Ready for your next promotion? How about a celebration for winning that new account? Meet Helen Sage Perry, advisor to a bastion of CEOs, noted philanthropists, executives, soccer moms and dads and the kids they coach. A corporate and personal image consultant since the 80’s, Helen began her business working primarily as a wardrobe stylist for men and women. Perry was a maverick in a brand new field for Houston, teaching many fledgling stylists who followed her footsteps. Her service continues to be in demand as she helps her clients address the total person and influence the culture of a company. If you have an interest you support and would like to have it highlighted, please email TanglewoodLiving@N2Pub.com
“Everyone, regardless of their position, can be at the top of their game. Whether you’re a full-time parent, an executive, a student or volunteer, sharpening a diverse set of skills will optimize your efforts and, therefore, your life. My clients receive promotions, invitations, proposals—it’s really gratifying to see!”
How can Perry help?
• Impression Management
• Executive Presence
• Communication
• Speaking
• Appearance—Wardrobe, Hair, Makeup, Grooming
• Etiquette
Why Helen Sage Perry? A two-time Better Business Bureau Pinnacle Award recipient for excellence in customer service as well as being named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women by Houston Woman Magazine, she’s been called a one-woman S.W.A.T. Team. She can come into your wardrobe and, within hours, leave you with a curated closet from which you’ll be sartorially prepared for any trip, business/social event or the season ahead. She saves her clients time, stress and resources. Even the late fashion icon, Dallas Hill, looked to Helen for her personal wardrobe selections. Julie Roberts, owner of Elizabeth Anthony says, “I have enjoyed collaborating with Helen over the last 16 years as she is a fierce and loyal advocate for her clients. It has been a pleasure to watch her in action dressing and styling her gals.”
And then there are her corporate clients…“Helen addressed our team about a year ago. She held their attention and presented important business and general life skills in an encouraging way. It was a smart business investment to have her.” –Christopher Zook, Chairman and CIO, CAZ Investments and Tanglewood resident
“The dynamic of an outside consultant addressing employees about personal topics like appearance, etiquette, behavior, speech and customer service works well. It’s difficult for a manager to tell a subordinate her skirt is too short or that he needs to lower his voice or pay closer attention to grooming. Encouraging guidance on how to consistently bring your A-game goes a long way,” explains Perry.
So, what makes Helen’s work so effective?
Gina Saour, Resident and Former President Blue Bird Circle, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary explains, “Helen gets to the heart of the matter. I’ve seen her teach residents at The Salvation Army how to dress and interview for a job. She’s clear, concise, funny and encouraging. She shows people what’s possible for them. Her presentations are worthy of any Fortune 500 company.”
A native Houstonian and seventh of eight children, Helen lived in Tanglewood with her parents, Margaret and Andy Sage. Her family had a great work ethic and understood the importance of giving back. She attended St. Agnes Academy, Robert E. Lee High School and LSU where she was a Pi Beta Phi. Her degree in Speech Education has proven valuable to clients of all ages. She coaches groups and individuals in both conversational and public speaking, helping students and adults to nail interviews and presentations.
“When our triplets, Chance, Channing and Chandler, turned eight, we hosted a ‘Helen Perry Manners Party’ for them. It was a great experience and, at 21, they still make references to things they learned. Helen has a special way to instill these important aspects of behavior in young people so that it’s fun and memorable,” recall Residents, Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse
“‘Miss Perrywinkle, as students call her, has been teaching Eticool School for children 7-17 at our Bissonnet store since 2008. Our son took her class three times! We received requests for adult etiquette classes and started offering those last year. The response has been great! In addition to dining, she teaches letter writing, which fits well with our stationery department,” says Augie Bering, V of Bering’s Hardware.
A few of Helen’s tips to improve employee performance:
- Notice your listening skills, body language, countenance and eye contact.
- Respond in positive tone and word choice.
- Consistently dress and give your very best.
- Take ownership for mistakes.
- Share praise with team.
- No phubbing (snubbing someone by being engrossed in one’s phone).
Whether you need a presenter of employee training programs, a wardrobe stylist for men and women, an etiquette instructor for children and adults or a speech coach, Helen Sage Perry will
work her magic.
For a list of tips on fine tuning your presentation, contact Helen Perry at hperry@helen-perry.com or 713.206.1800.
Photo Credit: Jack Perry
Written by: Michelle Leigh Smith