Hi, I’m Ellen and I’m so excited to welcome you to ~DressUp StepUp~!

The biggest joy for me is being mom to my 3 adult children, all married to wonderful people. And they are giving me grandbabies! Yes, 4 boys and 1 girl! That’s one of the reasons that I am smiling!

I’ve been in women’s clothing retail management for almost 22 years, and nearly 20 of those years with Dressbarn until the entire company closed. Prior to that, I was in Christian Ministry as a profession for more than 15 years with titles ranging from a licensed minister, speaker, administrator and leader to youth, children’s and women’s ministry, and music and events coordinator.

In these two professions, it’s been the calling of my heart to love and serve others and to make a difference in their lives, emphasizing empowerment and personal growth and development. And particularly for ~DressUp StepUp~, it’s been my joy to help women look and feel beautiful and confident. I’ve helped them dress for all kinds of events - for work, for a new profession, to interview for a new job, for a party, for a gala or ball, to attend a wedding, to be in the wedding, to be the bride, for a funeral, to attend or speak at church, meetings, conferences, a date, an appearance on TV…really any and every part of a woman’s life.

A special emphasis for me is to serve our Women Veterans, Service Women, and Spouses, especially helping them transition out of the Military and into a uniform-free style. I admire these outstanding women who have given so much for us. They deserve some extra special care through their retirement journey. For many years I have walked with Women Veterans, Service Women, and Spouses through work shops, fashion shows, fundraisers, calendar shoots, and consultations. In keeping with my heart for these women, I’m pleased to always offer them a 25% discount on any Personal Service with ~DressUp StepUp~.

We are all facing a variety of changes and change can be difficult. Even when the world is not in turmoil due to a pandemic, women face many changes that we should try not to face alone. This is a moment when many women need someone to stand beside them, walk with them, even hold them up. Maybe this season is due to surgery, illness, medication, having babies, lifestyle changes, suddenly working from home, teaching children through remote school, weight gain or loss, aging, menopause, a new profession - there are so many reasons!

Let’s start a conversation about these transitions that we go through and give ourselves and each other grace and love and friendship. We can be confident and bold in who we are no matter our shape or size, so we can do with joy what we are supposed to do.

God made us on purpose and for a purpose!

So, ~DressUp and StepUp~ because it’s your time to shine!!