STRIKE A POSE? Who? Me?

Why yes…I’ll do it!! That’s what I said to a Facebook post asking for models for a re-branded salon in downtown Louisville! I asked the recruiting person if a full-figured, gray-haired, 65-year-old model was needed, I was her gal! She welcomed me enthusiastically and I marked my calendar, requested the morning off work, and looked forward to July 11 at 11am.

With my new blog image, I thought this would make for a good post. I had no idea what it would be like although many of you know I do have a modeling resume that includes a few fashion shows modeling for Chicos and J Jill. These shows went to my head and I was even recognized one time at a restaurant…okay, it was a burger joint, but the sweet woman came to our table and said, “Are you a model for Chicos?” I mean who am I to disappoint a fan. I thanked her for saying something and fought off the paparazzi who were surrounding me! HA! HA!

Seriously though, I thought why not? All sizes and ages of people go to salons so I thought it would be good material for my efforts to work towards body positivity and pull out some of my grown-ass woman bravery!

I was asked to bring four outfits and a bathing suit!! Of course, I had to send a note asking if a swim-dress qualified as a bathing suit and she said yes! I got my outfits together…office happy hour, night on the town bachelorette party, a casual brunch/afternoon vibe and a salon outfit…what you would wear to get a haircut. I packed up a swim dress and a bathing suit, not knowing what the set would be like!

As I gently loaded my wheeled bag, I was laughing at the craziness of all of this but it was fun to think about it. I kept telling myself, “You are 65, thriving, new attitude and you can show a lot of people that you can work a bathing suit like anyone else!

The next day, I arrived at the Salon at 11am. Wait…I mean I parked my car and sashayed down the sidewalk, pulling my bag and showing the passing traffic that I had it going on!  Then I confidently pulled on the door, only to realize it was locked and not the correct entrance. Fortunately, no one was watching (I don’t think!)  and I moved to the next door and into the Salon. I gave the assistant my outfits and she lined them up with the others. I was directed to the waiting area for the models.

Soon, we were instructed to get into our office party outfits. There were cocktail glasses and we pretended to be celebrating. Up next, the bachelorette party…laughing, toasting, hugging, and pretending to take selfies. The birthday brunch was next with balloons and cheers. There were individual shots of fake mani/pedi customers, shopping the product line, staring at bottles of lotion, getting a facial or a massage and sitting in the sauna.

The photographer was sending people home when I asked if I should change into my bathing suit. Sadly (or not) they had already gotten some sauna pictures with someone who had to leave early so they didn’t need me. I can’t say I was sorry about that, but I was ready to do it!!

I met some lovely people and I’m glad that I did it. We had fun and the photographer was easy to work with.

Did I come home with a bag full of salon products? No. Did I come home with any pictures? No, although I hope to have some pictures to show you in the not to distant future. It was a good experience and I am glad I did it.

Bottom line friends, I jumped in to an unknown situation and I pulled it off. I’m no professional model but I am available if these pictures produce more offers!! LOL!!! Stay tuned for some professional shots coming soon!! See ya next week!!  xoxoxoxoxo