Contestants enjoy some pampering before the big reveal
Michelle Nehls receives a manicure from cosmetologist Constance Frazee during the makeover at Studio GN in North Union Township.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Susan Shoemaker has her nails manicured during the Shape-Up Challenge makeovers at Studio GN in North Union Township.
Gary Nestor owner of Studio GN, begins Miranda Novak’s Shape-Up Challenge makeover at Studio GN in North Union Township.
Twila Lee Wynn, who won third place in the Shape-Up Challenge, smiles as she watches Gary Nestor, owner of Studio GN, put the final touch to her new hairstyle during the Challenge makeovers at Studio GN in North Union Township.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Susan Shoemaker and Miranda Novak relax before their turns in the chair for the Shape-Up makeover at Studio GN in North Union Township.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Cosmetologist Constance Frazee applies polish to Susan Shoemakers’s nails.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Shape-Up contestants wait their turn as Gary Nestor works with Fran Kirchner during the Shape-Up Challenge makeover at Studio NG in North Union Township.
Gary Nestor, owner of Studio GN, washes Gina Michael’s hair during the Shape-Up Challenge makeover at Studio GN in North Union Township.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Michelle Nehls lends a hand and applies color to Christine Schock during the Shape-Up Challenge makeover at Studio GN in North Union Township.
The Shape-Up Challenge has been a great opportunity for its contestants, and if nothing else, has taught them how to make healthy eating and exercise a priority.
During the past 13 weeks, the 10 contestants have admittedly made their health a top priority, at times even putting their families on the back burner. They attended group exercise classes, personal training sessions and group Monday meetings. When they knocked that out, they came to the Y on their own. At home, they took time in the kitchen to prepare healthy meals. They sweat, they cried and they became their own little family.
So what better way to celebrate these 10 contestants — to celebrate their sacrifices and their triumphs — than a little bit of pampering?
Master Stylist Gary Nestor of Studio GN on Connellsville Road did just that. On his day off this past Monday, he opened his doors to all the contestants, treating them to any service that they wished, in anticipation for the live reveal that evening.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing,” Nestor said. “Over the last two years, I’ve lost 50 pounds. so I know what a struggle it can be. I’m happy to do anything to encourage a healthy lifestyle.”
Although some of the contestants had appointments, all eight women (Susan Shoemaker, Fran Kirchner, Gina Michael, Christine Schock, Twila Wynn, Miranda Novak, Michelle Nehls and Kate Daugherty) decided to make a “girls day” out of the event. While some were getting their nails or hair done, others happily hung out in the waiting area. The girls talked about their journeys, shared anxieties over the reveal and hung out just as any group of best friends would. Nestor even provided the girls with a healthy snack of fresh veggies and dip and chips and salsa.
“It’s exciting that we get to come here and have a makeover,” Novak said. “But I love that we’re all here together. I think that makes it the most fun.”
Known for her fun and outgoing spirit, it was no surprise that Novak opted to rock new hair with purple and blue highlights.
Nestor offered the contestants services including a cut and style, hair coloring, waxing, manicures and pedicures. Contestants were welcome to get “the works” and get all of the above.
Daugherty opted to treat herself to the works.
“I was excited. I haven’t done anything like this since I got married in 2011,” said the young mom. “I think I was actually jumping up and down when I found out we could get makeovers.”
Daugherty is also looking forward to continuing on with her healthy journey.
“I still have a lot of work to do. I don’t think any of us met our goal in just 13 weeks, so this is just a fantastic start to continuing our journey,” she said. “I’m really proud of all of us too, since we’re the first group to complete the challenge without a contestant dropping out.”
Daugherty doesn’t even plan to take a break. Her, Novak and Gina Michael were already getting excited about their next adventure, participating in the Mt. Summit Challenge.
Michael also indulged in the works, getting her hair styled into a reverse bob, coloring with a darker brown and topping off her nails and toe nails with a pretty peach shade.
“It’s really nice of Gary to provide all of this for us, and to come in on his day off,” she said. “Being here with everyone is already making me miss Monday nights.”
Michael is looking forward to the live reveal and having her family be there.
“It’s really nice that they are making such a big deal out of this because it is a big deal. We all worked really hard.”
Contestant Susan Shoemaker said it had been at least five years since she had the time to pamper herself.
“It feels good to be pampered and have my nails done professionally,” she said. “It’s exciting to get ready for the reveal here with everybody and to have our families their later.”
Shoemaker had her nails painted a light peach color just in time for spring, and had her hair styled.
The fun-loving and kind-spirited Twila Wynn let Nestor choose her hairstyle, of which he opted for an elegant up-do.
“I love it. It was exactly what I was expecting,” she said.
To match her black dress at the reveal, Wynn had her nails painted black and topped them off with a silver glitter.
“I was so surprised and grateful for all of this. What I’ve learned is that it really does just take work and dedication. There is no quick fix and there is no pill,” she said. “I’m just as excited here today as I was on day one. The camaraderie that we had on Monday nights, that same energy is here right now. I’m inspired to continue on and apply what I’ve learned.”
Christine Schock had her roots touched up and her hair curled. She was looking forward to the live reveal and seeing everyone all dressed up.
“It’ll be fun to see everyone in nice clothes since we’re always in our workout stuff,” she said.
Schock just bought a new home with her husband and said landscaping will most likely be her main workout over the next few weeks, but she is looking forward to losing another 20 pounds and completing other challenges such as The Summit.
Fran Kirchner, who was treated to getting her hair colored, a “mani” and a “pedi,” said she too still has a way to go and will use her daughter’s upcoming August wedding as motivation. Michelle Nehls got a manicure complete with pink nails for the occasion, while contestant Todd McGee also took advantage of the makeovers. He came earlier in the day due to his job and received a cut and color from Nestor.
Studio GN will be open one year on May 1. The salon is located at 28 Nickman Plaza in Lemont Furnace. Nestor has been a stylist for the past 37 years, spending the last 23 years in Los Angeles where he styled celebrities’ hair including that of Carmen Electra and Molly Ringwald.
Nestor has won 29 international cutting and styling awards and has taught at the Douglas Education Center, The Cosmetology Academy in Monessen. Two volunteers from the academy, Kari Myers and Constance Frazee, were on staff on Monday to help Nestor with manicures and pedicures.