Morocco B. Assouline always aspired to be a physician, since his early days at Brother Rice High School and even for his first three years at Loyola University where he took pre-med courses.
"There was never a question about that," Assouline said.
But then he suddenly decided to take a break, reflect and make some major life decisionsand coincidentally move to Europe, enrolling a year later at the American University of Paris.
"My parents were and still are the best and completely supportive. I was supposed to go [ to Paris ] for six months, but that turned into seven years," Assouline said.
He found his true calling in Paris, where he started his current careeras an image consultant and personal brand manager.
"I realized that medicine was no longer my career path and, I'll be honest, I had no idea that this would become my career," he said. "I now oversee the image and wardrobe needs of my clients, so they can easily handle all the other important aspects of their busy lives. My clients vary across the board; it's not only high-net worth individuals who seek [ my ] service, but also every day working-class individuals who deem it necessary to pursue their lifestyle goals."
Assouline and his crew at Chic Restraint, Inc., supervise all of his clients' image and wardrobe needs. From everyday purposes to special events, Assouline and his team create cohesive looks that fit his clients' personalities and lifestyles. Services include wardrobe consultations, personal shopping, hair styling, makeup, and even etiquette coaching for international and domestic protocol via Modet, Inc.
"It's a lot of fun, but it is work. It is more than having an eye for style which is a huge mistake commonly made," Assouline said. "It is a business [ and ] this is truly my passion.
"In the beginning, the parents of school mates and other acquaintances would request that I accompany them on shopping excursions and merely give my opinion. Eventually, a good friend commented that I should consider it as a career."
Assouline laughed, but followed through.
"I'm just here to assist people actualize their very best person," he said.
So, was it the right decision walking away from the Dr. Morocco title?
Yes. "I've never looked back," he said.
THE STATS
Age: 35
Neighborhood: South Side of Chicago
Job title: Principal and image consultant/personal brand manager at Chic Restraint, Inc.
Education: Sorbonne and American University of Paris
Relationship status: Single
Hobbies: The arts, jogging, yoga, traveling, dining out, spending time with friends
Favorite local restaurant: Blackbird
Favorite TV show: Selling New York
Photos from Morocco B. Assouline