Magic happens when like-minded and like-hearted people combine their efforts and ideas. Walking into Beabe Gallery in North Andover, MA, I was greeted by welcoming women with wide smiles, one of them being Zena Smith, the recipient of the latest makeover conceived by Susan Caldwell of Applaud Women Magazine and orchestrated by Ellen Weinhold, Program Coordinator for Methuen Housing Authority and Susan Kanoff, a fashion coach and Program Coordinator of the N. Andover Housing Authority.

Heather Rogers, the owner of the studio and photographer extraordinaire, was capturing Zena's image before the transformation. Heather has specialized in creating magnificent photo projects of newborns or toddlers and their parents. Stunning photos of high school seniors also grace the creative and professional studio space, along with photos of Heather's own gorgeous children.

Zena had performed her own magic when she set her mind to change her life. She was inspired by the love for her child. Zena Smith, a twenty-eight year old single mother, realized that she wanted her son to have a mom who was healthy. Having worked in the medical field for seven years, battling obesity most of her life, and seeing the heath risks of obesity, Zena "woke up one day and decided to be the best role model for my son." The result is a weight loss of 220 pounds, and Zena feels great.

As Zena was being photographed, she explained how she lost the weight. "I started a 1500 calorie a day diet which included lots of fruits and veggies, and began exercising Monday through Friday." She began slowly and over a period of a year and a half increased her time at the gym to 2 hours. "I weighed myself weekly. The struggle was hard yet I am so lucky to be alive and have my health," Zena explained. She is sensitive about her stomach and yet was willing to show it to me. Her skin is now stretched from the weight loss even though it was gradual, and she feels self conscious about the extra skin in this area. Her goal is to save the money for plastic surgery since insurance will not cover this $25,000 expense that will take Zena years to save.

I fell in love with Zena immediately as do most people who meet her. Her engaging smile and authenticity draw you in. Zena is a powerhouse of inspiration and determination. Once she decides to do something, consider it done. She tells her son, Lyzarius,"We'll accomplish our goals little by little." Something she has proven many times.
Zena is no stranger to difficulties and challenges. Lyzarius provides the impetus she needs to rise above them and step into a life she creates step by step. Zena found the courage to end a fifteen-year abusive relationship with the father of her son when Lyzarius was four and half years old. "I wanted to set an example for my son to be a better man and treat women with respect and know it is not okay to put your hands on women," said Zena.

On her own, not only did Zena work to provide a home for her son, she also home schooled him through second grade. "This is Lyzarius' first year in public school. He has never been to daycare," Zena proudly told me. Zena has managed her work schedule to be home with him and also is grateful for the support of her family, especially her twin sister.

With the before photos complete, Zena and her entourage of Ellen Weinhold, Susan Kanoff, Susan Caldwell, and Cheri Valentine arrived at Bella Vita Salon & Day Spa on Osgood Street in North Andover, MA for hair color and cut. The elegant, European atmosphere of this family-owned Salon has been winning awards since 2000. Before we met with the stylist, we waited in a luxurious waiting area along with photographers and writers waiting to cover the Zena's story. Nicole Boyd was there to take pictures for the North Andover Citizen which featured the story in their paper.

Karen Hayden, Executive Director of Methuen Community Television, produces Methuen Now, an award-winning news feature program covering positive stories in Methuen, hosted by Michelle Houle. Karen was interviewing Zena with an intern in tow to capture it on film to be aired March 17th, 2010. You can see the clip at: http://methuentv.org/video.php?vid=75. It was exciting to see Zena receive so much attention.

Next we met the hair stylist, Magen Gaboury, who generously offered her time and expertise to transform Zena's dark locks. Zena's hair was so long that she was able to donate 10 inches to "locks of love" and still keep tresses below her shoulders. With the first snip of the 10-inch ponytail, Zena exclaimed with a bright smile,

"I feel like I just lost another 2 pounds."

As Magen worked her magic, mixing Redkin color fusion with dark brown and golden highlights, she explained that she had worked at the salon for two and half years and that her favorite thing about styling was seeing the changes in people. Her approach was to refresh Zena's hair color for shine and also cover the gray, adding caramel highlights. She was keeping Zena's hair below her shoulders with longer layers so she could wear her hair naturally curly, or straighten it.

While Magen applied the foils for the highlights, Zena shared more of her life with me. "I have not been dating. I spend all my free time with my son. He fills my life, is my rock." Zena graduated from a nine-month program as a medical assistant, paying the tuition on her own over a five year period. Her twin sister is her right arm, and Zena is so appreciative for her support and their relationship.

While her hair absorbed its new effect, Zena graciously offered healthy snacks to the crew watching her transformation. This young woman, who is on a financially tight budget with all earned money going to bills, generously packed a lunch basket to share.

With Zena under the dryer and then at the sink, I had the opportunity to speak with two very instrumental women in Zena's makeover. Ellen Weinhold, told me about the day that an obese Zena walked into her office and announced, "I am going to be thin. I will lose this weight." Ellen just nodded and Zena emphatically repeated, "I AM losing this weight. I want to get my life in order. Will you help me?" Ellen's response was, "If you are willing to help yourself, then yes I will support you."

That was a year and a half ago, and turn her life into order is exactly what Zena has done. In addition to losing the weight and improving her health, she has paid off credit cards and moved her son to a quiet and peaceful neighborhood. Ellen nominated Zena because she saw how motivated she is to improve her life. "Zena works hard and she does not do anything for herself. She does everything for her son and family members, and never spends money on herself. I just wanted her to be pampered and feel special," explained Ellen.

Susan Kanoff, a best friend of Ellen and Fashion Makeover Stylist, explained her role in the first part of the Makeover project. As we mentioned in Part One - Susan stepped in to work her own magic, discarding clothing in Zena's closet that no longer worked for her. Since there was no money in Zena's budget for a new wardrobe, Susan coordinated with area businesses and anonymous donors to replace the discarded clothes.

One such generous soul, Merit Tukiainen, owner of Night & Day, which sells distinctive lingerie, sleepwear, and accessories in downtown Andover, MA, contributed a number of items to add to Zena's clothing transformation. In addition to properly fitting Zena for a bra, Merit gave her a bra, body shaper, nightgown, 2 blouses, opaque tights, and a gorgeous sparkly black dress that looks like it was especially made for Zena. "I thought I was borrowing these. I can't believe they are for me!" Overcome with emotion and gratitude, Zena hugged Merit several times. "She is so sweet and appreciative. I got more hugs from Zena that day then I have in a year," Merit exclaimed. Susan also scored a handbag and silver hoop earrings for Zena from a donation by Coco Collections in Andover, MA.

In need of some new shoes for Zena, Susan asked Merit if she knew anyone who might have a pair of size 9 and half they no longer wanted. Merit generously went online to Zappos.com where she often purchases her own shoes. This time she ordered 6 pairs of shoes covering different occasions and seasons having them shipped to Susan for Zena.

Susan was also able to enlist the services of Carol O'Connell, owner of Skin Serenity Medispa in Haverhill, MA. The day before the hair and makeup, Zena enjoyed her first facial and manicure by Cindy Sturgis, a master licensed aesthetician at Skin Serenity Medispa. For Zena, who has no room in her budget for such indulgence, this was special. Her skin and eyes were glowing as she exclaimed how wonderful it was. Cindy took time to practice with makeup and colors on Zena.

As I finished speaking with these incredible women, Zena was ready for the final touches on her hair. We all watched in anticipation as Magen expertly used her scissors, then dried and styled Zena's new gorgeous hair of caramels, golds, and browns. Zena was beautiful before entering the stylist's chair, now she was stunning!

It was time to head back to the photo studio for the final touches – makeup and new clothes! Cindy Sturgess offered more of her time to create both a day and evening look. Using Jane Iredale mineral makeup, Cindy used earthy neutral tones. First, Cindy applied warm sienna liquid foundation to even Zena's skin tone, and then applied a light bronzer. A rose tone in the blush was applied to her cheeks. On Zena's gorgeous hazel and brown eyes, Cindy brushed plum in the creases, using a lighter peachy color on the lids, finishing with a light highlight just below the brow and in the corner of the eyes to open and brighten them. Black mascara and a rosy gloss to the lips completed the day look. For the evening, Cindy applied smoky black eyeliner and a deeper plum to the eyes.

A deep purple belted jacket over dark navy jeans with a spike heel boot was the first outfit that Zena wore for the photo shoot by Heather to capture the alluring transformed beauty. She then switched her top to a blue blouse with polka dots and wedge sandals. Wow, the blouse allowed Zena's rocking arms of muscle and tone to show off.

Out of the pants and into a dress that crossed between royal and navy in color over black tights and black boots with a buckle. This look can be day or evening with a switch of accessories and the addition of smoky eyeliner to the eye. The coup de gras of the Cinderella transformation was seeing Zena in the black dress from Merit. Wow! If you failed to see the natural beauty that emanated from Zena before the hair, makeup and clothes, it was impossible to miss now.

As Susan Kanoff explained, "Zena looks like a 28 year old single mom should look – youthful, fresh, in clothes that fit and reflect that she is in the prime of her life."

Zena's reaction to all the attention and change was tears of joy. "I was thrilled for someone to be able to recognize me in ways I thought no one ever did. I am so grateful. "

This single mom, who is committed to providing a good example and life for her son, deserved to be recognized. She is not finished creating her life. Zena's future goals include furthering her education to become an RN and buying her own home for her son to grow up in. Zena has proven that with a clear vision and dedication you can achieve whatever you choose.

Ginny Williams, a professional business, career and life coach in Newbury, MA, has generously offered a package of sessions to Zena. With her own resolve and the support of others, there is no doubt that Zena will continue to create the life that she envisions.

There are also plans in place for Zena to work with Cheri Valentine, a relationship intuitive and love strategist, who will collaborate with this makeover team to find an eligible prince Charming for this very deserving Cinderella.

Photos courtesy of Beabe Gallery 100 Turnpike Street, North Andover, 978-946-2000 http://www.beabegallery.com

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