New to Market Days this year is a makeover competition, in which five women and one man will be pampered and primped for a day, then model their new looks for all of Concord to see.
Each contestant will be paired up with a team of downtown businesses – salons, spas and clothing retailers – and get a new hairstyle, outfit and makeup.
They’ll reveal their new looks on the main stage on Saturday at 1 p.m. before a panel of five judges, who will decide which look they like best.
The judging will focus on three points, including how dramatic the transformation is, if the new style can be sustained with the participant’s lifestyle, and how well the pieces of the look fit together.
Here’s what we learned about the ladies and gentleman participating when we sat down with them last week:
Janis Hansen
Hails from: Concord
Years young: 40
Team: Artistic Touch Salon; Gondwana Divine Clothing Co.
Why do you want this makeover?
I have been a single mom for about 15 years . . . and now I need to think about myself. (I want to) learn how to do my hair, makeup and walk in heels!
When did you become dissatisfied with your look?
I wouldn’t say I was dissatisfied, but I know I could look better. I will be more satisfied if I looked more like a professional lady and less like a tomboy.
Which part of the makeover are you most looking forward to?
A new hairstyle. I think that can change the whole look of a person.
Crystal Kennard
Hails from: Concord
Years young: 28
Team: Family OutFITters Thrift Store Boutique; Salon K
Why do you want this makeover?
Because I don’t ever do anything for myself. I’m a single mom with three daughters and I need a new look.
When did you first become dissatisfied with your look?
For the last couple years. I’m getting older and want to look more mature. . . . I’m a lot younger than some of the other mothers and want to start looking more my age.
Which part of the makeover are you most looking forward to?
The hair. I cut my own hair because I don’t have the money to have it done professionally.
Jessica Fredette
Hails from: Concord
Years young: 27
Team: Dress for Success Boutique; Lia Sophia; Pure Indulgence; Salon K
Why do you want this makeover?
To try a new look. . . . Salons are expensive and I’ve always wanted a professional’s opinion on hair and makeup.
When did you become dissatisfied with your look?
I’ve always wanted to have a makeover. I watch the makeover shows all the time . . . . With my hair getting so much longer, it’s a pain to take care of.
Which part of the makeover are you most looking forward to?
A new hairstyle and learning about makeup.
Alex Lee
Hails from: Concord
Years young: 35
Team: American Barber Studio; Britches of Concord
Why do you want this makeover?
I’m running for state rep and I think it’s important to put my best foot forward. . . . Some advice would be nice.
When did you become dissatisfied with your look?
On the Fourth of July, at age 35, I was chewed out by my father for not combing my hair before coming to breakfast.
Which part of the makeover are you most looking forward to?
The straight razor. And a close shave.
Steph Murray
Hails from: Hillsboro
Years young: 36
Team: Bead It!; Capital Cuts; Fabulous Looks Boutique; Lotions n’ Potions
Why do you want this makeover?
Because I lost 105 pounds and I’m still losing. . . . I want a new look to go along with the new me.
When did you become dissatisfied with your look?
I’ve always been dissatisfied. . . . When you stay at home (as a stay-at-home mom) it gets worse!
Which part of the makeover are you most looking forward to?
The clothes.
Tara Lemire
Hails from: Milford
Years young: 27
Team: Breathe Esthetics Spa; Christian Michael Salon; Lost Your Shirt
Why do you want this makeover? I’m a stay-at-home mom with two kids. It’s easy to get frumpy. It will be nice to feel beautiful for one day.
When did you become dissatisfied with your look?
Probably when I was huge with my son. I thought I was never going to look the way I did before I was pregnant.
Which part of the makeover are you most looking forward to?
The results. I’m just looking forward to a new look. And being pampered; that’s cool, too.
