In our day-to-day lives, most of us encounter situations in which we may feel slightly inadequate. A new style clinic, MTStyleClinic, the brainchild of Nirvana Azzopardi and Francesca Rizzo, offers the possibility of redeeming ourselves. Sandra Aquilina talks to NIRVANA AZZOPARDI about the only finishing school in Malta

What sparked off the idea for this course and what are its

general aims?

I think that the original idea came from the fact that I personally really wanted to do this sort of course myself, but there were none available in Malta. When I was in Sydney I came across a few, but they were so expensive! After doing a fair bit of research, the idea sort of crept in slowly. If there isn’t a course available – make one! So Francesca and I set out to source the best people in each field to deliver the workshops. The general aim is to empower women. I believe that we are the more giving of the sexes and don’t concentrate on ourselves as much as we should, especially when we become mothers! This is a course by women for women who want to invest in themselves... and have some fun! More than anything, it is a fun night in with the girls, picking up some useful tips on the way. I am a firm believer in continuing education. I am always looking for new things to learn. This course offers an introduction to many topics, like manners and etiquette, health and nutrition, skin care, wine appreciation, assertiveness and so much more. We hope that this will entice the girls to want to keep on learning about each subject on their own after the course is over.

Do you often notice women who make social blunders or underutilise their potential?

I wouldn’t say that I notice others making blunders any more than I do! However, when it comes to underutilised potential, the answer to that is a big YES! I very often meet people with such incredible inner and outer beauty, which is somehow not allowed to shine through. I really believe that self-confidence is key. I think that a lot of what people judge as beauty is, in fact, confidence. At StyleClinic we work very hard to achieve a healthy self-confidence.

Although the Maltese might make an effort with their appearance, manners are definitely not very high on our agenda. What do you think of Maltese manners in general?

I do not think that we are any worse off than other cultures. Except maybe when it comes to greeting each other, in shops, in the street even. However, there are a few points that I find particularly sore. Our wedding etiquette and our volume! In fact foreigners have trouble believing that we are having a chat – not a full-blown argument sometimes!

Did you ever find yourself in embarrassing situations and how did you get out of them gracefully?

I am a firm believer in honesty being the best policy. Our human nature sets us up for making mistakes, the important thing is to accept when one has made a mistake, apologise and most importantly learn from it. I also think that the ability to laugh at oneself can be a lifesaver.

How has the response to your first course been and what types of participants has it attracted?

The response has been overwhelming! Our first course was booked before we started our advertising campaign! All the women who are attending the first course are lots of fun, very intelligent and interesting and although they come from all walks of life, they are nearly all professionals. I think that what sets them apart is the desire to better themselves, a quality I admire immensely. At the time of writing we have only had one session, that on manners and etiquette by Gloria Mizzi. I find her totally inspiring, and by the reaction she got from our students, I don’t think that I am the only one!

Do you have plans for future courses?

The course we are running now is the first and will be the basic course, which will run again. However, we are presently working on follow-up courses to this one. Topics will include DIY for women, the history of jewellery, alternative medicine… well. I don’t want to give too much away! We are also working on day and weekend courses and on a course for men. The basic StyleClinic course is Lm80 for the 12 sessions and is held at the Dermalogica Institute, Mosta.

More information and an application form can be found on the website www.mtstyleclinic.com or by calling 7979 4242.