New Year, New You: Contest Winner Sandra Kazik
by Julie André
Years ago, Stevie Wonder recorded a song, Isn’t She Lovely? Whenever I think of Sandra Kazik, this year’s “New Year, New You” winner, I think of those lyrics. What makes Sandra so lovely? Read what her daughter Stephanie wrote as she nominated her mother for our contest:
I’m writing this to submit my mom, Sandra Kazik, for the “New Year, New You” makeover. She is 42 years old, married for 23 years and has two daughters, ages 18 and 23. She is originally from St. Bernard and now lives in Covington.
My mom is most deserving for this makeover because she is always putting others first and never thinking of herself. After losing everything from Katrina, she lived in Houston for nine months by herself to keep her job and benefits, while the rest of our family relocated to Covington. She drove in almost every weekend to see us and tried her hardest to make it to our school events. Since we moved over here after the hurricane, she still works across the lake. She leaves the house every morning at 6 and doesn’t get home in the evenings until 6.
She has a mother who is disabled and completely dependent, so when she is not doing anything for us, she will go take care of her mother so her father can have a break. The only time she has for herself is when she goes to the gym. She has recently lost 25 pounds and a makeover would definitely complete her new look. She would be so excited to have a makeover and have people take care of her for a change.
What an amazing woman! I am honored to have worked with her on this project. Sandra was selected as this year’s contest winner in September. For the following two months, she was treated like royalty by an entourage of business professionals. This makeover has been a process—Sandra’s beauty journey.
Her first stop was with Dr. Eric Tabor at Northshore Dermatology, who recommended several procedures. During the first visit, Sandra achieved a smoother-looking, more-balanced skin tone with a micro laser peel. Her skin was glowing. One week later, she had a mega peel microdermabrasion treatment. Elizabeth Graas, medical esthetician at Dr. Tabor’s office, explained that the micro laser peel is terrific for a deep exfoliation; for those individuals with non-sensitive skin, microdermabrasion results in a clearer, smoother and more radiant skin tone.
To complement her glowing skin tone, Sandra achieved a more youthful appearance with Dr. Tabor’s use of Juvederm Ultra Plus and Botox. She saw immediate results. (The good news is that the effects of Botox can last up to four months—and Juvederm Ultra Plus may last up to one year.)
Dr. Tabor gave Sandra his line of private-label skin-care products to use in her daily regimen. To be available soon, the line includes rejuvenating cleanser, which contains two percent glycolic acid to help exfoliate the skin; botanical toner, which helps to balance the skin; and Tabor-Luma, a fade cream that suppresses pigmentation while it exfoliates the skin.
Continuing on her beauty journey, Sandra made several stops at Dr. Jim Moreau’s MoreSmiles office. Dr. Moreau begins with his patients by listening to their story—how they feel about their smile, experiences that have influenced their attitudes about themselves and about dentistry and their goals and expectations as compared to reality. The second step is to assess the overall health picture and create a detailed analysis of existing conditions, symptoms and possible solutions.
When Sandra arrived at Dr. Moreau’s office, her main concern was to have the gap closed between her two front teeth. After a thorough exam, which included X-rays, periodontal screening, oral-cancer screening and assessments of jaw joints and bite, Dr. Moreau recommended whitening Sandra’s teeth first and then closing her gap with materials to match her new shade. Using an in-office power-bleaching technique, he was able to eliminate the yellowing that naturally occurs over time.
Once healthy conditions were established, Dr. Moreau was ready to address Sandra’s goal of closing the space between her two front teeth. While there are several ways to accomplish this, including increasingly popular porcelain veneers, Dr. Moreau suggested a more conservative approach. Using artistic techniques, he layered varying shades, tints and translucencies of light-cured resin to mimic her natural tooth structure as if it had always been there.
At the same visit, Dr. Moreau used the WaterlaseMD all-tissue laser to contour her gum tissue and create the appearance of longer teeth and a fuller smile. The laser is effective at gently sculpting soft tissues, but is also used in place of the drill for preparing hard surfaces of decayed teeth for restoration.
A personalized plan was made for Sandra to return for visits with the dental hygienist to ensure long-term health of her teeth and gums. She was also counseled on effective techniques to maintain a strong daily regimen at home. As Sandra stopped at Dr. Moreau’s front desk to schedule appointments, the staff couldn’t help but notice a change in her whole demeanor. They could tell a difference in her posture, poise, confidence—and her smile. Her beautiful smile!
Another transforming experience awaited Sandra at Ogee Med Spa. There, Belinda Muse, Ogee’s owner, conferred with her about the services she would receive. They decided upon the Arasys and Velasmooth treatments. The Arasys 3 machine contracts and relaxes the muscles, producing the same effect as strenuous exercise. The energy used releases the toxins stored in the fat. A loss of inches can be seen in as little as 17 minutes because of the reduction of fat.
Sandra also received a Velasmooth treatment, a non-surgical, non-invasive, no-down-time cellulite reduction system. The machine used reduces the appearance of cellulite, helping to contour the body. (It is important to note that these changes do not occur in one visit, but with commitment over a period of time.)
Those of us who work at having beautiful eyelashes will envy Sandra. Ogee Med Spa gave her latanoprost, a physician-grade eyelash product that really thickens eyelashes!
We’ve all heard the saying “No pain, no gain.” Yuck! Most people think of visits to doctors and dentists and body workouts as necessary, but not pleasant, experiences. Dr. Tabor, Dr. Moreau and Belinda made Sandra’s experiences easy. The staffs were kind, thoughtful and considerate—and their offices were beautiful! (As an image consultant, I notice manners and etiquette. On a scale of 1 to 10 for etiquette, these three providers get a 10!)
With Sandra’s body makeover in full swing, we turned our attention to shopping. In order to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, I went a day ahead to plan the outfits. I spoke with Marta Bragg of The Villa, Robin Cross at Strawberry Patch and Amanda Gibbs with Hemline. All three were excited about working with Sandra. By phone, I talked with Marci from Lagniappe Shoes and Stephanie at Shoefflé about shoes. I even went to Ballin’s to get a Spanx from Michelle, the manager.
On November 10—shopping day!—Sandra and I hit the streets running. With the Spanx from Ballin’s, Sandra now needed bras and a body-slimmer bodysuit. One can’t go clothes shopping without the proper undergarments! At 9 a.m., we arrived at Bra Genie for Sandra’s appointment with Jeanne Emory, who was knowledgeable and great to work with. Being fitted for a new bra is sometimes intimidating, but she made it easy. Within minutes of getting the correct bra, Sandra was standing taller and looking slimmer! Don’t walk—RUN to Bra Genie! Appointments are recommended.
After leaving Bra Genie, we went over to The Villa. What a great shop! Marta is talented at selecting outfits and explaining ways to accessorize them. She even demonstrated fashionable ways to wear this season’s scarves. Another service The Villa provides is hemming, something Sandra’s too-long pants required.
Our next stops on the beauty journey were the shoe stores—they were like candy stores, with so many delicious choices. Marci at Lagniappe Shoes selected the perfect rhinestone-studded black mules to pair with the plain-weave black slacks and fashionable red blouse Sandra chose from The Villa. Then we were off to Shoefflé, where Stephanie picked out a pair of silver open-toed heels and matching silver bag for a dressier look. With shoes in hand, we went on to our next stop, Strawberry Patch, where store manager Robin helped Sandra find the perfect black embossed-weave slacks and white blouse to go with her silver footwear.
From Strawberry Patch, we made our way to Southern Bridal, where owner Bonnie Berry was happy to help by providing rhinestone hoop earrings that will look great with Sandra’s outfits. The last stop on the clothing journey was Hemline, where owner Amanda offered Sandra her choice of jewelry. She made excellent choices of silver hoop earrings, silver bangle bracelets and a terrific necklace.
With bags of goodies in hand, Sandra returned home to store her fashion treasures until the fashion shoot. (Two terms I would use to describe Sandra are self-control and self-discipline. I want to wear a new outfit as soon as I buy it!)
A few days before the photo shoot, Sandra went for a hair makeover at Urban Retreat, where she gave Renee the go-ahead to do whatever she wanted. Renee gave Sandra a fashionable cut and a rich brown color that fit her personality.
Willie Nelson’s On the Road Again was playing in my head as I drove to meet Sandra at the Paris Parker salon. First, she was led to a quiet spot in the salon for a few minutes of relaxation before her manicure and pedicure. Her nails looked fabulous with fashionable red polish, a color that goes well with the outfits she selected.
Finally! The day of the fashion shoot! Once again, Renee at Urban Retreat styled Sandra’s hair. From there, Sandra went to About Face, where makeup artist Patricia Hart was so helpful. Not only did she apply Sandra’s makeup, but she also explained her product and color choices. Plus, she educated Sandra on makeup techniques so she could work the same magic at home.
As the big moment approached, I went with Sandra to help her get dressed. Abby Miller, the photographer, met us at Pontchartrain Yacht Club. What a beautiful setting for pictures! Before I knew it, the shoot was over. Have any of you ever watched ‘What Not to Wear’ with Stacy and Clinton? Sandra’s family planned their own private gathering for that evening to applaud the “new Sandra.”
Another indulgence awaited Sandra. As a special treat for the holiday season, Dr. Kelly Burkenstock provided a MesoGlow treatment for her before Christmas. This intense anti-aging vitamin and antioxidant European facial repaired, nourished and replenished her skin, and guaranteed her a glow for the Christmas season.
And there’s more. January finds Sandra beginning a six-week workout schedule at Franco’s under the direction of certified personal trainer Kevin Cavaretta. Her program is customized for her body weight by combining the Isokinetix monitoring system with appropriate equipment and movements. A workout like no other to complete her makeover experience!
Now that the New Year is upon us, what are you going to do to start on your beauty journey to the New You? Now is the time. GET READY! GET SET! GO!
