Business owners put on a fashion show – Farmville

NoIt took weeks of planning, lots of organizing and a couple of prayers, asking the weather to cooperate. According to the organizers, the first Rice Fashion Show was a great success and in the end, it was all worth it.

The event held at the Sandy River Distillery on Sunday, April 16, brought over three hundred people, helping to raise money for the Rice Fire Department.

(Photos courtesy of Lily E. Photography)

“Everything came together beautifully, and we are so proud to be a part of this collaborative community event,” said Distillery Co-Owner Candace Smith. We have made many new friends, clients and colleagues! As Helen Keller once said, ‘We can do so little alone. We can do more together.

Her husband, Mark Smith, said more than 300 people attended the day of the surgery.

“It was a record day for sales and attendance to date,” said Mark Smith. “I have never seen so many local women and men in one place, smiling from ear to ear. It was really great to meet the community at our studio and it felt great.

Downtown boutiques participating in the show were Blake & Gray, Lakes on Main, Karin’s Bridals, Formals & Tuxedos, Sassy Sister Boutique, South & Wild and Tally Jewelry. The show features 18 models of different ethnicities, with six women from different local salons working on hair and makeup, starting at 10 p.m.

Something new for the area

One thing that the models and organizers said is that it is important to have such an event by bringing new things to the area.

“It was exactly what we were looking for. It was a different, fun and exciting way to introduce new fashions to our community,” said Kay Woodson. She wore many hats for the event, working both as a model and runway manager.

Several women volunteered to model at the event. For Blake & Gray Company, the team included, clockwise from left, Kylie Ramsey, Micah Clark Reed, Anna Stansfield, Caroline Colburn, Ashlyn Mullens, Kaylee Brooke Newcomb and Emily Gantt. (Photos courtesy of Lily E. Photography)

Woodson praised everyone’s work to make this happen, saying the women’s team worked together effortlessly.

“So much talent has been exposed, and I am personally grateful to be able to share my passion and knowledge of runway and fashion with others,” Woodson said. “With over 15 years of experience behind me, it was a full circle moment to be a part of this amazing production at home. This is my true purpose. I look forward to future projects in our area and helping others interested in learning more about fashion, modeling and production.

Kylie Newcomb’s business, Black & Gray Co., has only been open in Farmville for a few months, but she says the response she’s received from people at the store and at the fashion show shows what residents want.

“When we opened our doors a few months ago, I never imagined how much support we would receive from the community,” Newcomb said. “This event clearly shows how excited Farmville is to have fashion on Main Street. We are extremely grateful and excited to be a part of this amazing town!”

Lisa Tharpe echoed Newcomb’s comments. The owner of 201 N. Main Street, who helped promote and organize the event, felt it was a huge home run.

“Downtown boutiques knock it out of the park with their amazing designs and beautiful clothing and jewelry,” Tharpe said. “They showcased everything from cutting-edge contemporary dresses to comfortable casual wear to glittering sequins. We have an amazing inventory and variety to shop locally. This show proves that there’s no reason to go out of town to shop for your perfect outfit. These amazing boutiques and our full-service jewelry store have everything you need right here at home.

Tharpe added that he felt good about raising money and donations for the fire department.

With the success of this version, it’s no wonder the organizers say they plan to do at least one more show next year. A date on the next show has not been set.

Wearing some items from Karin Bridals, were Torian Alexia, Megan Clark, Lashawn Kinley, Micah Reid Clark and Caroline Colburn. (Photos courtesy of Lily E. Photography)