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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet The Neighbor – Paige Candee
By Callie Thomas
Who’d have thought that when Holly Golightly first sported the “little black dress” in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s that it would not only become a fashion classic but also the subject of the country’s first-of-its-kind Dress for Success fundraising club to assist disadvantaged women. Resident Paige Candee doesn’t really consider herself a fashionista, but her appreciation for style is firmly planted where it will help our community most: in the lives of women in need. By providing them with professional clothing for a job interview, along with the confidence and self-respect they need to land a steady job that will support their families, Paige is making a difference far beyond appearances.
Paige is the Public Relations Director for Purdue Marion & Associates, where she develops communications plans and strategies for their clients, a position that allows her to foster her passion for being involved in the community. Paige is a veteran when it comes to lending a hand and has spent her entire life volunteering for a long list of nonprofit organizations. She’s been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Through the Eyes of a Child Foundation, Lili Claire Foundation, Candelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, Best Buddies Nevada and the Animal Foundation, just to name a few. In 2009, she took it upon herself to begin the local affiliate of Dress for Success, an international charitable organization that helps disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive professionally and personally. Paige tells us why reaching out to the community makes her so happy and how this wife and mother of twins has learned a thing or two about expressing one’s self through fashion.
What prompted you to start the Dress for Success Southern Nevada affiliate?
“When the recession hit hard in Las Vegas, I thought about how I could make a difference in the lives of out-of-work women and empower them to support their families by helping them to not only secure a job but to build a career.”
How does the organization work?
“We provide each woman with one suit for her job interview. When she successfully lands a job, she returns to Dress for Success for a second suit and up to a week’s worth of business-appropriate separates and accessories. She also receives an invitation to join the Professional Women’s Group, our employment retention service.”
Who does it assist?
“It now serves job ready women by referral only from job training organizations, such as local nonprofit and governmental agencies. Our clients represent all ethnicities and races and range from age eighteen to sixty years old. Seventy percent are single mothers raising an average of two to three children and live under the poverty level prior to receiving our services.”
Tell us about the Little Black Dress Club.
“I created it to generate a support base and consistent revenue stream for the charity. The monthly donor program serves as a fundraising entity and a networking club for members and its clients. Supporters provide struggling women with a better life for themselves and their families. Members have the opportunity to be a client mentor and teach job training classes.”
The Little Black Dress Club has caused quite a stir!
“Yes, I’m excited that the success of the club has led to the start of other Dress for Success affiliates around the world.”
Have you ever had a fashion mishap?
“I once wore black and white striped tights and combat boots in high school as a form of expression. I’ve since learned different ways to express myself through fashion. Good thing I wasn’t interviewing for professional jobs back then!”
What would you say makes you successful?
“It’s because I’m happy. I have a fantastic husband, Will, and our twin boys Braeden and Conner. I have an enjoyable career and I’m making a difference—and I’m not done!”
For information on Dress for Success, visit www.dressforsuccess.org/southernnevada.
