"I didn't have any suitable clothing for working in an office space. They equipped me with clothing that fitted me, and made me feel happy in my own body."
Age 20 · Broadcasting student · Dressed January 2026
When Jovi posted in her local Facebook group asking if anyone had office wear to spare, she didn't expect to discover Dress for Success Hamilton. Two neighbours pointed her toward us. Though Jovi admits she was nervous at first, unsure she'd even qualify, she did and it made all the difference.
Jovi, 20, was about to begin a compulsory six-month broadcasting internship, the final requirement of her degree. Without suitable work clothes, she said she would have been cycling through the same two pairs of jeans she had every week.
At her appointment in January this year our volunteer stylists took the time to understand not just what she needed, but how she felt in her own body. At 177cm tall, she shared her insecurities openly and was met with warmth, encouragement, and practical expertise. Our stylists taught her how to mix and match her four outfits into far more combinations than she'd expected.
"Dress for Success helped me prepare for my internship by giving me confidence (and practical clothing too)."
The impact went beyond the free wardrobe.
"They were kind and quick not to let me put myself down," Jovi said. "There were no criticisms of me, my body, or my preferences and they made sure the colours I wore complimented my skin tone."
She left not just dressed, but genuinely ready.
Months on, Jovi is thriving in her internship at a company she calls "an absolute dream."
She wears her Dress for Success pieces daily. She's also become an informal ambassador, recently recommending us to her older sister, and speaking up whenever someone asks where her clothes are from.
Jovi's dressing was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Annette Presley Dream Foundation. Their grant has helped fund complete free professional dressing services for young women aged 18–30 in the Waikato over the last six months - covering styling consultations, full wardrobe selection, and the confidence-building support that helps women like Jovi step into their futures ready.
Dress for Success Hamilton is able to operate its valuable service for women in the Waikato thanks to the generous support of funders such as the Annette Presley Dream Foundation, and our other valued funders and donators.
