Orange is the New Black!

The Junior Fashionista Board at Pennywise–the resale centers benefiting the Fort Bend Women’s Center–is a fantastic opportunity for students to earn service hours and learn fashion and retail skills. We talked to Jamay Fishbeck, model and volunteer Lead Fashionista, and two of the Junior Fashionistas, Shellcy Chatham and Alyssa Merlos, to get an upclose look at the program.

“We’ve taught these fabulous young women tips on fashion, trends, accessorizing, merchandising and retail,” says Jamay. “When you feel that you look good, it creates a power in yourself. It’s an image makeover. And of course that’s the mission of the Women’s Center, to promote self-sufficiency and end abuse. When you feel that you have power over yourself, you’re less likely to let others have power over you.”

Did you know you can stop by a Pennywise store and a Fashionista can help you put an outfit together? “You would be surprised what you can find!” says Jamay. “We see Max Studio, Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Hollister, lululemon and more. And we know it’s hard to put an outfit together. Orange, black, shades of reds and sheers will be hot this fall, and we can help you stay in style on a budget!”
Pennywise
Fashionista Shellcy Chatham has blossomed in the program. She’s started her own initiative, “high-low fashion.” “I look at pictures of outfits in fashion magazines,” says Shellcy, “and create the thrift store version of them with items in the store.” Shellcy’s creations are right there on the mannequins and you are free to snatch them up for a fraction of retail price!

Fashionista Alyssa Merlos is a model signed with Neal Hamil. She loved helping out in the store so much as a volunteer Junior Fashionista, she’s now an employee. “I love to meet new people,” says Alyssa. “And when I help our customers match and put an outfit together, it’s so exciting. Plus, knowing the profit goes to the Women’s Center is extremely rewarding!”

How can you help? “Volunteer. Donate. Shop,” says Joy Dowell, Director of Pennywise. “Our immediate need is assistance with our web and social media presence…a great internship for a tech savvy college student. If you know someone that fits, send them my way!”

Pennywise
Junior Fashionista enrollment is now open
for young fashionistas ages 14 to 21 and includes service hours in the store and fashion shows where the members get to walk the catwalk. Application deadline is September 11.
Contact Joy Dowelljdowell@fortbendwomenscenter.org or 281-844-4982
Junior Fashionista Meeting
Monday, September 21, 4:30-5:30pm at Richmond store

PennywiseEnjoy refreshments and learn about all the wonderful opportunities!
Richmond Store—September 16, 10-11:30am
Stafford Store—September 23, 10-11:30am
Mission Bend Store—September 30, 10-11:30am

Donations – Drop off at any Pennywise location or call 281-344-5777 for pickup
The Fort Bend Women’s Center Hotline: 281-342-HELP (4357)

Pennywise

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