While Ola Hawatmeh is working on her designs, makeovers, styling and teaching, she is also busy being an on-the-go mom. Although juggling the duties of work and motherhood can be a challenge, it is with the influence and inspiration of other working moms that she has found the time and motivation to start not one, but three businesses. This entrepreneurial fashion maven attributes her success to her parents, who taught her the values and morals that make her the person she is today: be strong, courageous and never give up.
To make each and every person she works with feel special, and to ensure the makeover experience is one to remember, Hawatmeh makes sure to put time aside for a consultation with each client. Her degree in communications and minor in psychology from Marist College in New York has helped her understand the women she works with, especially Makeover for a Cause clients, and allows her to counsel them as they embark on journeys to better themselves. “Running a makeover company is thrilling, because I get to do something that I enjoy very much while helping change people’s lives,” she says.
With two successful businesses running in high gear, in December 2008 Hawatmeh decided to take her love for fashion to the next level and she became a fashion designer. By 2009, she was launching her first clothing line, M3. Now, she runs Ola Style, regularly producing fashion shows and new lines. “Every other month I go to New York to meet with my producer, launch my line and hold shows,” she says.
When she is not busy designing and running her business ventures, Ola volunteers with various St. Louis charity events, helps with Friends of Kids with Cancer and gives once-a-month seminars through the St. Patrick Center education program. She addresses issues like going back to school, practicing job interview skills and tips on dressing to impress.
To continue to be a loving mother, wife and successful business owner, Hawatmeh is always careful to keep her priorities lined up, with family always in the number one spot. Although each day differs depending on what is inked into her schedule, she emphasizes that none of it would be possible without the love and support of her family—who give her the drive and happiness to create beautiful things. “To me, the definition of success is to look in to my children’s eyes and see contentment in their hearts, smiles on their faces, and know they are happy, healthy and good Catholics,” she says.
In November 2007, Hawatmeh created Mom Me Makeover, a company that provides inside-out makeovers for mothers to help them feel more confident about themselves. Riding on the success she found with this venture, she started the nonprofit Makeover for a Cause, which allows cancer victims, homeless, battered and sheltered women to benefit from the pampering makeovers as well.
To make each and every person she works with feel special, and to ensure the makeover experience is one to remember, Hawatmeh makes sure to put time aside for a consultation with each client. Her degree in communications and minor in psychology from Marist College in New York has helped her understand the women she works with, especially Makeover for a Cause clients, and allows her to counsel them as they embark on journeys to better themselves. “Running a makeover company is thrilling, because I get to do something that I enjoy very much while helping change people’s lives,” she says.
With two successful businesses running in high gear, in December 2008 Hawatmeh decided to take her love for fashion to the next level and she became a fashion designer. By 2009, she was launching her first clothing line, M3. Now, she runs Ola Style, regularly producing fashion shows and new lines. “Every other month I go to New York to meet with my producer, launch my line and hold shows,” she says.
When she is not busy designing and running her business ventures, Ola volunteers with various St. Louis charity events, helps with Friends of Kids with Cancer and gives once-a-month seminars through the St. Patrick Center education program. She addresses issues like going back to school, practicing job interview skills and tips on dressing to impress.
To continue to be a loving mother, wife and successful business owner, Hawatmeh is always careful to keep her priorities lined up, with family always in the number one spot. Although each day differs depending on what is inked into her schedule, she emphasizes that none of it would be possible without the love and support of her family—who give her the drive and happiness to create beautiful things. “To me, the definition of success is to look in to my children’s eyes and see contentment in their hearts, smiles on their faces, and know they are happy, healthy and good Catholics,” she says.
The end of the day finds Ola preparing for the next morning by making lunches for her children, finishing laundry and getting school uniforms ready. After dinner, she talks over Skype with international contacts and manufacturing companies, answers emails and works on designs before bed. Life for Ola Hawatmeh may not always come as easy as the candy-colored lipstick in your purse, but it is this daily lifestyle that keeps her always pushing for the next best thing.
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