Brains, beauty serve up high fashion in Missouri

Cillah Hall is what I call a phenomenal woman. She is an entrepreneur, loving mother and one of the "women to know" in St. Louis. Besides being a beautiful person inside and out, she is considered a maverick by owning her own public relations firm and launching Missouri Style Week two years ago.

Cillah Hall admires Cape Girardeau's unique shops. (Submitted)

Cillah also has become an admirer of Cape Girardeau through its one-of-a-kind thrift shops and boutiques. Like many of us, Cillah wears many hats, so I thought it would be interesting to learn how this Missouri powerhouse makes it all happen:

__Q: What is your motivation every day?__

__A:__ My team is my motivation. Seeing them put in 110 percent is my driving force to succeed. Of course, my business partner, Donald Broughton, makes sure we continue to have steady growth. His expertise as one of the top financial analysts in the country is invaluable to our franchise and its growth. Together, we have a responsibility not only to the team, but the community.

__Q: How did you pick your team?__

Dr. Erin Fluegge-Woolf, left (submitted photo)

__A:__ Instincts. I cannot stress how important it is to trust one's instincts. When I look at a resume, I see a well-crafted sales tool for the prospect. When I meet them and chat with them, I instinctively sense whether they would be a good addition to our dynamic team of seasoned visionaries. We work in a culture that stresses positivity. If you believe nothing is impossible, you would fit right in.

__Q: Here in Cape we have many aspiring models and new and seasoned designers. When are the next casting calls happening for Missouri Style Week, and how can Cape Girardeau residents submit designs for the show?__

__A:__ Casting calls will be held in June and July. Please go to missouristyleweek.com or find us on Facebook for up-to-date information.

One more thing:, this month's featured local business is Yearning 4 Yarn 208 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau. One of the newest members of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, Yearning for Yarn offers classes in knitting, crochet, spinning and yarn dyeing. Stop in for a visit and check them out at facebook.com/yearning4yarn.

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Sheila McKinley is an independent fashion consultant working exclusively with luxury women's golf wear line Ladyb New York. After living in New York City for the better end of 10 years, she has come back home to Missouri to do one of the things she does best: Talk fashion. Check out her Buy the River blog at semissourian.com/flourish.