Interview: Tosha Walden

Oh my Lord… it’s been a month since my last posting? Ugh- so sorry dears, just have had too much going on lately…

Perhaps it’s appropriate that my next posting after the FOODIES would involve Cherry Blossom, the largest,  pinkest party ever. If you aren’t aware that the annual Cherry Blossom fashion show takes place tomorrow morning at the Anderson Conference center, well then you are lucky to have come across this rather last minute plug. If you did not know then I would say it’s safe to assume that you didn’t know that local modelling mogul Tosha Walden is providing the models and styling for this event. Of course, it’s easy to not forget her famous last name but Tosha has her own repuation apart from that of her Capricorn records co-founder spouse. She starting modelling at the age of 13 and hasn’t stopped since. It may not be as frequent now, but that’s what happens when you have a husband, child, and work as a personal stylist at Dillards.

Oh, wait, you didn’t know that either? Well yes Dillards in Macon has retained the talents of said Ms. Walden to help YOU with your shopping needs. (I knew there was a reason I loved Dillards so much.) She will also come in to your home and help you strategize your wardrobe. Shopping for some can be tremendous challenge, and knowing that Mrs. Walden is available might put those fears at ease. I asked her a few questions, as I found this to be very interesting to me and thought yall might like to know as well:

Make It Work Molly: Thank you for speaking with me! Can you tell me a little bit about what started your interest in modelling?

TW: I was always tall for my age and being tall constantly that I should pursue modeling, my Mother enrolled me in a week 6 modeling coarse at Belk’s when I was 12 I had the confidence to pursue the idea further. When I turned 13 and started school at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School I began doing fashion shows in that area and Atlanta and continued as a freelance model until graduation when I signed with Click in Atlanta and continued working out of the Atlanta market through through the 90’s until early 2000 when I needed to spend time with my precious baby boy, Christian who was born in 2000. At that time I began to slow down and produce local fashion shows as well as train younger models on model basics, techniques and the business side and what to expect as a working model.

TW: I have had a great relationship with Dillard’s and manager, Jerome Collins for about 8 years having included them in all the local fashion shows I’ve produced. As the economy put a squeeze on my marketing agency I needed to do something extra to “maintain” so to speak. LOL. So, I called Jerome at Dillard’s and he eagerly hired me on to promote Dillard’s Bridge Lines, Ming Wang, Eileen Fisher, Zo Zo and Boutique Chic by coordinating trunk shows, fashion shows in the community and in store as well as making exclusive shopping appointments with that  “particular” Bridge Customer. I meet with clients in the store and in their homes when needed. I do wardrobe analysis and suggest pieces that would make their wardrobe more functional for them. Dillard’s is a 5 star service store so I can take a customer anywhere in the store to dress them, working from any of the lines upstairs then to shoes and accessories.  I can also shop for a customer from their profile and just have them stop in to try on what I’ve selected for them. This saves a lot of time for women on the go or for those who just really don’t care that much for shopping.

TW:  Mark and Debra Ballard are the Cherry Blossom Fashion show producers this year but Dillard’s will have great coverage in the show, myself, along with Dillard’s management team have selected pieces from Ming Wang, Calvin Klein and Jessica Simpson to feature in the CB show. We are currently in Ming Wang event week, if you purchase $300 of regular prices Ming Wang you receive a $60.00 gift certificate. Calvin Klien event week starts tomorrow, 3/22 and day of the CB show, If you purchase 2 pieces of regular priced CK you get a 20% discount and if you purchase 3 pieces you recieve 30% off.  Jessica Simpson event week starts Friday 3/23, if you purchase 2 Jessica Simpson dresses you receive a wristlet!! Dilllard’s is known for having a great shoe and hat selection so we have included some fabulous accessories in the show.  Visual Manager, Brian Pope has a great talent for accessorizing and working with colors. I’ve really enjoyed working on shows with “my” team at Dillards, Brain (Visual Manager) along with Ladies Manager, Chandra Wisdom and Contemporary manager, Donna Smith are fabulous team players and we each have talents that blend well in coordinating a beautiful show.

MIWM: We are officially in spring now- although it doesn’t feel like it in Middle Georgia! Can you tell us what some of your favorite spring trends are, and how they would translate well in to our scorching heat?

TW: Eileen Fisher is an awesome line for our “crazy” weather in middle Georgia. EF has great pieces that you can add or take away as the climate changes throughout the day.  For a contemporary look, Vince Cumuto is one of my favorites, the VC line includes bright and bold colors for spring and summer, dresses and tops made of flowing, airy fabrics that breath well in the warm weather. M.S.S.P and Gianni Bini has some great cotton sundresses perfect for any occasion this spring and summer in Middle Georgia!

Now, I was able to get a few pictures- as you saw above. Can you guess which items might be in the show tomorrow- also, THE dress Tosha is wearing is in there too! Any guesses? I’ll give you this hint- I instantly gravitated to it and might just have to go and buy it!

I know. That’s all of them. Oh well. Happy guessing! Hope to see yall tomorrow- at the Cherry Blossom Fashion Show! I’ll be the one at the DealChicken table, haha (always working of course).

Love,

Make It Work Molly