SIS founder dresses women in need for success

"Our goal is to assist as many women who need our help," said Kendall. "The women we work with are abused, homeless, recently incarcerated, recovering from addiction, displaced homemakers or other dysfunctional situations. To serve them and help them be self sufficient citizens allows positive effects on their children, families, friends and ultimately the community."

SIS operates its own boutique-style showroom where clients can come for consultations and shop for professional clothing. Each client receives a full one-hour fashion consultation by a trained professional. The consultation covers identifying body type, styles that flatter it, fashion personality and what makes the client feel confident. A color analysis, cosmetic makeover, interview etiquette, haircut and about four outfits are also part of the process. All are free of charge, according to Kendall.

Clients are referred from a job placement service, social service agency, crisis hotline, church or law office. Clients must be female, disadvantaged and looking for work. After the referral is sent, an appointment is scheduled, Kendall said.

SIS began as an outgrowth of a different organization called Elegance in Style.

"Two colleagues and I formed EIS about 10 years ago before we formed SIS," said Kendall. "We found that once women could identify their personal style that they began clearing their closets of unnecessary items and asking us what to do with them. After hearing this over and over coupled with the problem that we were not reaching one important segment of the population, the poor."

Kendall used the basement in her house to start SIS. They would bring the clothing to clients at their referring agencies.

Fashion has always been a big part of her life, Kendall said.

"The study of image has always intrigued me," added Kendall. "People are visual and judge by appearances. My passion for fashion and the desire to share it matched with a community need lead me to created Success In Style."

Kendall was recently selected as one of the three finalists for the Volvo for Life Awards, under the category of quality of life. The Volvo for Life Awards is the largest national search for everyday heroes. The winner of each category will be presented with a $50,000 contribution to the charity of their choice. The overall winner will receive a new Volvo every three years for life and be named Americas Greatest Hometown Hero. To learn more about the awards, visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com.

"Humbling," said Kendall about her reaction to being considered a hero. "I am thrilled though to be able to show that one does not need to be extraordinary at all in order to accomplish extraordinary things."

Kendall visualizes an even larger SIS program in the future.

"Our future looks much like it does now except that we expect exceptional growth," said Kendall. "Outreach to the many area organizations that could refer clients is a priority. As we grow, a larger space will be necessary. When this happens we will choose a facility on a bus line and one that is handicap accessible."

SIS posts a 90% success rate from clients who fill out their questionnaire.

"We accomplish our mission of helping disadvantaged women reclaim their identity by helping them se how special they are," said Kendall. "We treat them with affection and respect. Our office reeks of style and professionalism so that they begin regaining their confidence the moment they walk through the door. We also take the time to emphasize the value of the work they do, whether they will be employed as a cleaning woman, teacher, nurse or corporate employee."