How do you give someone self-confidence? Why do some children seem to have an abundance of it while others struggle with it well into adulthood? At what point do adolescent girls need more than just the kind words of their parents to help combat what the “real world” dumps on them on a daily basis? It was the love of my own two daughters and the absolute passion I felt for answering these questions that were the driving force behind establishing the Fashion Focus Modeling & Finishing Program in September of 2000.

With a degree in fashion merchandising from Johnson & Wales University, the knowledge gained from being a professional model for over 25 years and the experience of raising my own three children, I felt prepared to share with other young women my personal philosophies regarding the attainment and maintenance of self-esteem and how essential it is to gaining self-confidence. As the parent testimonials and the Boston Globe article illustrate, the program has made a difference.

The Fashion Focus curriculum is based on a very simple philosophy: it is the process of learning what makes you uniquely beautiful on the inside and out along with your own acceptance and approval of the results that are fundamental elements of self-esteem. Certain classes deal primarily with outer beauty (skin care, make-up techniques, hair care) and other’s focus on inner beauty (poise, posture and confidence, personality). It is the combination of both that makes the program as successful as it has been. I am most proud of our semi-annual Graduation Fashion Shows. A portion of the proceeds from these shows is donated to charity. The idea being that giving of yourself is yet another way to discovering your inner-beauty.

Passion is a word I used to describe the inception of Fashion Focus. And passion is what still drives me today. I feel fortunate to be involved in something that I truly care about and I look forward to the continuation this journey and the possibilities that lie ahead!

Sincerely yours,

Maria Wood

Amy Brush - Instructor
Amy has been an instructor at Fashion Focus for 8 years. Her warmth and infectious laughter are just two of the many qualities she possesses. As a full time Manager at Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Amy’s leadership ability and people skills are what make her invaluable to Fashion Focus. She understands how to connect with the students and they feel comfortable with her immediately. Amy understands that the Fashion Focus philosophy is to instill confidence and self esteem in our students and does a beautiful job conveying that message.

Melissa Mallar - Instructor
Melissa has been an instructor at Fashion Focus for 6 years. She is a graduate of UMASS Dartmouth with a degree in Marketing. She is currently employed at PTC in Needham as a Business Analyst. Melissa’s high energy and sweet nature instantly appeals to the Fashion Focus students. She embodies all of the qualities and virtues we strive to convey to our girls. We are so fortunate to have her!

Kristin Dorsey – Marketing Coordinator/Instructor
Kristin is the newest member of our Fashion Focus family. She is a graduate of Hartwick College in NY with a degree in English & Philosophy. She currently resides in Pembroke with her husband and two children. As a mom Kristin understands the importance of nurturing and positive reinforcement and Fashion Focus is the perfect outlet for her. With 10 years of experience in the Sales & Recruiting field, Kristin is vital in helping Fashion Focus move forward and spread the good word about the program.

Keri Badavas - Instructor
Keri graduated cum laude from Suffolk University in Boston where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Marketing with a minor in Child Psychology. She is currently employed by Reebok International located in Canton. Keri has been involved in the Modeling industry for over 15 years, with experience in Modeling, Teaching, Pageantry and Judging. Keri started out herself in a program similar to Fashion Focus when she was a teenager. She credits programs such as Fashion Focus, to instilling in her the self confidence, inner beauty and necessary tools to be successful in today's world.