“Embracing Confidence Through Colour.”
In a world where fashion trends shift faster than the seasons, Sarah Alqattan (a.k.a. Colorista Sarah) stands out as a voice of authenticity, balance, and beauty with purpose. Certified by The Style Coaching Institute and holding an MSc in Fashion Management from the Rome Business School, Sarah bridges the gap between psychology, personal style, and self-expression. Her journey from a corporate geologist to a celebrated image consultant is as inspiring as it is transformative ~ a story of rediscovering oneself through colour, confidence, and compassion.
At the heart of Sarah’s philosophy lies a simple yet powerful belief: style is not about perfection, but authenticity. Through her personalised consultations and insightful colour analyses, she helps clients align their inner essence with their outer appearance, unlocking a new sense of empowerment and joy. Her work has touched the lives of many women across cultures, proving that style, when guided by self-awareness, can be deeply healing.
As she graces the September Cover of CP Magazine, Sarah opens up about her passion for empowering others, her creative process, and why embracing your “true colours” might just be the most beautiful transformation of all.
Can you share a bit about your background. Who is Sarah beyond ‘Colorista Sarah’?
Beyond “Colorista Sarah,” I am a woman passionate about self-expression, growth, and authenticity. I come from a corporate background as a Geologist, and I am also a proud mother. Yet my heart has always been drawn to colours, style, and the psychology of how appearance shapes our confidence. I’m a lifelong learner who loves beauty, travel, art, animals, and meaningful conversations. At my core, I believe in empowering others to embrace who they are and shine unapologetically.
What inspired you to pursue certification from The Style Coaching Institute, and how did that shape your career?
Honestly, it started as something very personal. At a stage in my life, I felt a bit lost and disconnected from myself. I found myself buying clothes that I never wore because deep down, they didn’t suit me or reflect who I was. I wanted to rediscover myself, so I turned to The Style Coaching Institute because it blended fashion with psychology. It wasn’t just about clothes, it was about self-awareness and healing. I enrolled to do it for myself first, to rebuild that connection. After the certification, I naturally began helping friends and family who were also searching for their authentic style. Seeing their transformations was so rewarding that it organically grew into a career. What started as a journey of self-discovery became a career as a Style Coach, guiding others towards confidence, clarity, and joy through style.
How do you define the role of an Image Consultant and Style Coach in today’s fashion landscape?
Today, the role extends far beyond picking outfits. It’s about helping people navigate a noisy, fast-changing fashion world and find their authentic voice. We act as guides, showing clients how to align their external image with their internal values, career goals, and lifestyle.
Can you walk us through a typical colour analysis session. What’s your approach?
I always begin with a conversation to understand my client’s personality, lifestyle, and goals, because colour isn’t just about looks, it’s about identity. From there, I use the Four Seasons Analysis as my foundation, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, each defined by undertones, depth, and intensity. To make it more precise, I further divide the seasons into 12 sub-seasons, which capture the nuances of warmth, coolness, lightness, and darkness. During the session, I place different coloured drapes under the client’s face and observe how their skin, eyes, and features respond. The right colours bring out radiance and harmony, while the wrong ones can drain or overwhelm. My approach is both scientific and intuitive: it combines the seasonal theory with my trained eye and personal dialogue. By the end, clients leave with a customised palette – their exact “season”. which becomes a practical and empowering guide for clothing, makeup, and accessories.
What has been the most surprising or rewarding reaction from a client after undergoing your styling or colour coaching?
I’ll never forget when a client looked in the mirror after her colour session and said, “Wow, this is the first time I realise how black actually looks bad on me! I never thought I could look amazing in other colours beyond neutrals.” That lightbulb moment of discovering new possibilities is so rewarding to witness. Once you see your true colours, life will never be the same.
How do you integrate body-image psychology into your consultations, as emphasised by your training?
I emphasise kindness towards the body. We talk about body shapes not as “flaws” to fix but as unique silhouettes to celebrate. I use language that uplifts rather than criticises. By reframing body image through style psychology, clients learn to dress in ways that respect and honour themselves.
Your MSc in Fashion Management from Rome Business School adds a unique edge. How does academic insight inform your practical services?
My MSc gave me a strategic perspective, understanding fashion not only as an art but as a business. It taught me how trends are born, managed, and sustained globally. While studying, I had the privilege of working with professionals from fashion capitals like Rome and Paris, which exposed me to diverse styles, cultural influences, and international best practices. That experience sharpened my global outlook and gave me the tools to create services that are structured, trend-aware, and professional, while still deeply personal for each client.
Can you describe the transformation from mindset to wardrobe that clients usually experience with your guidance?
At the beginning, many clients feel uncertain, saying things like, “Nothing looks good on me” or “I don’t know what suits me.” Once we uncover their true colours and style personality, something shifts, they begin to see themselves with new eyes. Their wardrobe starts reflecting that change: pieces they once ignored suddenly feel right, and shopping becomes exciting instead of stressful. The transformation isn’t just about new clothes; it’s about new energy. When the mindset changes, the wardrobe naturally follows, and together they create lasting confidence that radiates in every area of life.
Are there signature techniques or tools you rely on, like the classic colour wheel, to tailor style and colour advice?
Absolutely, the colour wheel is a timeless tool, but I go beyond that. I rely on the 12-season colour analysis system, customised swatch books, and style personality frameworks that I’ve refined through my practice. I also use body-shape mapping to balance proportions and highlight natural beauty. Most importantly, I use colours not only to enhance appearance but to deliver a message and uplift emotions. For example, a powerful shade can communicate authority in a boardroom, while a softer hue can project warmth and approachability. These tools are not just technical; they become a language that helps clients see why something works for them, while also aligning how they feel with how they want to be perceived.
How do you stay current with fashion trends while ensuring your clients find a style that’s timelessly theirs?
I don’t believe in chasing trends for the sake of it instead, I focus on timeless elegance and personal authenticity. I use trends only if they add value to me and truly suit my personality, colours, and lifestyle. That’s why self-knowledge is the foundation: once you know yourself, you can filter trends and only take what enhances your style. I also encourage clients to invest in pieces that last quality items that reflect their season and personality because those become the building blocks of a wardrobe that is both timeless and empowering.
In your experience, how does dressing well impact a person’s self-confidence and day-to-day life?
Dressing well is a form of self-respect, it changes how you see yourself and how others respond to you. When you wear colours and styles that harmonise with who you are, you radiate confidence without needing to say a word. It’s very much like the Italian philosophy of fare bella figura making a beautiful impression, not just through appearance, but through presence and elegance. Even small details, like the right shade near your face, can lift your mood, your energy, and the way you move through life.
What has been your most memorable styling challenge, and how did you overcome it?
One of my most memorable challenges was working with a woman who had just gone through a divorce. She felt like she had lost not only her partner but also her identity and confidence. Her wardrobe was full of neutrals and oversized pieces that hid her rather than expressed her. Through our sessions, we introduced colours and styles that highlighted her natural beauty and reflected her inner strength. By the end, she looked so radiant and beautiful, almost like a new version of herself and seeing that transformation was truly unforgettable. Women in general might go through several life-changing events like weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, or becoming a mother that affect how they see themselves. My role is to help them reconnect with their beauty and confidence through style, no matter what stage of life they are in.
Since certifications from The Style Coaching Institute emphasise global standards, how do you adapt your services to local culture and client needs?
I respect cultural values and modesty preferences while still bringing international flair. My clients in Kuwait and the region often want elegance, modesty, and sophistication, so I adapt silhouettes and colour palettes that honour local norms while keeping them modern and stylish.
Do you offer virtual or in-person consultations, and what are the major differences in how you approach each?
Both. In-person consultations are immersive clients feel fabrics, see colours live. Virtual sessions, however, are flexible and accessible for international clients. I adjust by using digital palettes, detailed pre-session questionnaires, and follow-up guides so clients still get a personalised experience.
What trends in colour analytics and personal styling are gaining momentum in 2025, in your view?
AI-driven colour matching is becoming more popular, but it’s not always the most accurate nothing can replace the human eye and intuition in seeing how colours truly interact with someone’s features. Capsule wardrobes built on seasonal palettes and sustainability are also trending, as clients look for timeless and versatile styling. Many are even following the “Colour of the Year” method, weaving it into their wardrobe or makeup choices. Overall, the focus is shifting towards intentional colour using it to express identity and uplift emotions.
What role does social media (like your Instagram) play in shaping your personal brand and attracting clients?
Instagram is my storytelling platform. It allows me to share not just fashion tips, but my philosophy and personality. It creates trust and relatability, and many clients find me there already feeling connected before they even book a session. For me, it’s always a work in progress evolving as I do, which keeps it authentic and real.
Who are your style icons or biggest inspirations in fashion and image consulting?
For fashion, I’ve always admired Audrey Hepburn for her timeless elegance and Zooey Deschanel for her playful, feminine, and authentic style. In image consulting, I look up to Rana Harake for the way she inspires and creates a sense of community for other style coaches, making the field stronger and more supportive.
How would you describe your own personal style?
My style is feminine at its core, always carrying an elegant touch. At times it leans vintage, sometimes romantic, and other times I bring in more colour depending on my mood. It’s a balance of timelessness with little twists that keep it personal and true to me.
What are your other hobbies?
I love travelling and exploring artistic places that spark my creativity. The sea is my happy place, and hiking helps me reconnect with nature. Designing clothes is both a hobby and a passion, and of course, my pets are my daily dose of love and joy.
Your message for us at CP magazine.
My journey began from a place of being lost buying clothes that never truly felt like “me.” Through style coaching, I discovered myself again, and what started as a personal healing path grew into a career of helping others do the same. My message is simple: style is not about perfection, it’s about authenticity. When you embrace your true colours and dress for the person you are becoming, you unlock a confidence no trend can give you. Dress for the life you want because once you see your true colours, life will never be the same.
“Dress for the life you want – once you see your true colours, life will never be the same.”
Thank you for giving me the chance to share my journey.
