She's found success as a female entrepreneur in Yorkton and now she would like to do her part to give back. It's about women helping women and lending needed support she says.
The owner of Safire Clothing & Accessories in Yorkton - a unique designer clothing and fashion accessories shop with a funky British edge - Sophia Hamm, recently held a two day kick off event to both promo her new location as well as highlight a new addition to her space - The Caring Closet.
"We called it Swing By for Style," where ladies had the opportunity to enter for door prizes, try on some new styles, take advantage of sales and just enjoy some time being a girl.
The two-day event also provided the opportunity to bring attention to the Caring Closet and to collect clothing for it. Ladies who attended Swing By for Style were asked to bring with them if they had, donations of clean, ready to wear clothing pieces to help local ladies in need.
"The Caring Closet is a non-profit organization that helps out less fortunate women to get back into the workforce, to go to job interviews and things like that," Hamm details. A woman may need an outfit to attend an educational program, for a work placement opportunity or even as a victim of crime to attend court.
"They have to meet a certain criteria. They then come in and they are able to choose five items for free. It runs solely through volunteers, all on donations and what we're looking for is for quality women's clothing, accessories, shoes, coats and jewelry... washed and ready to hang up."
Ladies are then fitted after making an appointment.
For Hamm, it's a way of giving back after she feels she's gotten so much.
"I've always been involved in the community in one way or another and this is just one way to help give back. Yorkton has been very good to us and this is just the right thing to do. It's about women helping women."
Anyone who would like to help out with the cause can learn more by calling Hamm at 782-5222. Clothing can be dropped off during the business hours of Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For those who would like to make use of the service call 786-0559 or 786-0553 to set up an appointment.
Safire Clothing, along with the Caring Closet (in the lower level) are located on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Broadway Street in Yorkton.
stella & dot
One additional opportunity provided to local ladies who attended the Safire Swing by for Style event was the chance to learn more about stella & dot jewelry. Local, independent stylist Melissa Johnson was in attendance and ready to share her story.
"stella & dot's mission is to give women the means to style their own life so this tied in really well with Caring Closet. It's a way to help empower women and give them a flexible opportunity to make income on their own terms," details Johnson.
Carrying a host of stylish accessories, stella & dot is based out of San francisco. The whole concept began when the company's CEO started making her own jewelry. That turned into her creating pieces in her own basement and then hosting shows with her friends. She met up with a designer from New York and history was made - stella & dot was born. It's now one of the fastest growing companies in North America says Johnson.
"They named it after their grandmothers because their grandmothers empowered them and gave them the wings that they needed."
The line is a boutique style jewelry line and any woman can get involved with the company says Johnson adding, the opportunity is extremely flexible.
"I've met some great people along the way, I've learned some new skills, I've discovered a new side of myself that I had kind of pushed to the side with family and kids and activities and work," says Johnson who started her new business last fall. "I now call it a turn a new leaf fall... I'm doing things that I have never done before."
Ladies interested in learning more can do so by calling Johnson at (306) 594-2559 or by visiting: www.stelladot.com/melissajohnson.
