http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-924275.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Landing a job is hard enough, but it's even tougher if the job-seeker doesn't look the part. Tom Flanigan reports that a Tallahassee woman is trying to give other local women the look they need to succeed.
"Dress for Success" was originally a book by John Molloy that was first published in 1975. It became the authoritative guide to proper business attire. Twenty-one years later, the "Dress for Success" name was adopted by a non-profit organization to help women dress properly for the world of business. Today, it has more than a hundred affiliates in nine countries. Wendy Hedrick knew about the organization during her college years at Florida State and hoped someone would start a local affiliate. Her interest continued even after she graduated.
"And I looked on their web site and noticed that one had not been formed yet, but that the association had said this was an area of great need based on the unemployment numbers and I thought Wow, you know this would be a great opportunity to contact them and see what we could do to start this organization here in Tallahassee."
That happened officially this past November. A few weeks ago, the program really got up and running.
"So we're here now and excited to say we suited out first nine women with Workforce Plus, so we're excited - VERY excited - to start serving the women of this area."
Hedrick says the sartorial support goes beyond the job search.
"We do two different types of suitings. We do an interview suiting where we get the woman ready for the interview; she looks great, accessories, full suit if that's what she needs, and then she can come back after she lands the job and get a few additional pieces...a couple blouses and some pants, some separates to help her build that wardrobe."
Hedrick says the local Dress for Success chapter offers more than just clothes
"Our volunteers act as personal shoppers. So you come in, you see a rack of clothes, all different sizes, all different styles for different age groups, and our girls suggest different items that would work for that woman."
Hedrick says support from the community has been astounding. The organization's storage unit in Southwood has a large selection of donated business-wear. But there's always room for more.
"We've received some great donations; donations of clothing racks and accessories as well. But we're always still looking for additional donations of clothing - especially in the plus sizes - gently used, clean clothing - dry-cleaned - and any clothing racks."
Nothing will go to waste this week, Dress for Success Tallahassee and Workforce Plus will get a second group of women suited up and ready to take on the business world. You can check out the organization's web site at dressforsuccess.org/tallahassee or link to theirs from ours.