As we reach our 20-year milestone, we are looking back at the moments that defined us. One of those moments happened in October 2012 at a dental office in Elkhart. Anne has been a dear friend to our founder for years, and today she is sharing her heart with us…

I remember back in the late 1980s, during my interview to sign up for beauty school, the school owner told me that I had chosen a great profession. He explained that given our world of growing technology, computers could aid me in this profession but could never replace me.

Many times during a Hello Gorgeous! Makeover Experience, a woman may tell us that she no longer feels "girly." We know that cancer steals everything that makes a woman feel feminine;  her eyelashes, her eyebrows, and even her hair.

I remember the day that I was standing behind the chair. I took a look at my schedule for the day to see who was coming in. I am sure that I am not the only one that has their favorite salon guests. I was excited that day because one of my favorite guests was on my schedule.

In a recent article for Franciscan Health's Inspiring Women magazine, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on the transformative power of resilience. The article, titled "The Beauty in the Struggle," delves into the notion that embracing challenges and setbacks can lead to personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life's triumphs.

I can not believe that it was 6 years ago today that you left us. Some days it feels like forever ago and some days it feels like yesterday. Trisha and often joke that you are working harder in heaven than you ever worked here on Earth!!!!

When Mike passed away, next to my faith and family, journaling is what got me through that tough time. There is something about getting ALL of the words and feelings out of my head and down on paper! I believe that there is great value in journaling which is why I created a journal for your cancer journey.

I have discovered that it is really hard to have faith in the unseen. It's all well and good when things are going my way and I can see a way out. But when things are rocky and there is no relief in sight, that's when I find myself struggling.

The definition of perseverance is persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. When I answered the call that God placed on my life, I mistakenly thought that life would be easy. I really believed that if I was obedient to God that he would protect me from all of the evil that life had to offer me. I realize now, that I set myself up for failure and was absolutely fooling myself.

For more than 2 years now, I have met my friend Wendy for bible study every Tuesday morning at 7:00 am.  We meet at a Panera and I order the same thing every week.  2 pieces of sourdough toast and a large unsweet tea.

Every day I pass a church on my way to work.  They always have a message on their lighted sign. I see the sign but I very rarely read it. Today I did read and it hit my right in the heart.  It read "Faith is a journey, Don't stop believing!"

Do you have a tendency to borrow trouble? Are you looking at things as a glass-half-full person or for reasons that things won't work out? Sometimes I feel that I fall into that category.  Sometimes I can't let things get too good. 

The cornerstone of everything Jinger does is Jesus Christ. She credits her creative abilities to God and His providence. She recognizes that perseverance is gained through refining. She is humbled by the people God has brought into her life, knowing that we cannot accomplish anything alone.

I am that person that has to have all of the "conditions" right to start something.  If I am going to write, I want the perfect notebook and just the right pen.  If I am going to start a diet, I want it to be at just the right time. I remember talking with Millard Fuller, the Founder of Habitat for Humanity about my dream to start Hello Gorgeous!

We are all under the illusion that we have control of the things in our lives and the things that happen to us. I am the biggest offender of this.  I would say all the time, that I spent the first 13 years of Hello Gorgeous! Telling God how to run the calling on my life.  LOL Like I had any say!!!!

I remember vividly the Thursday before Michael died. He was in a hospital in our hometown. He had been hallucinating all night. He was working hard to save people that were not there.

When I met Michael I was 24 years old and he was 30.  We had our entire life ahead of us.  He was a spitting image of Mr. Clean, big gold earring and all.  Michael was a bodybuilder in college and still had his bodybuilder physique when we got married.  He was so strong.  He was known to hoist a couch up on his shoulder and carry it out to a guest's car when he worked at Meijer.

Every year in January I plan a retreat for my executive team. I have done this for more than 10 years.  Every year I ask each of my team members to pick words that will be the so-called theme for their year. I love seeing the words they chose and how they were y put into play during that year.  This year my word was JOY. 

Caregiving can be a difficult task, but also the most rewarding. Here are the 5 things that I learned about being a better caregiver.