Makeover contest winner unveils new look at Women's Expo

The winner of a makeover contest sponsored by The Gazette, Bryant showed off her new look during a fashion show at The Gaston Gazette Women’s Expo on Saturday. She sported a red sweater and skirt from the Ruby Road collection, a new pair of rimless eye glasses and a vivacious new hairdo.

“I feel like a whole new person,” Bryant said. “I feel better about myself. I feel more confident.”

A wife, mother and grandmother from Clover, S.C., Bryant received more than 1,600 votes in an online contest for the makeover. Her husband, Eddie Bryant, had written an essay to nominate her.

After Bryant was introduced during the fashion show, her husband presented her with a bouquet of pink roses. She wrapped him in a tight hug as the crowd applauded wildly.

“He made me cry — I wasn’t expecting that at all,” Bryant said. “I know he loves me. He’s wonderful.”

Bryant was suffering a loss of self-esteem after losing her job. She’s returned to school and studying to be a teacher.

Her makeover consisted of a new outfit from Dillard’s, an eye exam and pair of Silhouette plastic reading glasses
from Summit Eye Associates, hairstyling and spa treatment from Bangz Salon Spa and a cosmetics gift basket from Mary Kay.

Hundreds of women and girls attended the inaugural Women’s Expo at The Loft @ 245 West, which featured free health screenings, demonstrations and speeches and 50 vendor booths offering jewelry, cosmetics, crafts and information about local products and services.

“I think the turnout has surpassed any expectations I had,” said Dr. Ann Hoscheit, an optometrist with Summit Eye Associates. “There is such an energy, there’s a buzz in the air. Women are standing tall and just having fun connecting with other people.”

Hoscheit spoke during a panel discussion, “Successful Women Share Their Secrets,” moderated by Gastonia Mayor Jennie Stultz. For her part, the mayor said she hopes the expo becomes an annual event.

“The astounding thing about it is in its very first year, it’s probably already outgrown itself,” Stultz said. “I am pleased and very inspired by all the women who have been served here today from all walks of life.”

The inaugural Women’s Expo was presented by The Gaston Gazette, and columnists Misty Jacobs, Vicki Shepard, Mary Neil and Bill Melton were on hand to greet loyal readers and share their expertise. Organizers were floored by the attendance and participation.

“I’m thrilled, overwhelmed,” said Sherry Collins, the newspaper’s promotions director. “I think the turnout is great. It’s just a great day for The Gazette and for women in Gaston County.”

People started lining up outside the Loft before 8 a.m., and more than 150 were waiting when the expo began, Collins said.

CaroMont Health, the expo’s premier sponsor, helped women monitor their health with a variety of free screenings.

Vendors like Doris Myers, who sells handmade purses along with bookmarks, pins and other crafts, said the expo helped introduce her products to new customers. The owner of Creative Originals by Doris said she started her small business after being laid off from her job of 25 years.

“I’ve sold a bunch of bookmarks and purses, and I’ve really enjoyed it,” Myers said. “It’s a really wonderful turnout for the first time. Everyone’s been very friendly, and really, it’s a well-done, well-planned event.”

Among the most unique products available at the expo were Myers’ stethoscope covers. She began sewing them for her daughter, who works as a nurse.

“Everything I’ve made is because it’s something my daughters asked me for,” she said. “I just enjoy making things and creating things.”

Kathy Cox, a third-grade teacher at Robinson Elementary School, came to see some of her students perform with the Perfect Step dance studio.