I was incredibly lucky to find a few really talented people that all got along and liked working together. We were united by love for fashion and community. These wonderful people helped me on many of the shoots.

I wasn’t exactly familiar with Artamiss before becoming involved with NWAFW. As I said, I had already worked with Mel @ Mayapple. We got along really well and I love the one stop shop she has going with Mayapple (hair/makeup/clothes). When she asked me to put a few of the Art Amiss designers in The Window Shop, I readily agreed.

Daylight savings happened early this morning, which means MORE SUN. Fashion Week commences TOMORROW (with Shop Local Night, LBD Party @ Vetro & 3W/L’Oreal are putting on a swanky affair at Ruth’s Chris in Rogers). Mallory, who so gracefully shot these photos will be capturing “street style” Thursday-Saturday so, you know, bring you’re A-GAME.

Melissa Arens has a lot going on. In 2004 she began establishing herself as a beauty pro, and has become a prominent fixture in the
artist’ community as a hairdresser and makeup artist. Mel joined Mayapple before the salon opened in 2008. Over time, her partners moved on and she became the sole owner as well as the lead stylist. Quite the businesswoman!

Jade Terminella and her sister Lisa, opened Lola Boutique in 2004. It was one of the very first in the wave of stylish shops that opened around that time. The sisters were united by a love for simple & sophisticated clothing (and the lack of brick and mortar stores offering those kinds of options in NWA).