It could have been a program synopsis in TV Guide: One lucky couple, nominated by their son, is selected to receive a complete makeover in front of a live audience.
But for Naples residents, Bob and Tracy Berry, television fantasy became real-life drama when salon owner Tonya Nichols, of Casco, and her 12-member staff from The Garden Gate to Beauty and Wellness on Route 302 gave the couple the star treatment during a recent Business Showcase at Lake Region High School.
The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce sponsored the showcase, held Saturday, April 22. Nichols said the salon had performed a makeover there before, but this was the first for a couple.
Marpheen Berry, 14-year-old Windham Christian Academy student, nominated his parents for the makeover by writing a short essay and sending in their “before” pictures.
“Bob and Tracy Berry have poured their heart and soul into my life and my siblings’ lives,” Marpheen, the oldest of the Berry’s four adopted children, said in his winning essay. “They have truly contributed to the shaping of my character and to my dreams.”
When Bob and Tracy heard they’d won, they were asked if they’d be willing to have the makeover done in front of a crowd.
“My friend said just let them do what they want to do,” Tracy said. “I had to walk around with tin foil in my hair – these people could see me, but I couldn’t see myself.”
But when the salon staff had finished their magic, both Bob and Tracy liked the results. And their own children didn’t even recognize them.
The couple received massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. In addition, Bob was given a hair and beard cut and Tracy had her hair cut short, colored and highlighted; her eyebrows waxed; and a full cosmetics application.
With the length of Tracy’s hair, stylists saved more than 10 inches to donate to Locks of Love.
When Nichols asked the couple to name their favorite part of the makeover, they agreed it was the facial, prompting Nichols to give each of them a certificate for a free facial at the salon.
“The whole experience was like a de-stressor,” Tracy said. “I really want to thank Tonya and all of her girls – they were awesome.”
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