'Crazy mama' to help boost funds

WALKING THE TALK: Businesswoman and inspirational speaker Suzie Johnson brings to Wairarapa her two-hour, one-woman show Wot To Wear & Not To Wear. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Suzie Johnson - trail-blazing businesswoman, inspirational speaker and self-proclaimed "crazy mama" of five young children - is to host a fundraiser at Masterton Intermediate School tomorrow night.

Event spokeswoman Kereana Sims said up to 200 women are expected to attend the charity evening, which is titled Wot to Wear & Not To Wear.

"Suzie's show is a light-hearted look at fashion and personal development. Her aim is to show women via a night of fun how to dress for their own body shape and highlight their assets."

Ms Sims said the event will help raise funds for 24 MIS students who have been selected to travel to Japan later this year as part of an annual student exchange with its sister school, Shijonawate Gakuen Junior High School in Osaka, Japan.

"Events like our fundraiser raise funds for our teens to participate in field trips and other enrichment opportunities. It is an extremely rewarding experience for our students "

In 2007 Ms Johnson opened Gallery 57 in Shannon as an outlet for her own hand-painted canvas and jewellery designs. The success of Gallery 57 led her to open a second Shannon store, Oosh Giftware that also became an outlet for her own clothing line, Oosh La La.

Oosh La La garments are designed by Ms Johnson and made in Levin and she had since opened a third Shannon store, Oosh La La, that exclusively carries the clothing line.

She opened a fourth Shannon store, For Frocks Sake in late 2010 and had also since opened three more shops in Woodville, and a sewing factory and retail outlet in Napier.

Ms Johnson also had written and published The Book and co-hosts a Saturday morning show on 92.2 MoreFM Manawatu.

Ms Johnson said she was "now taking Oosh on the road" as part of a two-hour one-woman show and comedy performance.

"I believe that New Zealand women are too hard on themselves and need to work on building confidence... there's nothing more sexy than a confident woman."

Tickets cost $20 each for the Wot To Wear & Not To Wear show at the MIS Hall from 7pm on Wednesday. Tickets are available from PaperPlus in Queen St, Masterton, and from the MIS front office.