When Dawn Lytten, the winner of the Toledo Free Press New You Makeover Contest, walked into Salvatore Capelli Hair Spa & Beauty Lounge, her hair was L’Oréal’s Maple Brown. But when she left, her hair was a blond-flecked red that her hairdresser deemed “Boom Chicka Boom Boom.”

Lytten, a music teacher at Burroughs Elementary School in Toledo, was one of more than 50 entrants in the New You Makeover Contest organized by Toledo Free Press. Entrants described why they needed to start 2013 with a boost of confidence.

For her entry, Lytten wrote a poem:

“This year’s almost over and I’m in a rut

the makeup is saggy, the hair needs a cut./

Watching to see what this new year could bring a boost of confidence might be just the thing./

Look in the mirror and like what I see

makes life much easier, don’t you agree?/

I am a teacher and need to get through

the rest of the year, without being blue/

A smile on my face, a song in my heart

this new look afforded will be just that start./

Take that good feeling and share it each day

help make others happy will be my way./

I hope you will choose me, help in my quest

to wake up each morning and be my very best!”

“I thought, ‘Oh boy, this could be a good way to get started for the rest of the year.’ So I sat down and wrote a poem,” Lytten said. “I write a lot of little things for school so that’s where it comes from. Music has a lot of poetry in it.”

Cindi Britt, who has owned Salvatore Capelli for 12 years, restyled and cut Lytten’s short hair. She said haircuts and other services can improve a person’s confidence.

“It’s definitely a boost. Even every four or five weeks when my regular clients come in, it’s like they walk out walking on sunshine. They just feel more confident and happy. [Clients] get their little zing back in their step,” Britt said.

Natalie Pohorecki, the makeup artist for “Makeup Monday” segments on “WNWO Today” did Lytten’s makeup, which included airbrushed foundation. Makeup can make someone feel more confident about putting themselves out there, she said. Pohorecki, who has been doing makeup for 14 years, said she tried to give Lytten a makeup routine she could keep up with.

“I want to keep it easy and something she’ll be able to do every day,” she said.

Lytten, who also received a manicure/pedicure, teared up upon seeing her transformation.

“Oh my! I look so good, I’m gonna cry,” she exclaimed after the reveal. “Boy, my husband better take me to dinner tonight.”

Several community members partnered for the contest. Estate Jewelers donated a two-carat diamond and sterling tennis bracelet. Salvatore Capelli donated products and a purse in addition to the services provided. Hollywood Casino Toledo donated a dinner for two at Final Cut Steak & Seafood. Jennifer Volker, manager of the CHANEL counter for Dillard’s, also donated products.

For more information, visit bridalmakeupbynatalie.com and “Salvatore Capelli Hair Spa & Beauty Lounge” on Facebook.

Tags: Cindi Britt, Dawn Lytten, Estate Jewelers, Hollywood Casino, Natalie Pohorecki, Salvatore Capelli

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013 at 5:32 pm and is filed under Star.
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