A high-flying Harpenden lawyer has quit her job to become a personal stylist.

Herts Advertiser: Before Rebecca Mitchell had her colours done at St Albans House of Colour.Before Rebecca Mitchell had her colours done at St Albans House of Colour. (Image: Joanna Cross Photography)

Rebecca Mitchell initially left a career in real-estate law a decade ago to raise three children, but has recently come back to work - in an entirely different sector.

Although it takes about six years or more to become a qualified lawyer, she decided to explore new career options by drawing up a mindmap of her passions.

After identifying craft and creativity in the mindmap, Rebecca was inspired to train as a personal stylist at a Masterclass and Shopping event hosted by St Albans House of Colour.

The 42-year-old said: “There is a perception that a job like this is a far cry for someone with a blue-stocking, blue-chip background and indeed some of my old colleagues felt I was embarking on a career which simply involved encouraging women to spend money on frivolous shopping trips.

“They could not have been more wrong. I have found a job which is both purposeful and value-adding to the lives of both my female and male clients, often helping them get noticed in business and feel good in many other areas of their life.”

Rebecca said before she had her own ‘wow’ colours analysed, she thought Autumn palettes were uninspiring - but now thinks they have a magical quality.

“My mind-map passions had coincided [at the taster event]. I came home with eyes shining and full of enthusiasm and possibilities. I immediately began investigating how I might be able to train as a stylist myself.

“Everything fell into place: my husband was on-board, I successfully got though the interview, my kids were excited for me, the finances aligned and childcare during my training all slotted into place.”

Her three children are now all in school full-time - Rebecca’s job fits around family life better than a law position would.

One of Rebecca’s clients, Louisa McCabe, said: “This year I decided to have my colours done with Rebecca from St Albans House of Colour.

“The process was fascinating, and it has given me a real new spring in my step. I did it with friends and the best bit was our colour reveal and discovering our own ‘wow’ colours.

“We are so inspired we are having a colour swap clothes party.”