke

Linkedin: Annewilke

Facebook: House of Colour – Anne Wilke

Image Credits
Christopher and Danyelle Perricone @ Laguna Marketing and Media