Trying to figure out what women want can be complicated, but organizers of an event in Parksville appear to have found some of the right pieces to the puzzle.
There were complementary makeovers, plenty of delicious appetizers, cocktails, shopping opportunities for clothes, shoes, bags and accessories, a fashion show, door prizes and even pole dancing demonstrations at the first annual What Women Want event April 25 at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre (PCCC).
The evening was all about having fun and there has been so much positive feedback from those who attended that organizers are considering hosting another event in the fall.
Carmen Christensen, event c-ordinator for the PCCC said they had about 350 guests and 60 vendors for the ladies night out and chances are their next one will be sold out.
“I have been getting e-mails from people who said it was fun and asking when we will be doing it again,” admitted Christensen who added, “we want it to be an annual event and spring is the perfect time for it.”
She said she’s delighted how successful it was considering they only started planning for it in February.
“We pulled it together in a short time. It kind of took on a life of it’s own.”
The evening included a fashion show and one of the models to walk the runway was a Parksville mom who wound up with much more than a night out.
Greta Campagnolo is a young mother to three children aged six, three and 10 months, and two stepchildren seven and 10.
She was chosen in a makeover contest initiated by Alexis Jennings and Shirra Wall, the ladies who operate Wilde and Sparrow, a hip and modern style boutique in Parksville.
Jennings said they came up with the idea of Makeover Parksville because they wanted to be able to give a deserving lady a wardrobe and style makeover.
“We wanted to give a new look and fresh start for someone who puts everyone else first and doesn’t have the time, money or know how to be the chic stylish woman she deserves to be, said Jennings.
When they received a nomination from Campagnolo’s mother, Jennings admitted their choice was easy.
The letter from Audrey Raines described Campagnolo as a busy mom who has no time for herself or money for clothes.
Jennings said after they met the young mother they were thrilled with their choice.
“Greta was such a hidden gem, behind all those sweatpants and hair was a beautiful white swan.
“She truly is a stunning woman inside and out … we felt very honoured to give this mother a fresh new start.”
Campagnolo had been wearing hand-me-downs and the makeover came at a perfect time for her because she is going into business for herself and was in need of an updated look.
Not only did Campagnolo get a closet full of new clothes, she got a new hair style and make up application at the Mi by Kiyo salon in Parksville and spa treatments including a manicure and a brow wax by Synergy Day Spa.
Campagnolo who participated in the fashion show looked right at home on the cat walk was genuinely grateful for her special treatment.
She said she was honored to be chosen and added everyone involved made her feel special.