Feng Shui Consultant

A feng shui consultant uses the ancient Chinese art of feng shui (which means “wind and water”) to help businesses and homeowners recognize the most ideal directions and placements for items in their personal space. The thinking behind this is that if your belongings are in perfect alignment with unseen forces of nature, allowing the positive ?ow of life-giving “chi” energy throughout, then you will have a healthy and prosperous life in that space. To achieve the most positive ?ow of chi, you’ll need to first help your clients identify and remove clutter, so that you can actually see where the best locations are for the remaining “intentional” possessions. This can be a fun and very challenging business for those who enjoy improving other people’s lives. You can really make a difference in the way they live, simply by advising them on the best confi gurations for their meaningful possessions, as well as the virtues of a clutter-free life!


You really don’t need much to be a good feng shui consultant, since most of your trade depends squarely on your knowledge and ability to convey that wisdom effectively to clients. You might benefit from having a computer to help you stay on top of feng shui news and trends. If you follow the traditional school of feng shui, you will be using a compass much of the time to determine ideal directions for furniture placement.


Referrals will be a significant source of income for you, especially in your start-up phase. You would do well in the beginning to network as much as possible with architects and interior designers, but you may also consider offering yourself as a speaker at local libraries and events as a way of getting your name out there. Many feng shui consultants are also teachers of this ancient art, so you should definitely consider offering courses through community centers or adult education programs.

Approx. cost of start-up: $500 to $1,500


Approx. potential earnings: $40,000 to $65,000


Typical fees: $100 to $150 per hour consultation fee


Where to promote: Local business and real estate publications, networking with interior designers and architects, Web site, referrals, teaching community college courses


Qualifications: Training and certification from a bona fide school of feng shui would be helpful


Things needed: Compass, cell phone, possibly a computer for research if desired


Required staff: No


Hidden costs: Subscriptions and membership dues, continuing education