Do...Be...Acheive
Shanna Moody, Executive Director, A Shining Success
Katie came out of the dressing room in classic black pants, black heels and a beautiful, jewel toned green blouse. She had a huge smile on her face and tears in her eyes. She was so happy, almost laughing and when she looked in the mirror she said "I can't wait for my daughter to see me in color."
“It’s clear by watching our clients how their experience with us affects their confidence and there are fast, visible signs that they feel better about themselves.”
When Katie came in to Shining Success, she was wearing a white t-shirt, black yoga pants and sneakers, all which had seen better days. Through the course of conversation she admitted that what she had on was the only set of clothes she owned. She had worn it to interviews knowing she didn’t look right. What bothered her more was that she often lied to her daughter. As they would head out the door somewhere and her daughter would ask if she needed to change, Katie would say they just didn’t have time.
It’s clear by watching our clients how their experience with us affects their confidence and there are fast, visible signs that they feel better about themselves. Katie made it clear to me just how we affect the rest of the family as well. Well fitting, proper professional clothing on her mother would show Katie’s daughter what a strong, determined woman looks like and it would help teach her that she could do .... be…. achieve…. whatever it was she wanted.
ACDN’s adopted motto is “Someone’s future is hanging in your closet.” For our clients, that bright future may belong to their daughter.
The mission of Shining Success is to provide professional attire, educational opportunity and inspiration to those seeking economic independence; to create a community where each person feels comfortable in their skin, confident in their abilities and competitive in the market place. Shining Success was founded in 2011 and became a member of ACDN the same year. They are now located in Claremont, NH. Find out about the ACDN Member in your community or refer an organization that might benefit from being a member of the Alliance of Career Development Nonprofits.
Contributed by Shanna Moody, Shining Success Executive Director and ACDN Board Member