Holley'sStory
| Three years ago, I created Pure Panache. Pure Panache is the culmination of 20 years of life experience and has provided me with an exciting opportunity to combine my passions, fashion and design, with my “gift”, motivating others to help themselves. A personalized boutique and fashion consulting company, Pure Panache is the result of a nearly-failed Home Economics Class (remember those?), and has lead me to the fashion markets of New York and Las Vegas. During my journey through 15 years of healthcare management, I learned first-hand the challenges of workplace fashion, the need for convenient and efficient shopping help and the importance of motivation. My experience as a “Working Mom”, after the birth of my first 3 children, helped me understand how to balance family and the workplace, and the importance of appearance for working women. After the arrival of my twins (Yes , five total!), I left the world of corporate healthcare and was led to another destination on my journey, home retailing. Five years of learning the ropes whet my appetite for fashion retailing, and I became aware of the unique advantages of trunk shows and highly individualized assessment. Affordability became a key concept. |
As a clothing retailer, I discovered that my clients needed more than a wardrobe. They needed advice about hair styling, makeup, skin care and physical conditioning. I began helping friends and my clients do “closet-cleanouts” and provided personal shopping for those with limited time. I was asked to present seminars to working women. And I learned quickly “never say never”; giving up is never a good option. I also learned that my clients developed an enhanced self-esteem, as well as enjoying their experience. It became apparent that I had an opportunity to combine my passion and gifts to create a different kind of company. Pure Panache was created to address several key concepts, or ingredients, as my Home Ec. teacher would say, Fashion, Convenience, Motivation, Importance of Appearance, Individualized Assessment, Accessibility, Affordability, and Fun!
The very name “Pure Panache” implies an attitude of style, individuality and “joie d ’vive” and represents the spirit and energy that I bring to each client interaction.
The kind referrals from many of my clients have fueled this journey with more wonderful opportunities. I have learned that most women expect the online availability of clothing and style information. Personally, I do about 75% of my own and my family’s shopping on the Internet.
The next destination for Pure Panache is the creation of an exciting, interactive website that will offer information regarding body shape analysis, fashion trends, etc., fun online tools and my unique fashion finds. My goal is to provide unlimited access to many of the new features of Pure Panache.
This journey is far from over! There will be new destinations as I learn to better serve the needs of my friends and clients. But for now, I am energized and excited about the opportunity to help others make good decisions for fashion and life that accentuate their best features. Helping make You … Simply Better!
If only my “Home Ec” Teacher could see me now!
Holley VanBenthuysen
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