A learning experience

[CO_Bobbie]

WOW, it has been quite a day for me. As a birthday present, my wife arranged a consultation and make-up lesson at a place in Littleton (BTW, I highly recommend Hana Designs in Littleton), what an experience! I was a bit nervous about going, I had made up my mind that I was going to go dressed, the first time ever leaving the house dressed! I decided to keep it low key, a pair of tan jeans (yes they were men's, but who cares...), a white tank with lace edging, and tan sandals. It was chilly when we left, so I had a red chamois shirt on as we left. Now, I have relatively short hair and no make-up on, so I wasn't going to fool anyone. I have to say I felt strangely content, not at all concerned about being made.

So, off we went, the shop is about an hour (depending on how willing you are to speed) from where we live, we got there about 15 minutes before my appointment, I was impressed. Hana was sensitive and truly seemed to care, I felt that her only concern was making my wife and myself comfortable and at ease (Here is where I turn on my "gushing" filter, suffice it to say, she has my business for as long as she's in business!). Hana showed me several wigs, I had decided on red, both synthetics, but very realistic. The one I liked the best was out of my price range for now, the one I chose, Hana styled for me to look as good as my favorite, I think it looks awesome. Then it was time for my make-up lesson, Rachael did an awesome job, when she was done I looked pretty good.

My wife was there the whole time. This is a huge step for her, that she set this up for me is amazing, and that she was willing to go with me and stayed with me goes above and beyond. It just makes me love her more...

[Kathy4ever]

I hoped you showed your wife your thankfullness. Your wife is a treasure. Cogratulations on your birthday present. You look very pasable.

[jazmine]

That is SOOoo damn cool!....and your wife is AWESOME! I'm happy for you. I truly am! You look absolutely wonderful!

[eluuzion]

Wow, you look great!

I became aware of Hana Designs a few years ago when somebody recommended her on some CD related site I was visiting. Her business is only about 15 minutes from my house (as the crow speeds, lol) and I've driven by it many times.

It seemed like an ideal choice for a make-over, etc. because it does not "broadcast" any connection to the TG community from street view.

For me, that issue has always been one of the drawbacks to many businesses that (understandably) make it clear by business name and/or signage that they cater to TG. Those places all create a "secret mission" approach to visiting the stores (the potential of being recognized by a friend driving by on the street). Similar to visiting a porn shop without being seen...lol

Sounds like you had a great experience! I would be very interested in the ballpark cost of your "session", if you are willing to share..

[noeleena]

Hi, Bobbie.

Thats lovely those pics are so neat, do tell your S O from me.

Give her a hug from me , Hugs from a woman,

...noeleena...

[Tina B.]

Wow, my wife has given some great gifts over the years, but that is one special birthday present! Love the hair, and the make up is nice, not over done, she did a very nice job, but then she had an easy subject to work on.
Tina B.

[Andrea's Lynne]

A wonderful story and beautiful pictures to go with it. Hugs to you and your wife!!

[Jenny Doolittle]

Wow, What a great gift and a great wife!

Don't you love that more and more wives are getting it! We are just people that are a bit different, but we sure do love our spouse.

Here is hoping that someday when some one talks about coming out of the closet they will be talking about some halloween joke.

[*Vanessa*]

What a beautiful day you most of had, an experience what will always be part of you and your wife.
You are very pretty, and very complete - the hair is you all over.

[CO_Bobbie]

Wow, you look great!

I would be very interested in the ballpark cost of your "session", if you are willing to share..

The hair consultation is free, the wig I got, with styling and tax was about $220, the make-up lesson was $55... What really made the day for me was the way I was treated... The entire staff there was awesome. Their web site is: http://hanadesigns.com/

I recommend them without reservation!

[Sarah L]

All I can say is You look Great! Your pictures make me want to go there. Thank you for sharing your story.

[CO_Bobbie]

I really have to say that I really owe it all to my wife, it was an awesome day, I don't think I can remember smiling so much in years. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it

[Rachel Morley]

Wow, that is a cool story. Your wife is so awesome and you look great! The wig really suits you. Thanks for sharing

[eluuzion]

Hey Thanks for sharing the details! I learned alot from going to the website. It looks like a great local place to shop for wigs too. I recently tossed my favorite wig in the trash can at a gas station, right after a nightmare traffic stop while traveling, lol.

Her dedication to helping cancer patients with make-overs and prosthetic appliances is impressive. I have a personal preference for those retail/online stores catering to the needs of cancer patients. They seem to be more tuned into an objective of "blending in", as well as offering quality, realistic products.

Thanks again

[Stephanie47]

You have an awesome wife. Keep her close! Life is a journey best made together. And, you look great! Happy Belated Birthday!

[Cyndy]

Wow! I have an understanding wife, but I don't think that understanding! Lucky you. Happy birthday, and many more! It goes without saying... You look great!

[suzy1]

There I was, not in the best of moods. And then I read your thread Bobbie.
What a nice lift to the spirits!
I won’t state the obvious and say what a wonderful wife you have, you must know that.

You look great in your pictures too by the way. I love the blue dress, its just you girl.


A hug from Suzy to you and your wife.

[Cynthia Anne]

You're looking great Bobbie! Your greatest gift is your wife! Happy birthday! Hugs!

[liz.thomas]

Wow, you look great!

It seemed like an ideal choice for a make-over, etc. because it does not "broadcast" any connection to the TG community from street view.

For me, that issue has always been one of the drawbacks to many businesses that (understandably) make it clear by business name and/or signage that they cater to TG. Those places all create a "secret mission" approach to visiting the stores (the potential of being recognized by a friend driving by on the street). Similar to visiting a porn shop without being seen...lol

I thought of going to Hana as well but was concerned about the fact they seem to be a regular salon and being recognized, which quite frankly would suck. Do they do our makeovers in a more secluded place?

I used Phillis' Fantasies and she was great but I may try Hana sometime based on Bobbies recommendation.

Liz

[CO_Bobbie]

Do they do our makeovers in a more secluded place?

Liz, it's a regular salon, so, no it's not. I chose to go early on a Saturday morning, so there was less traffic in the store. The other thing, for me at least, is I don't live in the Denver area, so being recognized there was unlikely. What I can say is that you will not be seen from outside, at least until you leave, looking fantastic, BTW

[eluuzion]

Upon closer (images) review of the website (I got hung up looking at the cupcakes and hors d’oeuvres first look) it does look a bit too “public” for my “risk level” too. It would be nice to sit in that comfy waiting area eating deviled eggs and cupcakes…until one of my neighbors walked in…lol.

Private consultations would be a nice addition. In my opinion, it appears that service be a viable business opportunity in some larger cities, for a make-up artist interested in starting a business. If business got slow, I suppose you could supplement it with in-home dog washing service,

[CO_Bobbie]

Upon closer (images) review of the website (I got hung up looking at the cupcakes and hors d’oeuvres first look) it does look a bit too “public” for my “risk level” too. It would be nice to sit in that comfy waiting area eating deviled eggs and cupcakes…until one of my neighbors walked in…lol.

Private consultations would be a nice addition. In my opinion, it appears that service be a viable business opportunity in some larger cities, for a make-up artist interested in starting a business. If business got slow, I suppose you could supplement it with in-home dog washing service,

What you might do is stop in in guy mode and look around.... It is close to Halloween, if you're seen, you could always claim you were looking for the perfect wig for that killer costume

[kimdl93]

You have a great wife...obviously. I really like the wig in your pictures - it looks great with your facial structure and coloring! Good choice! Now get out and have fun with that wonderful woman.

[Kittyagain]

Bobbie, that is just grand. You can see the happiness in your pictures.

Kitty