Dress for Success Cincinnati’s StyleHER program continues to be one of our most exciting opportunities to help local women. Through this program, our clients are invited to our style studio for a personal styling appointment where they work one-on-one with a volunteer stylist to select the perfect interview outfit or 10 new outfits to get them started at a new job.
We have been so inspired by the women who have entered Dress for Success through our StyleHER program, including former client Kimberly Payne. Kimberly came to Dress for Success after being married for 28 years and raising 21 children.
“I wanted to get back into the working world after 30-years, but I needed help knowing where to start,” Kimberly said. “I’d given so much of myself to others and had no idea who I was or what I wanted to be.”
During her styling appointment, Kimberly received a new level of pampering. “The stylists made me feel like ROYALTY. Every detail was perfect - - including putting my name on the dressing room door,” Kimberly said.
After finding a stunning ensemble for her next interview, Kimberly also enrolled in Dress for Success’ HigherHER program. This career development program helps unemployed and under-employed women gain professional skills, accelerate their job search and build confidence through weekly training sessions, one-on-one career coaching and networking in a supportive environment.
Through this program, Kimberly worked with career coach Dr. Rebekah Yoxthimer, who coached her in using her skills as a licensed cosmetologist to pursue her goals. “She was so encouraging, insightful and focused on ME,” Kimberley said. “Dr. “Y” helped me realize one of my dreams is to open a hair academy. I have formed an LLC and filed a trademark name for my future business.”
Kimberly has since continued working with Dr. Yoxthimer and has also organized a women’s conference titled “Women in Flight,” for which she was the keynote speaker.
Kimberly’s experience with Dress for Success Cincinnati sparked a confidence in her to become who she was meant to be. “After 30 years being a full-time mother, I’m busier than ever,” she said. “I’ve started writing a book titled Get a One-Way Ticket Out of Your Misery and am looking forward to making MY dreams come true.”
If you are looking for the inspiration to make your ambitions a reality, let Dress for Success Cincinnati help you. We are always accepting new clients for both our StyleHER and HigherHER programs, and look forward to meeting you and helping you shine even brighter.
Contact Dr. Angela Rivers-Harper at ariversharper@dfscincy.org or 513.322.1787 to get involved!