For over 30 years, INSPIRED Magazine contributor Jane Cassie worked as a nurse in a program caring for children with chronic health care needs.
While her career was rewarding, it didn’t cater to her creative side. So, in 1996, Jane started freelance travel writing part-time. With her photographer husband, Brent, by her side, the couple enjoyed some of the world’s most fabulous destinations.
“As well as romantic retreats and spa resorts, I focused on family getaways, and we’d often take one or more of our five children,” she says. “On one cruise to Mexico, they all tagged along. What great memories I have of that trip!”
Jane planned to continue travel writing well into her retirement until invasive breast cancer knocked her off course in 2014. The treatment required a radical mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation and consumed a year of her life.
“It was time to re-evaluate my life, do a little soul searching, gain some spiritual growth and do a lot less of the go, go, go,” says Jane. “Although energy is just part of my personality, the feelings of anxiety stemming from the writing requirements and family responsibilities were way over the top.”
Jane decided to make some changes and bring more peace and joy into her life. Full-on travel assignments had to go.
“Even though I continue to write on every trip we take, the pressure is a lot less, and the writing is a lot more enjoyable,” she says. “It’s great when I have the opportunity to share my stories with readers.”
Another change Jane made was to become more physically fit by getting off the computer and into the gym. Pickleball games and fitness classes now trump writing sessions.
When Jane heard about INSPIRED’s makeover opportunity, she says she knew it would take her out of her comfort zone. Undeterred, she decided to treat herself with a new experience.
“Although I’m not one for clichés, ‘a change is as good as a rest’ holds a lot of truth. And what a change it was!”
“Hana listened to everything I had in mind and she did a fabulous colour that I felt was a total transformation,” says Jane. “She explained how to maintain the colour and pamper my hair so it would be healthier. I have had so many compliments on my new auburn tone. I feel 10 years younger and even more energized.”
Jane’s friends and family love her new look, too.
“I realize that taking a little time for myself is essential for my overall well-being,” she says. “I would recommend this experience to anyone who is willing to take the leap of faith. As quoted by Mark Twain: ‘Why not go out on a limb? That’s where all the fruit is.’”
Photography
What the Stylist did:
Hair by Hana Akai: When I first met Jane, I immediately noticed her beautiful, youthful personality and her striking smile. Jane had blond colour on her hair with quite a bit of gold in it. She was willing to go for a change, so together we decided to darken her hair to a medium auburn that gives her hair a richness and fullness. I used the Redken Color Fusion permanent hair colour and Redken Shades EQ Color Gloss.
Then, I added balayage highlights using Redken lightener, which has an additive to keep the hair in healthy condition. I then added warm gold colour with Shades EQ Color Gloss to add some depth and dimension. For the cut, we kept the shape of a classic bob, a style that will be simple for Jane to style, yet still have a modern, classy look.
When I styled Jane’s hair, I used the new Redken Extreme Play Safe 450 to nourish her hair and protect it from the hot styling tools. I then used the Redken Aerate 08 Bodifying Cream Mousse to blow dry her hair and give it some volume. Finally, to hold the style, I used Triple Pure 32, Redken’s new neutral fragrance hairspray.
Makeup by Jeanna Duke: To start, I ask all my clients key questions about colours they typically wear, how much makeup they normally wear and how much change they want to see in their makeover.
To prepare the face for cosmetics, I apply concealer to lighten any dark areas and then use primer to correct any discoloration. I select the foundation and powder based on skin type and natural skin tone. Eyebrows are shaped to maximize the eye shape.
Jane wears makeup daily but she got stuck in a rut of doing the same routine when applying it. I changed her black eyeliner, which was closing off her eyes, to a deep purple and carried that colour onto the crease of the eyelid. I added a few false eyelashes to the outside lash line to lift and lengthen the look of the eyes. I accented her lovely cheekbones with a soft, peachy pink colour. A softer lip helps bring attention to the eyes while still completing the look.
Clothing provided by KC’s Boutique and Petites, Nanaimo, BC.
After photo by Ramona Lam Photography
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