A team of three Islanders is shooting the pilot for a new makeover show to help people enhance their image and gain the confidence to make a career change or find a new job.
Darling, You Look Fabulous features clients before and after their hairstyle, makeup and wardrobe makeovers, and will tell their stories of adversity and success.
The production team includes Island producer and musician David Rashed, hairstylist Miguel McCristall, owner of Salon Miguel in Charlottetown, and author and artist Cindy Lapeña. The show will be filmed at Miguel’s hair salon.
The team is collaborating with PEI employment service organizations to highlight the many resources available while job searching. The team is also looking for support from PEI businesses to donate clothing, shoes, and other products, talent, and time, and who could consider helping jobless clients find employment.
The idea started with Miguel, who moved to PEI from Oshawa, Ontario and sought out Cindy to write his autobiography. In Ontario, he won awards and created and produced a TV show called Makeover Mondays with Miguel.
After he moved to PEI, he decided to do a PEI version of the show, and Cindy spread the word through Facebook and a blog.
They joined forces with David Rashed, who has a recording studio at The Guild in Charlottetown, and has a great deal of sound and video production experience. He will record the show. Cindy will take over the script writing, directing and management, and Miguel will handle the makeovers.
“We wanted to add value and novelty to the makeover idea,” says Cindy. “We decided to help people who can’t afford to get a makeover, but need a boost of confidence that can help them move ahead in their lives. If you look fashionable and confident on the outside, it helps you believe you can do more.”
They are reaching out to the homeless and to those who have experienced a major trauma and want a new start. They are also profiling people who want a job change and could benefit from a makeover to boost their confidence.
Cindy has made connections with many Island service providers. “I have spoken with Karrie MacDougal of First Impressions, which sells second-hand clothing at low prices to women who can’t afford to buy a new wardrobe.
“I have also been in touch with Blooming House, a women’s shelter in Charlottetown.
“We want to give their clients a boost with a new wardrobe and a new look that they can’t afford, so that they have the confidence to move forward with their lives.
“We have also connected with Career Development Services, and we are willing to refer clients to them after their makeovers so they can get help with writing a resumé and looking for a job. Eventually, we would like to bring in employers willing to hire our clients.”
The production team is excited about producing a TV show on PEI, and is hoping to get CBC interested in buying this Canadian content.
“There is great potential for local television telling compelling stories,” says Cindy.
Volunteers needed
The production is working with no budget at the moment, and is looking for volunteers. Production Assistants will be needed for time keeping, scheduling, continuity, and many more duties that keep the show running. “This experience will teach the volunteers about TV production and would look great on a resumé.”
There will be three volunteer positions for hairdressers and three for Aestheticians, which will be filled by students from the Private Institute of Hair Design and Aesthetics. The interns will also have the opportunity to do on the job training at Salon Miguel.
After introducing the concept on social media, there were many applications from people looking for a makeover. Video interviews with each applicant helped the team determine who was chosen for makeovers. The show, which began filming in February, includes tips on hair and makeup.
For more information, visit Salon Miguel at 236 University Avenue in Charlottetown or call 902-367-5330. Visit www.darlingyoulookfabulous.ca.
March 2020 Issue
Page 10
by Heidi Riley