Jessica Mariin, Sharon Matulewicz, Stephanie Perrier, Ashley LeClaire Scheiding, Tara Middleton, Kacie Hanford
We’re kind of a “collected over time” group. I didn’t meet them all in the same place. Sharon and Jessica met through our dogs, Tara is friends with Sharon, Kacie was Jessica’s personal trainer, Ashley and Jessica co-host The Eh List podcast, and Steph and Jessica go way back from working in salons together for almost 20 years. It’s basically all the different eras of my life coming together in one very fun, wildly eclectic group.
Honestly, I said yes because it scared the heck out of me and that’s how I knew I needed to do it. I’m used to being behind the scenes, not in the spotlight, so this is completely outside my comfort zone. But I’m at a stage in my life where I’m pushing myself to try new things and grow more confident in spaces I’ve never stepped into before. Getting to do all of that while supporting such an incredible cause made it an easy yes. I’m also doing this in honor my dad’s memory. He was always encouraging me to put myself out there, especially to play music and sing. I know he would have been my biggest fan in the room, and that means everything to me.
I lost my dad unexpectedly in 2017, so I know firsthand the kind of grief that comes with losing someone so close. I didn’t have the chance to experience hospice or say goodbye the way I would have wanted, and that’s something that stays with you.
That’s why supporting hospice is so important to me. No one should have to go through that kind of loss without comfort, guidance, and support. Hospice doesn’t just care for the person who is passing, but also for the people left behind. And that kind of care matters more than people realize, because grief doesn’t end when the moment does.
I chose a team of insanely talented, badass, and hilarious women who definitely don’t take themselves too seriously so this could go really well or completely off the rails. I’m most excited for the girl time, bonding, sore abs from laughing so much, and whatever nonsense we end up getting ourselves into. We’re all super artistic and I’ve been dying to tap into avant-garde so we’re taking it all the way there. Hair and Makeup is going to be SO MUCH FUN! Think big, bold, theatrical, and completely over-the-top. Marquette has never seen anything like this.