'Bodywear' involves helping women look their best
Heide Olson, an Essential Bodywear consultant, is known as "the bra lady."
Olson is part of a growing company that helps women purchase comfortable bras and shapewear. She serves as one of about 250 independent consultants in 28 states.
The Grayslake woman stresses that she sells foundationwear with support and not lacy, fancy lingerie.
Her goal is to make things easy for time-starved women. She offers private fittings that take about 20 minutes at her Grayslake home. She finds that the majority of women are not wearing the right size bra when she first meets them.
Women throughout the area also hold parties where she serves as the guest to sell the product, similar to a Pampered Chef or Tupperware party.
"It can take women hours to find the right bra. This is really easy," Olson said.
Essential Bodywear features its own line, Sensations. The bras sell for about $60 and range in size from 32A to 44G. Olson added that the line is durable and comfortable.
Oprah Winfrey has selected a sports bra that sells for $62 as her favorite. Strapless bras, panties and pajamas are also sold at the parties.
The bras come in black and body tone. "We keep it simple," said Olson, one of 52 representatives in Illinois.
Carry Charlick and Marcia Negro started the company in Michigan about five years ago.
Olson discovered the product and the company while listening to the radio. An independent consultant featured on the radio at the time called herself a "bra paramedic."
Olson hosted a party and fell in love with the product. It was at that time when she discovered the magnitude of the problem and how women need assistance in finding bras that fit correctly, she said. She then trained to be part of the sales team.
Olson, 46, is married and raising two children, Heather, 16, and Scott, 14. Husband Steve is president of Olson Oil in Waukegan.
For more information, call (224) 433-0277 or check out www.myessentialbodywear.com/heideolson.
The feel of fall: Mangels of Long Grove plans a series of morning workshops to offer creative ideas and instruction on the latest trends in home decorating for fall and Halloween.
Executive designer Doug Clark conducts the classes.
Workshops meet from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Long Grove Cafe, 235 Robert Parker Coffin Road, overlooking Mill Pond. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. The cost of each class is $25 and includes lunch at the cafe and a $5 merchandise coupon redeemable at Mangels.
The dates of the sessions are Sept. 8, Sept. 11 and Sept. 13-15. Clark will also conduct an evening workshop, "Building Your Own Fall Arrangement" at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26. The cost is $50.
To register, call (847) 634-9287.