Makeup by Apryl and local community volunteers host The New Year, New You makeover day at Step N Out Boutique

Head to toe makeover instills more than new look for YWCA Family Center resident

Columbus, Ohio - January 24, 2010 – They say that clothes don’t make the man, but with the troubled economy and so many people looking for work, it is important for those who are looking for a job to have a refined image. Unfortunately, for those who are struggling and have been out of work for a long time, buying new clothes or getting a fresh new hairdo isn’t an option. On a recent Sunday afternoon, a local fashion boutique and six volunteers in the community decided to give a makeover to one lucky resident of the YWCA Family Center, in an effort to help polish their image for job interviews and to boost their self esteem.

Candy Chenault, a 24 year old single mother of three and a resident of the YWCA Family Center was thrilled to hear the news that she was getting a makeover. She has been looking for a job for over a year. Like many others, her finances don’t allow her to purchase new clothing or pay for professional hair styling. She believes that her image, in addition to the slow economy have kept her from getting a new job. “I am so thankful to all who participated in the New Year, New You makeover day” Candy says with tears of joy. “Not only am I excited about all the new clothes and services that I received, I feel more confident about myself and that will help me feel more secure with future job interviews.”

The New Year, New You makeover day was the brainchild of Apryl Cook-Richmond, makeup artist with Makeup By Apryl. Cook-Richmond who is passionate about giving back to the community, decided to host this event to help promote personal growth, increase self-esteem, and build the confidence necessary to succeed. The women who are nominated for the New Year, New You makeover day have had their opportunities for growth limited by a variety of issues from abuse, poverty, or natural disasters.

Those who generously volunteered their time and services for the New Year, New You makeover day included: Adrienne Ruff, co-owner of Step N Out Boutique, Apryl Cook-Richmond, makeup artist with Makeup By Apryl, Aleisia the Hair Diva, hairstylist with Backstage Hair Designs, Christina Holmes and Kristin Robinson, fashion stylists with ChristinaKristin Co, Ramon Waugh, editor and media director of BrickWaugh Productions and Carlita Pitts, public relations and marketing consultant with Pink Diamond Public Relations.

“We have a commitment to give back to the community,” says Apryl Cook-Richmond. “When you have the talent and ability to help, you should and that’s exactly what we plan to do. When we are able to transform someone’s personal style for the better, it helps to boost their self-esteem and often inspires change within. Facilitating such experiences is how we give back and that is a crucial element of the New Year, New You makeover day. We are not just about hairstyles or clothing. We are dedicated to making women feel good about themselves.”

To build on the success of this event, the entire New Year, New You team plans to provide free makeovers throughout the year to those in need. If you know of someone who is deserving of a makeover, you can contact the New Year; New You team at pinkdiamondpr@gmail.com to find out you can nominate a worthy candidate.

About the YWCA Family Center: The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. To find out how you can donate or become involved with the YWCA please go to: www.ywcacolumbus.org.

About Step-N-Out Boutique: Step-N-Out Boutique is a ladies contemporary fashion and accessory boutique located on the north side of Columbus, Ohio.

For marketing or media inquiries, please contact Carlita Pitts at 614-634-0829 or via email at pinkdiamondpr@gmail.com.