Ali Pierce Jefferson
Age: 20
Occupation: College Student
Why did she want a makeover? I am a college student, and as much time as I put into studying and working I just don’t have time at all for myself.
Ali was nominated by her mom, Michelle, who wrote: I would like to nominate my 20-year-old daughter, Ali, a full-time student at the University of Central Arkansas. She has battled liver disease for the past four years and is in remission. She is always smiling and encouraging those around her. She has spent her free time at Camp Aldersgate, helping others, and she started a charity called Cuddles for Comfort that takes toys to children at children’s hospitals. She is the definition of perseverance.
Megan Hudson and Abby Williams from Studio West helped me choose an outfit that was comfortable, but a little dressier than my everyday attire. Carly at Studio West cut several inches off my hair, which made me feel lighter and refreshed. I absolutely loved my time at Studio West! They really made me feel comfortable, and I had a ton of fun picking out an outfit and getting my hair done.
Shopping had the biggest effect on me. I normally choose the most comfortable and easiest option when it comes to what I wear every day. Megan and Abby helped me find the perfect option that mixed comfort and cute. They also gave me a store credit, so I was able to purchase the outfit I wore for the photo shoot for nothing at all! It has definitely challenged me in thinking a little bit more when I’m out shopping to not go only for comfort!
We then headed to King Dermatology/Restore where I had my makeup done. I’ve only had my make up done a couple of times so I went in a little nervous, but they made me feel right at home.
The day was almost an out-of-body experience! I never get to go shopping, or get my hair and makeup done, so I was really excited.
“Ali was just glowing after her makeover,” says her mom, Michelle. “She spends so much time doing for others, being a daughter, sister, wife, friend and student that it was nice for her to be able to have a day that was all about her.”
WHAT DID SHE WIN?
Hair cut and style, clothing for photo shoot, and a gift certificate from Studio West
It was so much fun to help Ali pick out her cute, trendy clothes! She was so sweet and looked fabulous in everything! — Megan at Studio West
We had a ton of fun picking out outfits! It was so enjoyable getting to spend time with her! — Abby at Studio West
Ali was so sweet and easy to work with! We had a blast! She’s a beautiful girl and so deserving! — Carly at Studio West
bareMinerals makeup application for photo shoot from King Dermatology/Restore
Ali was a very sweet and precious young lady. She has a warm personality and seemed to be enjoying herself, although I’m sure the day was quite overwhelming. Her reaction to the makeup, once it was completed, was one of satisfaction. You could tell that it made her feel complete, as any woman does when she has applied the finishing touches. I hope that Ali already knows what a beautiful woman she truly is. She was a joy to visit with, and we wish the best for her in her new ventures. — Elisa, Rachel, and the staff at Restore
UPDATE… On Ali’s Health and Cuddle’s for Comfort
My life for the most part is school, work, and my little puppy. I got married in May, and am loving married life. I’ve got one more year of school left, and am absolutely ready to start life after college! I have autoimmune hepatitis. My body sees my liver as a foreign object and constantly attacks it. It’s something I will have my entire life, so we monitor it through blood tests. I’m currently climbing back to health after a spike in levels this summer.
Cuddles for Comfort is an organization I started my sophomore year of high after my first stay in Arkansas Children’s Hospital. I had a roommate who was nonverbal, a foster child with no family to visit her. She had round-the-clock nurses who sat with her, and I just couldn’t imagine being in there with no real sense of comfort. So Cuddles was born, I started fundraising like crazy and was able to provide bears for Arkansas Children’s Hospital, local children of our community such as Hayden Padgett, and also for the ambulance division at Baxter Regional Medical Center.
Since I’ve been in college, Cuddles for Comfort has come to a temporary stop. I’m a full time student, and have not been able to devote time to another successful fundraiser. I’ve had a new project in mind for some time and plan on getting back to it once I graduate in May. M! October/November 2016
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