MEET MARIA WARD - IMAGE CONSULTANT IN HAWKE’S BAY
Personal stylist, colour consultant, & the woman you can tell about the three pairs of pants in your wardrobe with the tags still on.
(No judgement - that's usually where the good conversations start)
How you dress is never just about the clothes. I learned that the long way.
Perhaps something's changed - your body, your work, the season of life you're in. I can help with the practical side: colour, shape, proportion, what to keep and what to let go. But I understand the deeper side too.
Because long before I was styling women through change, I was the girl at the school gate. New, again.
From blending in to standing tall
Growing up, I moved between schools constantly - always the new girl, always starting over. I learned early on how easy it was to shrink myself, to blend in rather than stand out. But at some point, I realised something had to change.
Every chapter of life has taught me something new - rebuilding confidence as a young woman, becoming a mother, moving countries, starting a business, and now navigating my mid-40s (hello, perimenopause!). And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: confidence comes from knowing what works for you - and wearing it without apology.
That understanding, combined with my background in psychology, human resources, and the entertainment industry, led me here: helping women feel good in their own skin, at every age and every stage.
It’s also why I care about the bigger conversation.
The way women are told to "flatter" their bodies, to dress their age, to fade a little quieter with every decade - I've seen what that costs, and I don't buy it. A changing body isn't a problem to dress around. It just means what worked at 35 might not work now - and something else will.
“Image is about bringing out visually who you really are, and Maria has been the perfect image strategist in my transition from admin assistant to business owner.”
— Pam Bagon
Founder of OHR, Life Coach and Women’s Advocate
Beauty queens, politicians, & women who just want getting dressed to be the easy part
I’ve worked with women at every stage of life - re-entering the 9-5, building businesses, stepping onto stages and into parliament. And while their stories are all different, one thing remains the same: when you feel good in what you wear, you carry yourself differently.
I’m a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and certified in Colour Analysis, with more than 15 years experience. But my work isn’t just about credentials. It’s about real, tangible results: helping you build a wardrobe that makes life easier.
You don’t need more clothes. You need the right pieces
Most women I work with need less than they think. My approach is about creating a versatile wardrobe that fits your life: school drop-offs and boardroom meetings, relaxed weekends and big celebrations.
And no, a personal stylist isn't reserved for the rich and famous. It's for any woman who's tired of the stress of getting dressed - with practical, sustainable choices that work at every budget.
When I'm not with clients, you'll find me at home in Te Awanga with my family (juggling everything that comes with being a mum to adult, teen and primary-aged children), practising aerial fitness, or enjoying the Hawke's Bay sun and food.
The right wardrobe isn’t about having more clothes - it’s about having the confidence to wear the right clothes.
My approach is all about creating a versatile wardrobe that fits your life - from school drop-offs to boardroom meetings, and relaxed weekends to big celebrations.
A personal stylist isn’t just for the rich and famous. It’s for any woman who wants to feel good in what she wears - without the stress. I focus on sustainable, practical style choices that make shopping easier, ensure every piece in your wardrobe works for you, and help you make intentional choices at every budget.
When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me at home in Te Awanga with my family (juggling all the things that come with being a mum to adult, teen and primary-aged children), practicing and instructing aerial fitness, expanding my wellness rituals or enjoying the Hawke’s Bay sun and food.
Let’s find your style together.
Wondering which colours bring out your best? Need a style reset? Or keen to explore style in a supportive group setting? My personal stylist services are designed to meet you where you are. No matter your starting point, we’ll work together to find a style that fits your body, your life, and your goals.