A health scare prompted a change of career for Sally Mutton - and she couldn't be happier in her new role at the helm of Dress for Success.
The service assists women by providing them with free interview and work-appropriate clothing to help in the transition to the workforce.
Sally had spent most of her working life in sales and retail roles with the past 10 years as a real estate agent.
However, after having a heart attack last year she decided to take some time out to reflect on where-to-from-here.
"I decided a change of pace of life would be more beneficial to my family and myself," said Sally.
"A friend suggested if I was going to have a few months off work why not volunteer at Dress for Success. So I did and I loved it. I loved coming here and seeing the transformations that we're able to perform."
So when the opportunity arose to take on the executive manager's role at Dress for Success Hamilton, Sally jumped at the chance.
"Seeing the look on a woman's face when she's been fitted with a new outfit is priceless," said Sally. "Not only do we dress people, we help them fine-tune their CVs, can offer advice on how to do their hair etc. "
Dress for Success Hamilton also facilitates a group where women can discuss any problems they're having and seek advice about anything from employment contracts to finding out what Work and Income allowances they may be entitled to.
Dress for Success is a charitable trust which receives no government funding and relies purely on grants and fundraising efforts.
As part of her new role, Sally plans to raise the organisation's profile in the community.
The organisation was always grateful for donations of good quality new or used work-appropriate clothing, jewellery, handbags, makeup and shoes along with cash donations which go to the day-to-day running of the organisation. They hold an excess clothing sale every Friday from 10am-1.30pm with all proceeds benefiting Dress for Success Hamilton's programmes.
The last excess clothing sale for the year is December 3 before the office closed on December 18. They will begin when the branch reopens on January 11. hamilton.dressforsuccess.org/