Five Monroe women, who each know how to put their best foot forward, are helping other women who need a leg up.
They’ve organized Freshen Up Your Image With Monroe’s Main Makeover for Sept. 15.
Women may submit a 500-word (or shorter) essay about why they or someone they know deserves a makeover. Entries are due Aug. 20.
For more information, call Paula Fortier, 360-805-5136.
There will be first-, second- and third-place winners. The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 package including clothing, shoes, jewelry, photography services, a hair salon visit, makeup, skin and spa products, and a dining certificate. Second-place receives $350 in gifts and services, and third place receives more than $175 in services and gifts.
The idea took shape during the Valentine’s Day sales season.
“Some of the women met through business organizations and three of us through another combined business promotion,” said Sharon McGill. “We find that combining our efforts builds loyalty in the business community.”
Business owner Paula Fortier, Main Clothing Company, 202 W. Main St., was raised in a family of entrepreneurs with strong work ethics.
“I have been in retail for 22 years and clothing and gift sales for 16 years,” Fortier said. “The goal I have for my business is not only to be successful but to also help women to feel good and gain confidence.”
She prides herself and her staff on providing customer service and a great inventory.
“I meet and talk to many women throughout my day — and so many that I just see around town,” she said. “I try to help any lady who walks into my store with their clothing, accessories, or maybe their confidence and outlook for themselves. I always want women to see themselves the way others see them.”
Fortier wants women to walk into her store and feel kindness, helpfulness and joy.
She visualized the event with Jodi York, who owns The Hair Depot at 321 N. Lewis St.
“I have had a lot of fun serving women for 30 years in hair styling,” York said. “When a woman feels great about her hair, she feels good about herself.”
Her goal is to read someone’s style or to help define a style with them, she said.
“My satisfaction comes when I have met that goal and there is a great transformation.”
The winner will be treated to a photography session with Kayla Bosma, Kayla J Photography, 304 W. Main St. She graduated from the Seattle Art Institute with a degree in photography. She opened her studio in January.
“I am just starting to build my clientele in Monroe,” Bosma said. “I feel that it is important that people have current pictures of themselves and their loved ones, so that you can have lasting memories of the special events in their lives.”
Health, wellness and entrepreneurial pursuits have been the focus of life for Sharon McGill, Arbonne International consultant and executive area manager.
“I am thrilled that I will be providing healthy product choices to the winning contestant,” McGill said.
She will give Swiss-formulated, made-in-America skin care, makeup and spa products.
McGill taught physical education and health, managed a travel industry franchise, and provided administrative assistance to other employers before she retired in 2005.
“I wanted to do something to help women and make a difference,” she said. “I chose to build an online business out of my home. My business gives me the privilege to help women dream again and reach their goals.”
She said she hopes the makeover will be a life-changing experience for the deserving woman. She worked on the event with DoQuyen Huynh, who owns Basil and Chives Vietnam Cuisine at 114 N. Lewis St. with her husband, Canh Pham.
“I come from a disadvantaged refugee family and have lived most of my modest life surrounded with the kindness of others who helped shape me into the woman I am today,” she said. “Instilled in my converged cultural experiences are strong work ethics, family and community cohesiveness.”
She said she is excited to help plan the Fresh Image day to bring inner beauty to the surface for a deserving woman.
“I understand the effects physical image have on a woman and on those around her. Women often neglect themselves to tend to their families and loved ones.”
She is providing a restaurant gift certificate.
“Basil &Chives came to Monroe with the warm welcome of the community,” Huynh said. “It makes perfect sense that we are a part of the Fresh Image to share with others what was shared with us.”
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.
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