A Woman Owned Business / July 2005
A Beautiful Business
 Sharon Shaner |
By Pat Lawrence
Sharon Shaner knows quite a lot about foundations-in make-up, in garments and in business. Good foundations are the hallmark of her success.
Although it’s not quite a dynasty yet, Sharon is following in her mother’s footsteps. Twenty years ago, Sharon’s mother Peg Foley started a Merle Norman business in Zanesville, Ohio. In addition to the complete line of cosmetics and skin care products, her Merle Norman & More studio carried specialty products, including wigs, turbans and oversized scarves that were helpful for women who had experienced the side effects of chemotherapy. She also added special foundation garments and inserts for mastectomy patients.
Sharon, a stay-at-home, says, “Mom did most of the pioneering. She had never owned a business. She was a principal with a full time job when she decided to start a business.” Sharon, a stay at home Mom, started helping at the store. “Mom didn’t need full time help at first”, so Sharon started college, got her degree in Business administration in 1986 and worked as a job trainer for four years. But, “In 1992, I began full time at Merle Norman & More.”
Sharon learned the Merle Norman products, skin care physiology, customer service and began fitting women for bras.
In January 2004, when Peg Foley retired, Sharon purchased Merle Norman & More. Later in the year, Sharon discovered that the Marietta Merle Norman franchise was closing. “I couldn’t help being interested. And, there weren’t any shops that offered specialty bras and prosthesis in Marietta, so it seemed like a great opportunity. The downtown location was wonderful, the other merchants are active and friendly and the drive from home in McConnelsville is about the same to Zanesville or Marietta.” She bought the business.
She has kept the same customer oriented approach and product line that made Merle Norman & More a success in Zanesville. A certified mastectomy fitter, Sharon has over 200 clients in the first Ohio store. She continues to add products that specifically address needs of women who have experienced surgical or chemical alterations to their appearance. “But, often they are great solutions for any woman. The wide brimmed hats and 36” scarves are very fashionable. And, I don’t think any women who have bought the mastectomy swimsuits actually needed them. The suits are just so flattering and so comfortable.”
For women with hypersensitivity to sun because of chemotherapy, medication or Mother Nature, Sharon carries hats treated with an SPF 50 ingredient embedded in the fabric.
Although women have gotten away from restrictive undergarments, Sharon says, “They still like support.” She is adding a new line of brassieres that lift and support without underwires. “They come in 1200 choices of band and cup measurements. It is like having a custom made bra. The ‘custom’ bras are for any woman who ever needed just a half size increment, a 35 1/2 or a B plus!”
Surgical solutions for breast cancer have tended more toward lumpectomies than full mastectomies. Sharon welcomes the advancement and says, “Women can still have a partial form made to fill in, on top or underneath, a customized shell that simply slips into the bra and evens out the look. Many insurance companies cover the smaller prosthesis.” Since the shop is open six days a week, studio manager Shirley Hale and Tammy Earhart, Beauty Consultant, help provide the personal attention that is an integral part of the Merle Norman & More family tradition. Sharon’s daughter, Lanie Hale has joined the staff, part time, carrying on a family tradition. Visitors are encouraged to browse, ask questions and take advantage of free makeovers and skin care lessons.
Sharon says they use a color IQ system based on skin tone and color intensity. “Women should wear what they want, but in the right shade and intensity.”
She knows that starting with the right foundation is the best way to make a look, a life and a business, successful.
For more information, contact Sharon Shaner, Merle Norman & More, 132 Putnam Street, Marietta Ohio., 740-373-8519.
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Femme Fair 2006
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