M! Makeover: Lindsey Hardin

Story and Styles by Jennifer Porter | Photographed by Jamie Swetnam of Life as a Photo

“Does she need a makeover?” asked one of my colleagues when I selected Lindsey Hardin as my model for this makeover.

“Sure,” I answered. “A Marvelous! makeover is about opening a woman’s eyes to possibilities and allowing her to feel pampered. When a woman feels special, she can see the beauty within herself. We all are beautiful.”

Lindsey Hardin in a busy wife and mother. She runs Ozark Integrated Wellness Center with husband Erik, and homeschools their 4-year-old daughter, Cora. A natural foods specialist and master naturalist, she helps people develop good cooking habits and teaches them about whole foods in cooking classes and through one-on-one consulting.

Her style matches her personality: earthy and comfortable. I selected two outfits for her—something bold (a flirty tunic in an 80s zigzag pattern paired with leggings and sassy heels), and an earth-toned three-piece ensemble, more in her comfort zone but with an elegant flair (a crocheted tank with a draping vest, a full-length tie-dyed skirt, and TOMS shoes).

The photo shoot was scheduled weeks in advance, and as the day approached, I was glued to the severe heat reports. It soon became apparent the mercury would top 106 on the day of shooting! We were saved when Cindy Young let us use her Red Raven Inn in Yellville to keep from melting during wardrobe changes. Lindsey kept her cool during my constant primping, and thanks to our diehard photographer, Jamie Swetnam, and her intern, Amy, the photo shoot was still marvelous!

Lindsey’s Experience: In Her Words

During the makeover, I felt like I was just dreaming. Afterward, I had time to let it sink in and reflect on the experience. The part I enjoyed the most was meeting so many gentle and warm women!

I felt like all of the ladies were happy to make me over and wanted to brighten my day. I hadn’t really expected that. I was excited about the sincerity of the women when they were telling me, “You look beautiful. You deserve to be pampered. We are having fun too!”

All of the things I experienced that day were new to me, and I felt a real sisterhood with all the ladies. This was really important—feeling accepted.

I also had no idea I could look like that! I couldn’t stop grinning and looking in the mirror, and that is so not me! It was fun to let go and allow myself to be changed and “made over.”

I learned a lot of things about piecing outfits together, too! I loved the way Jennifer explained to me why she had chosen a piece and why she added another to make the outfit “go.”

I thought I might feel uncomfortable or fake, but I still felt like me! I felt like I was giving myself permission to be “out there” and to shine without worrying about feeling awkward. I realized I’ve been downplaying myself for many years now.

I have a lot of respect for the women I met that day, and am so grateful they took the time to share this experience with me.

It was our pleasure Lindsey.

M! August/September 2012