Yolanda Cellucci

" Good morning and welcome to exceptional women nine gave Vernon. After 41 years in the business of making women look and feel beautiful. He alone to salute she decided to close the doors of her famous Waltham bridal beauty and health salon this summer it is the end of an error. But it's also the beginning of a new chapter for a woman who can't sit still whose energy and commitment to the community. Simply won't let her my colleague candy unitary and I wanna congratulate you'll -- and wish our friend the very best of everything the best of health. And happiness in the future and thank her for her support over the years she is truly one of a kind. So now let's go back into the archives to 2001. And my interview with you'll London salute -- Exceptional women aren't out there are some make headlines others make things happen quietly in their lives. In the -- of the people they loan. Exceptional women aren't hard to find they're you're neighbors and your friends and we want you to meet them. Good morning everyone I'm -- for -- this week's guest was one of the first women ever interviewed on the show more than seven years ago. It's time to catch up on what's new in her life and introduce her to listeners who've joined us in recent years. You may recognize her name may be seen your face in the newspapers she may have helped you find the perfect wedding dress. Perhaps you've asked for her help and she put on a charity fashion show for your organization. She is the one woman around Boston and never stands that are closet door wondering what to -- she is always dressed to the nines and usually in an outfit that you and I wished. We had a reason to wear. You'll London salute she had a dream and she seen it come to fruition and she never forgets the people along the way. Who helped her make it happen and she never passes up on an opportunity to give back to the community at march. I call her a glamorous woman both inside and out for the next half hour. You may learn a little bit more about this woman behind all the fancy clothes and hats and make up the woman who was raised in Waltham. And remembers her childhood and adolescence so fondly. Well I basically was very fortunate he's."

" Two loving parents. Did not have money or out welfare and lots along and they showed us so much -- that you could be happy with just. And with the simplest of things make things work. And I think -- strong ability of getting through tough times on bringing us in very hard time. And you know convincing us she could be anybody wanted to -- you -- have anything you wanted pitching had to earn it. That was their whole philosophy in life that you just had to get up every morning and now. And even when you didn't feel well you should still try. I mean NightCall back as -- prom dress that I won it's a band couldn't afford it and months at -- Jamaican. And idea and I actually one -- the problem say that to me also friends of mine had mr. Lambert passes. My homey John still in a mom was."

" What makes a successful businesswoman you are successful -- you have been for many years. You didn't start out with your own building you didn't start out traveling around the world buying wonderful collections you didn't start out with an worldwide reputation. How did you start out and -- get to where you are well let's send."

" Now is wanted to do but never Psycho that I basically is Canada's an account and a few new -- that that's what they did -- trade and I got married I was helping my husband doing for keeping. And then finally -- citizens financial problems started telling wigs because I had lost some of my hair and I had to style here myself to get -- to go out there and help finance the family income. And by styling weeks -- south and wearing them. Started help people less fortunate than myself people with head injuries people at hand cancer way back and and starting doing -- for the and word getting out I was doing it actually just three was just doing it to help people and someone said when they wanna try making money."

" Making money -- weeks until I read you went from salon to salon saying cannot command and style weeks for you in less than a year and a -- him 175 salons -- running all the time with two children in the car you were in school yet -- it was very difficult fondle little shop Wednesday it was in no funeral -- Brandon tonight when he and see if I could -- it's like regulate now -- my children. And that's basically -- started just selling -- And the building to support it would not be enough just to sell -- so I decided. I've -- put little beauty salon in a little trash optimal health club and make it woman's center. I tried some leasing all its but it wasn't possible no one wanted to do. Agent in the idea was good why would you put all these businesses and one building but I need to put all these businesses and building to support the -- Like decided that I take all upon myself and I hired a few friends actually they were mothers from grocery academy. Your children went there. And I asked if they want to work with me. I started off with like six -- seven girls myself carrying a whole load had an anti beauty salon in couldn't seem to make it works so. I ended up putting wing eggs under the dryer on hat boxes so it looked like there were customers that when people would call. Pretend that I could see if I could squeeze the man is so is so issuing I'm at Indian you'd look like lots -- of the tribe that they were really just the -- with -- on line and then a -- started sending me customers to pick up it rates remain. And I we showed him an outfit and -- in Tucson as used are using the exercise. In less than five years Leo now did you ever run into obstacles in terms and wanting to expand that bank would not give a businesswoman alone time to dry tons of problems they thought it was crazy back and we had no financing we did not have money yet what are more our house not and has -- because he felt that. I had a strong feeling what I want to do also he went immediately with the children we also located locally to the house because we want to children I didn't wanna be in Boston. That would be the perfect location to expand and but I had to start locally because -- it to be children home schools that they aren't to come to this line very early. Helping sweep the floor washed laundry. Us of the bathrooms you would have had to be done and then -- all hung together have dinner. It made for real strong relationship with my daughters I taught them that in -- for me to do this in for astute. Get ourselves we we wanted to be all have to pitch in his family. So is not usually and now for -- to just command washed clothes and went to drive a mindful elements that went to south supper. And we still do that I mean forty years later we're doing the same and putting together and we should tell our listeners to that -- your daughters have landed in some form of the same industry they're in fashion or when as a model one as a model she's very famous she does axle and -- and Saint John she's excellent and actually penalty Europe modeling. And the other girl designs children's -- and has stores all over the country and travels each month to one of restores."

" And my guess is they are extremely proud of -- and you're extremely proud of them environments and the whole thing started with this little unit of three kind of working together to make it happen absolutely the only way it can happen did you have to you know I talk to women every day about the fact."

" If you don't get what they want you really meets his expression south and you need to communicate. Need to tell people I mean you can't yellen Amy just have to tell looked mrs. Howard -- get a hand and it works it even with families and with husbands I mean have been married 45 years and I have talent that's what I need I may be I can't get the groceries can you pick them. Or can you possibly vacuum because I can do this and it works and and it's been a very successful marriage the whole family."

" Good morning this is exceptional women on magic -- six point 79 game Vernon. And my guest today is you'll lawn so Hamachi who'd just closed the doors to -- does in -- plan after 41 years in business. The -- you're hearing this morning was recorded. In 2001. You'll want -- would you describe yourself in other words what would be the first sentence or two the first paragraph. If you are writing a brand new -- well I I think."

" Then I'm totally different when people look at our thinking now when they meet me in order to create my business -- creation on the odds of glamour and fashion. Probably off the wall marketing went on. You know which launched the extreme to get attention dressing elaborately -- my children east you want me to drop them off around corners and nobody would Simi. When I was straps. Because they were actually a little embarrassed but yelling at you Tommy it's that you were walking billboard for -- and that's what I've done to get them out to Waltham is Austin. But to describe myself -- person -- would be important. I enjoyed my children and I enjoyed family. I love being involved I just love people love every day in my life and I I just love doing everything I -- I can't get enough of life cut it to clean. Just whatever has to be done for the day and I just half and of people. Okay tell me about your typical day I already know the answer to this that I think some of our listeners are gonna be blown way you'd get up at what I normally we get at -- little -- fines and I officially leave my my home now at quarter sexism myself on at 6 o'clock in the morning. Now we're right -- have breakfast and exercise and read the morning paper and check everything should laundries on all kind of thing and start my day that way and you see now what's happening is around 7 o'clock on my clients actually comment. Once they hear it on -- clinic at work. Or maybe they wanna exercise before -- at work and some might staff stats to arrive we officially don't open until time. That bind nine hits in full swing. We have alteration girls in May be -- contrasts for pride that couldn't human have to work and the whole day starts with appointments and doing things for charity and being involved in different organizations. Like cancer fund and the conference -- heart fund which were working. And at trying to raise money for them to sell merchandise and to make people happy. Maybe it's woman that's just needs -- special event -- she's gonna be flying down maybe it's pride. Just to -- becoming into exercise in the -- ankles until -- non."

" You mentioned a minute ago. Forty years you've been doing -- you have every rights and certainly I'm sure you would be able to be even named head of Elon does. I'm not there at 6 o'clock in the morning well I you know people -- said you'll either business but I have proven that it isn't by taking some time this year this year Palmolive -- a lot of time. We went inauguration which we -- and we came back and I we went to Vegas a couple of days has whose -- we just came back from Roman -- trip. Says historian very well I -- assign people to do an IQ. And they love that they responsibility amazing thing is. I -- that -- and the new young people hiring an aggressive and wonderful it makes me happy to know that I can I never did before. And find time. Was it heart experts yeah I was yeah I am thinking of something that Iran or silence an -- and take care of cases that does happen. People do like to see you there and they liked -- of care would you describe yourself as a tough business where. I think so I I demand certain things. From my business and form my clients I think people coming to alliances expecting a fantastic and treatment and I think should be treated and and it's very important to me people. For fast fun and perfect outfitter estimate and feel good about themselves maybe it's just signs -- it's just a week they need because. They're going to human -- whatever it and I think each day I feel very -- we're able to do that in some little way -- to your happiness and make life easier if you find somebody -- list is gonna work out so well. Is not coming -- As a so called tough business woman. What's it like I have to say -- somebody you know work here anymore it's tough I AG of the three chances and three strikes -- out IG -- amount in disgust maybe your parents maybe attitude or something that they have missed out on with a client. Or in any way that I thought expectation as they wrapped gift was perfectly whenever. But when I really find that there continue lately on caring more they're just not paying attention and time. I try to do it in nice way to let in -- give me two warnings. Is the third one in one timing with attitude if you ties likely in the 45 years as people we. Do young women come to you and say. I've always wanted to have my own business. Please tell me how do I do it what are the five key things I need to know or or what are the characteristics that make a leader in the business world. How to I have to behave what I have to do well they do in fact I."

" I teach and I'm on the border directors of several colleges and I have an honorary degree at Newbury College I am a professor Johnson and Wales and some -- the didn't have a college education makes me feel relegated. So we do hiring interns I do speak at all colleges. And I've had a great time with and so when the interns comment to work with us for a few months or if they just want a phone interview is it doing paper. I -- towns and I tell them the hard parts and easy parts. -- stress the importance of lost for you must love what you doing and I don't care if it's selling. -- is make sure you know the best -- in the best fit you know doing. -- have a real strong feeling for what you're getting into -- not just because it's money that because you love going to work. Never burn bridges I tell them union matter such again. Try to park with anyone. So what condition under the client herself and leave -- or even and lost. To make sure you leave everything on good terms always that you cannot be criticized for constantly try to educate yourself. On the looked to the new things -- you know an all in one of the key things -- finding myself things changing. And learn to accept change not fight it learn to understand that there are so many lifestyles in this world and so many tons of people. It's very important to understand and a ball -- involved means really get involved in your community. You'll feel suited I knew myself sometimes at the end of the week even if I did nothing for myself -- fine meal. And I get this little note or someone calls and says you won't believe how fantastic. The figure was dressed as for when -- It just issues -- and and I tell every girl he will be successful if you love what you do that you have to love because it's money."

" It may be time for another cup of coffee good morning everyone thanks so much for -- in this morning to magic when -- six point seven. I'm thinking Vernon base is exceptional women and this morning we've gone back into the archives to 2001. And an interview done with you'll notice of -- OK two things you just that I wanna pick up. The first one is that things are changing yes in your industry himself from the day you started. Two yesterday what are some of those changes and how difficult has and roll with the punches and what's good about those changes and what's bad what he really ache for from from days gone by. I think a little something illness of the business that I could kind. Put my hands and wait wait and every customer south is a love now I mean that's really why into this business not to do paperwork attempt. Involve myself in in the client Natalie that's likening -- the name of the business is you'll -- rice so my guess is that everybody that picks up the first calls for an appointment is really keeping their fingers crossed that you're there to greet them when -- walked in the door."

" Absolutely and I think that the joy of getting into a business is because you wanna do that when she stuck to expand. You start to hire people and now all of the things on exactly what you want to kind of hide. I think the other thing it's really really difficult is. Is understanding change you know -- people did college on like my all time employees which -- a couple of by the way that have been with thirty years. That doesn't happen because they teacher at school to just go which -- on. Years ago once they get settled in to a dominant repaid -- happy of these states ever. We are a lot of spam I'm feeling not the only -- Of people become. Hard to. Lose someone like kind of even knowing spread her wings and I bring young intern engine and a year later she says new wine and beef mine Washington whenever. I wish her well but it's revealed little action that says you know wish -- well which could stay with me -- is off and to come back. I think the biggest changes. We've addressed. Perfect perfect. -- going up and going through my business. And now it's the -- back Tatis. Each new prize and it's a whole new blank. It's it's only thirty year old employees. Then it's OK to sell her grass with a she doesn't have to have a high -- laced dress like -- Kelly and -- to go with -- and -- with the punches and hire young people that can handle that work with it and I'm beginning to enjoy it it's amazing but. It's changing time and as we have to go laughing isn't sitting here saying are you gonna ask this question and I want to deal to."

" I -- it up and not I have missed you the air. And out of OK now the funny thing I wanted."

" pick up on. On your answer few minutes ago. Is that you mentioned how important it is to get involved in the community where your businesses located it's good to know what's going on people are grateful when they see that you're involved in fundraising efforts and community charities. That has been a key thing in your life has an absolutely and it's been my joy of life because I think how I started when I go back telling the story. Was by helping people who with head injuries -- cancer patients. And that was way back van which I'm talking 35 to forty years ago where. Started giving women the chance to look their best at that time it felt down and she going to a hospital that the woman had hand injury and then had to go back to real life and could present yourself -- to giver week in style -- make up on maker feel great. I just realized how happy I was doing -- panel preschool for children on all of those charities have meant so much in for child to. Right -- it made my day back in July -- to salute Sheehan announced that she was gonna spend more time with her family. Sell the property the local developers and closed down Elon does bridal salon in law fan. For decades of an outstanding career. And here exceptional women we congratulate you Wanda and we look forward to seeing what she's gonna be doing next we come back into the archives this morning to the year 2001. And our interview with -- to salute cheat on magic won a six point seven. -- let me ask you this question what does having a sense of self mean TU I think it. In need to feel good about yourself you know it's like I used to have is saying now -- state. It women sometimes give -- an -- anything that sounds. And when you listen you're on the airlines is often a sign him and you hear. If the -- pressure is down the air pocket Mac and put denying yourself and then assist others. And they tell you because if you don't help yourself you can -- anyone else and mom Tommy along Tommy candidate. Really take care of yourself eat well I'll sleep while take care of yourself. Because now you have the energy to help someone council I have always out and need to take care of myself. So that I now. Can enhance the energy -- and he'd -- on the what do you do when you hit a snag when he -- a bad day of that week a decision doesn't go your way how'd he get past it -- sneak around it -- go over -- roadblocks in life -- you think my mom talk to you because that echoes in my hand. That it was never going to be you're actually always found that when those were her exact description she's to say that if is raining and you have something special to go. Don't worry about it because the rain brings is the sign in the rain brings makes the grass green and it grows better in the flowers look at -- because without rain it would work. And she it's night if you hit a roadblock. And go under 1500 go round -- seeking to fly about it is a way to get there inning that's why I'm always early this morning -- it on Shealy said you know allowing halftime and brought my children up that we always tell a story about -- that was really precious. You know she's a model and yelling is always taught to be extra early and timing issues be in one day she said she was extra Lisa she. Knew that I told -- that she went to. Early early appointment at Filene's and -- hill and she was sending me parent. She -- opener book and have confident she had a whole hour before the show you from here on time and all of a such a enter and exit on planes Burlington. -- Little -- If you go -- aid that's why I like to get into stores heats. What is not running -- have a chance it's. Okay now for those listening that. I assume when they see the glamorous young blonde in the newspaper that her life is indeed wonderful and glamorous. I'm here to say you're absolutely right you just get back from Rome right. What was it like what did you go for what did you do well as a -- you'll be telling I know that well I think part of ticket I checked it's your grandkids is one of our distributors can man -- the trunk show of bridal dresses which means they bring all the dresses from Europe. And we did this wonderful show when he said -- succumb to -- show for next season. In round next week and I like an average just act -- all expenses paid in. -- fly you out on line in Rome nine New York. Isaac and he's out expenses are all paid exit and flights just a Thon. A majority said in your -- knew to take. My daughter anyway -- yes that means that that could possibly take. And she loves fashion she's doing mystery school he said. Am -- to what is -- about Dimitri and I said well can I take my grandson. He's a chill you panel noticeable you dressed in pretty well me. He said okay and say within a day and a half we got and he didn't miss any school one day we left on Friday."

" And got -- Saturday morning and spent Saturday and Sunday and came back Monday and had a guy take us all in the Spanish steps to the fountain trendy. And the highlight of the trip of course was Sunday morning at the VATICAN where we were able to actually have mass receive communion in non. -- pulp and it was just -- think out of everything was just demands to share it with 212 year old so their eyes richest is a wonderful absorbing it they have not stopped talking for four days of tests and so it's. Especially black and is gorgeous gowns and it was fun to listen to -- children with daylight he had wonderful cams are becoming in the next spring and next here. And they're beautiful with Gary European fabrics and in -- very beautiful line will be successful launch."

" You know even at this point -- ever flash back to -- making that high school prom down. And say. You know -- I maybe I should get back into designing or are you did you ever take a look at this beautiful down in -- coming down the runway and I you know. -- used to do that again that might be fun."

" Absolutely I just I wish it back then we never did have. The ability to go to college we did not have the finances or anything growing out. -- you know it's like to -- has became lonely baby -- feel so bad and it's been kind of worthwhile because. I know that I look at my life I appreciate every single tank design note tucked again and here's my final question. I want to -- he averages throw wants sweat pants put on no make up at all run at the supermarket just to see if anybody recognizes all the time every Sunday morning because it showed infect the interesting thing is. Children since that day they were born because I work such tough schedule. I want to issue an airline for cancer every Saturday night east they're allowed to sleep at my house sunny morning get up and make making mouse waffles. I have his favorite kind of war. Suit like sweatsuit. And they'll make up anything and that -- great practice we make -- waffles and now it needs that there making infamy I don't -- that's kind of -- Atlantic all the challenges with kids. They just like me."

" My thanks to this week's guest on exceptional women you'll London salute chi. If you know someone who has overcome obstacles or perhaps beat the odds in the toughest of times made an impact on her community they like to hear that's."

" Regis can't tell when magic -- 67 dot com or you can write to -- exceptional women at 255. Morrissey boulevard. It's 100212. -- In nineteen -- and please join my partner candy Ontario and meet every Sunday morning at 734. Exceptional women."