Marjorie Hunchak: 'Impacting Lives Through Volunteering'n

Marjorie was born in Belleville, Ontario and moved to Calgary in 1990. Due to health reasons, she had to retire early and found this new stage of her life very challenging. She felt that being idle was not helping her health improve. She decided to find an activity that would help her use her time positively. That’s when she found out about the option to volunteer for Dress for Success Calgary. 

Since starting to volunteer, she has found herself feeling better and enjoying the experience. She says, “I really enjoy meeting new Canadians who have come here from all over the world.”

With our clients, there is frequently a language barrier, but Marjorie says that they always find a way to communicate.

She told us, “What I love most is the pure joy I experience witnessing the transformation someone has from when they first come in after they have had their styling appointment. It's like watching a beautiful flower bloom!”

““My heart is so full after every shift, I feel pure joy. My experience has been so rewarding and truly life-altering for me.””

Marjorie feels that she has learned so much by volunteering with Dress for Success Calgary which has given her more than she could have expected. “My heart is so full after every shift, I feel pure joy. My experience has been so rewarding and truly life-altering for me.”

To those looking for an organization to volunteer with, Marjorie urges them to consider Making Changes/Dress for Success Calgary. She says, “I was astounded by how many women in Calgary require support that is provided by Making Changes and Dress for Success Calgary. For women who are seeking to further their education or enter the workforce, they can benefit from programs and services for the extra support they need to go above and beyond their career and educational goals.” 

Volunteering with Dress for Success Calgary means helping women and those who identify as women build confidence and giving them the opportunity to build a new life for themselves and their families. As Marjorie says, “Yes, it's that big!”

Thank you, Marjorie, for all that you do for us and our clients, We are so proud of all our volunteers for their dedication and commitment to helping women, those who identify as women, and teen girls in Calgary!

Check out our website for details on ways to volunteer with us: https://www.makingchangesassociation.ca/volunteer-with-us 

Linda Aldridge: 'Helping Women Feel Hopeful"

Linda is originally from Sackville, Nova Scotia, and moved to Calgary after graduating from the university. 

After reading the client testimonials, Linda was so impressed with the Dress for Success Calgary program, its impact on women’s lives, and all the better that it had to do with fashion! It was a perfect combination for Linda to sign up to volunteer as a stylist. 

Linda says her favorite part about volunteering is seeing the clients’ smiles. She told us, “Nothing short of magic happens when we find the right clothes. At that moment the clients light up, they feel good about themselves, and are hopeful about their future.”

““Clothes are a universal experience””

“Clothes are a universal experience”, Linda says. “In most cultures, no matter where you’re from, the clothes you wear and what you adorn your body with convey meaning and express who you are. And when language barriers exist, clothes can also substitute for words.” 

She added, “Everyone knows when they look good, and words are not needed to express it.” 

To those interested in volunteering, Linda shares that for her, “it’s a life-affirming experience. The gratitude the clients have is overwhelming; you can’t buy the feeling it gives you. Give it a try!”

““it’s a life-affirming experience. The gratitude the clients have is overwhelming; you can’t buy the feeling it gives you. Give it a try!””

Thank you, Linda, for all that you do for us and our clients!

We are so proud of all our volunteers for their dedication and commitment to helping women, those who identify as women, and teen girls in Calgary!

Check out our website for details on ways to volunteer with us: https://www.makingchangesassociation.ca/volunteer-with-us 

Suzette Toews: 'An Encounter With Grit and Grace'

There’s a sleek new storefront that has appeared in the semi-industrial area of 42nd Ave SE. Its contemporary black façade stands out among a dusty mix of trade suppliers and small community food stores.

It is late afternoon, and I pull into the parking stall conveniently beside the front door. The sign “INTERIOR LIVING” looms large above me as I adjust my mask and navigate my way between two tall planters bringing a much needed touch of green to this landscape, and make my way inside.

I feel like I have stepped through the looking glass! It is simply gorgeous. Light and airy, and full of beautiful and inspiring furniture and décor vignettes. Colours, textures and shapes all in harmony. The energy is tranquil and happy.

I see Suzette, elegant and as always impeccably stylish, busily discussing the next phase of in-store installations with a friend. A bar for social events – I can see this working well! It’s the kind of place you want to stay a while.

I’m curious as I watch her deep in discussion and wonder how this smart and quietly spoken woman actually achieved this. How did she create this bricks-and-mortar expression of her dreams, and not settle for less, fearful of failure, like so many?

““Setbacks and disappointment part of the growth. Evaluate the situation and learn from the experience. Cry if you need to, drink wine if you want to, but then move on.””

The soft music plays on although the store is now closed. Savouring a glass of cabernet, we find a cosy corner to relax and chat.

Suzette’s story unfolded as we spoke. Certainly not born with the proverbial silver spoon - on the contrary, her early years held something of far greater value. A solid family with hardworking parents (father a German immigrant and mother from a humble farming community in northern Saskatchewan) starting from scratch, running a family automotive-related business underpinned by what we now call “old fashioned values” and integrity. As soon as she could, she helped out in every facet of the business and quickly learned the entrepreneurial skills required.

Marriage and a baby forced change at the age of 23. No longer wishing to work full-time, she did courses and part-time work. After a few years, she found herself in the position of a single mom with two little boys.

(This is where I pause and listen for any suggestion of victimhood. Of disempowerment or helplessness……. Nothing. Not even a hint.)

“Setbacks and disappointment part of the growth. Evaluate the situation and learn from the experience. Cry if you need to, drink wine if you want to, but then move on.”

Undaunted she continued on her path.

““Clothes are really important. Be professional and take pride in your presentation. Dress for the environment – in this store the expectation for staff is a sense of style and being put together.””

Her work and career took her through a series of twists and turns, always strategically heading toward fulfilling her desire to work in the world of design. When out of her depth she attended courses, learned from those around her, and found skilled mentors every step of the way.

 “Motivation - the adrenalin comes when I am challenged and need to push myself to find solutions. Some may call it an obsession!”

Fiercely independent, endlessly curious and preferring to work as a contractor rather than an employee, the years of hard work soon started to pay off.

 “Just do what you love, and thrive. I am not motivated by money. However, it seems to follow naturally when you have passion for what you do.”

An interesting story, but I wanted more, as it is an attitude to the circumstance that influences one’s journey in life. Delving a little deeper I found honesty, integrity, and a hugely positive perspective on life.

 “Finding a work/life balance is something I continually strive for. When I am balanced, I am fulfilled. Embracing good energy and contributing to a positive work environment is key for me. Commit to learning and continual growth.”

We talked about her managing the store and finding suitable employees.

 “At Interior Living when interviewing applicants, we look for a team player with a good personality, positive attitude, enthusiastic, authentic, committed, honest, and of course fun!”

 “Clothes are really important. Be professional and take pride in your presentation. Dress for the environment – in this store the expectation for staff is a sense of style and being put together.”

Finally, we addressed the subject of women in business. As an entrepreneur, there is no limit to where she and her business partner can take this!

“This is a proud time for women. Women have power. Our business is led by two women embracing opportunity and making it happen. With our store, Interior Living, and integrated neighboring art gallery, Gibson Fine Art, we can showcase success. We employ women and the majority of our clients are women. Many are highly educated and successful. Women are supportive of each other and like to play a role in their success!”

Yes, there were times she had to cry, drink wine and get on with it. Nevertheless, the journey has brought her to the present moment and this amazing store, which I personally am in no hurry to leave, simply wanting to bask in the ambiance as I see the late afternoon sun streaming in and bathing the furniture, décor, and art in a soft and gentle light.

However, it is time to head home. Suzette stays to finish a few things and lock up the building. I drive away with a smile, delighted by time well spent.

Written by:  Mickey Foulds

“A Little Bit Of Therapy” Behind The Fitting Room Curtain With Carl Abad

You’ve browsed the racks and rails, found potential winners and head to the fitting rooms. Six items or less – the coat hangers cut into the side of your hand a little as you wait for a room. Excited and a little apprehensive, you step into that small space and carefully hang the garments on available hooks and draw the curtain behind you. Then it begins…

The glare of unforgiving fluorescent lights is not for the fainthearted. The close proximity to the mirrors in this small space makes the avoidance of reality impossible. Before long you feel defeated, slumped on the small bench looking at the enemy which has been hung limply back on the hangers, regretting every cocktail or cupcake that has ever passed your lips.

There it is. Your body is All Wrong and Nothing Looks Good. And it’s All Your Fault.

Really?

Call in the experts, because this dilemma needs some examination. I have managed to corner the ultimate guru of wardrobe wisdom, stylist Carl Abad, who for many years has been the witness and saviour of countless fitting room meltdowns.

We need to look at the causes, get a diagnosis and find a cure!

Carl smiles, “A little bit of therapy”.That’s how he defines what he does. We are sitting on a sidewalk patio in Sunnyside, sheltered by the tall red brick building from a rather chilly wind. Carl has a presence. Magnificently dressed, large designer sunglasses, bejewelled with his own unique brand of fun bling, but what strikes me is his clear and direct gaze. Confidence without arrogance. Non-judgemental. You immediately feel safe.

He explains “Retail stores are there to sell. You will be told you look great, you are excited, you purchase it and take it home. Next thing, you put it on and your friend looks at you and says ‘what on earth are you wearing?’ Suddenly deflated, you’ve lost that happy feeling and you’re left to see the truth.”

I have consulted with him in the past - a three-hour session which was infinitely more than just shopping for clothes. He is dead honest. He tells you why it does or does not work. I still feel the tug of his hand on a pair of pants he had brought me to try. I knew they looked really bad on me, and when I pulled the curtain aside Carl’s face immediately confirmed this. He touched the thick fabric which did not effectively drape or skim my shape and explained why they were wrong for me.

The pants were wrong, not my body.

Our coffee arrives, a welcome hot drink. Carl states emphatically “You are always right, because you are YOU!”  That simple comment turns it upside down. “It’s not YOU who has the problem, but rather the clothes that are wrong for you.”

The big fight is against media influence, that external yardstick by which we measure ourselves, yet which has no practical relevance. It’s an absurd, unwinnable battle often culminating in dysmorphia.

Carl’s insights continue “Understand your body in a truthful manner. Not referencing TV or magazine images. Look without comparison. When you take that away, you can love what you see. If you are already loving media images, it will be hard because you cannot match that. Have an open conversation with yourself. Out loud. Hearing yourself saying it will make it real. Constantly doing that, and not comparing, is where the journey starts.”

He repeatedly emphasises that the key is to stop comparing.  It’s an inner change we need to make. His “little bit of therapy” is bringing clarity. 

“You can only control yourself and your perceptions. Stop comparing yourself to others.”

We need to be educated by the likes of Carl. Someone who will honestly “tell you why, show you why and discuss both what is good or bad. To know the ‘why’, ie why certain items feel good. To educate you for future shopping. It is very personal.”

“You can only control yourself and your perceptions. Stop comparing yourself to others… confidence starts small and then grows to all areas of your life.”

Carl Abad

This education is critical, the missing piece. We cannot simply translate from a magazine or website. We need to understand skin tone, colour palate, technical aspects, proportions and style, as well as where to start. We also need time and focus – we do not give ourselves the time to carefully prepare and think about our wardrobes, and we neglect to edit.

He next turns to the subject of confidence. “Women dim their light, as they don’t want to be judged. When you are confident, you are not worried about the opinions of others. When you are put together well, you stand differently. Clothing is a shield. It does not change everything, but it is an extra tool. Confidence starts small and then grows to all areas of your life.”

It is empowering knowing that you look good. Another layer is added when someone tells you so – not so much for the compliment but for the feeling you have someone on your side who sees you in a positive light.

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We continue to chat. About his own journey, about success and failure (“There is no failure. You either win, or learn”), about social media and the modelling industry, about sheep in a field  (more about that another time!). I don’t want this visit to end.

Carl is hugely inspiring and delivers the unvarnished truth with grace. He helps us create better versions of ourselves, both inside and out. It would be my wish for everyone to spend time and go shopping with this wise style guru, even if just for an hour or so. It is an investment and time wonderfully well spent on something that is so much more than clothing. It is an experience that can change both your outer and inner worlds.

And in addition, at the end of it, you will walk away confidently with an outfit that your friends will applaud.

Written by: Mickey Foulds