This special section highlights the inspiring women shaping the future of business in Jefferson City. From innovators to industry leaders, we showcase their journeys, challenges, and successes — showing that ambition and impact go hand in hand.
The Dreams to Reality Professional Image Consultants | Dreams to Reality
Clothing Resale Boutique
At Dreams to Reality, the transformation isn’t just about clothes — it’s about confidence, empowerment, and a renewed sense of self-worth. And at the heart of this transformation are the dedicated professional image consultant volunteers, women who do far more than style an outfit. They take the time to listen, understand, and uplift, offering words of encouragement and practical advice tailored to each client’s unique journey. These volunteers serve as encouragers, mentors, and champions, ensuring that every woman who walks through the doors leaves not only with a polished professional look but also with the belief that she is capable, strong, and ready to take on new opportunities. Through their compassion and expertise, they help each client seethe powerful, resilient woman staring back in the mirror — one who is fully prepared to step forward with confidence.
What inspired the creation of Dreams to Reality, and has that passion influenced your journey as women in business?
When a woman walks through the doors of Dreams to Reality, she often carries more than just the weight of finding a job—she carries self-doubt, past struggles, and uncertainty about her future. That’s where the Professional Image Consultants step in. They don’t just pick out the perfect blazer; they remind her that she is capable, strong, and worthy of success.
“We don’t just dress women—we reignite their confidence,” says Gerri Madsen. “We look them in the eyes and say, ‘Your past does not define you. You are remarkable. And you can do this.’”
Can you share a pivotal moment that significantly shaped Dreams to Reality’s perspective or direction as a business?
“One of the most rewarding parts of being a Professional Image Consultant is watching a woman stand taller before your eyes,” says Joan Doerhoff. “Some clients arrive hesitant, their shoulders slumped, their voices barely above a whisper. But after a styling session—filled with encouragement, laughter, and sometimes even happy tears—they leave with more than just an interview outfit. They leave believing in themselves.
“There’s a pivotal moment that happens in nearly every session—the moment when a woman sees herself differently. Maybe it’s when she zips up a blazer, stands a little straighter, or catches her reflection and smiles. It’s in that moment that she realizes she is ready for what’s next.”
What role has mentorship played in making Dreams to Reality successful, and how do you all support and uplift the next generation of women in business?
Professional Image Consultants get a front-row seat to transformation. They witness firsthand how a little kindness and the right outfit can completely change someone’s outlook. Volunteers leave every shift knowing they’ve made an impact, whether through words of encouragement, a perfectly fitted dress, or simply reminding a woman that she is not alone.
“Seeing the way a woman lights up when she sees herself as capable—it’s absolutely unforgettable,” Chenae Marble shares. “You don’t need to be a fashion expert to do this. You just need a heart for lifting other women up.”
How can women secure interview and career appropriate attire with Dreams to Reality, and how can other women sign up to volunteer?
Becoming a Professional Image Consultant at Dreams to Reality isn’t just about helping someone find an outfit—it’s about helping them find their confidence. It’s about celebrating resilience, lifting each other up, and reminding women that their past does not define them. If you want to be part of this powerful movement, sign up to volunteer through the Dreams to Reality website. No fashion experience is necessary—just a passion for helping women step into their futures with confidence. When women support each other, we all rise.
(573) 681-9675 | dreamstoreality-jc.org | 500 Jefferson St., JCMO